Cleadon SC aim to move to within a couple of points of Wearside League leaders Birtley Town by defeating Annfield Plain Park this afternoon.

Manager Doug Key anticipates a difficult game against the Plain, who are sixth from top.

"They always seem to provide a stern test and I think there won't be much in it at the end," said Key, who is without Neil Hepple due to a hamstring injury.

Manager Mark Fanning will meet his former club when Willington visit Ferryhill Athletic, where he was in charge for three seasons. Fanning anticipates making three new signings to bolster his squad which is missing Michael Abson, Paul Tunstall, Tony Stafford and Scott Brassel.

Harton and Westoe travel to Whitehaven and work commitments prevent Dale Wells and Scott Tooley from playing, while Boldon CA, at home to Coxhoe Athletic, miss striker David Stephenson with a hamstring injury and the suspended Lee Bays.

Coxhoe have Ben Wicling returning but Kevin Bush and Neil Charlton are definite absentees and both Mark Watson and Stephen Carruthers are doubtful.

Wolviston travel to Cleator Moor Celtic unable to name Jonathan Stewart, Lee Thompson or Andrew Robinson.

Following their heroics last Saturday defeating Crook Town in the Durham Challenge Cup, Birtley Town are at home to Gateshead Low Fell in the second round of the Wearside League Cup.

Stokesley go to McKinlay Park in the North Riding County Cup expecting Ian Fairlamb and Harrison Davis to make the line-up.