Darlington Building Society NYSD Premier League, Premier Division: Resurgent Northallerton defend an unbeaten record when they line up against Darlington RA at Brinkburn Road this afternoon but captain Ian Gill goes into the match without three regular players.

Liam Botham, whose signing has unquestionably lifted the profile of the club, is again absent and also sidelined are Doug Mulholland and John Sample.

"It's unfortunate we are missing a trio of players but every side suffers at some stage of the season and it is just something you have to live with," said Gill.

"We have brought in John Place, David Wake and Richard Chandler and we will still field a very strong line-up and hope to keep the pressure on the leading pack."

Northallerton have won two and drawn four of their six games and are fifth top, within striking distance of early-season pace-setters Bishop Auckland.

RA, on the other hand, are one of four sides yet to taste success but have lost just twice.

They are third bottom, only two points off the basement.

RA are strengthened today with the return of Steve Russell, David Alderson and Andrew Russell but Stephen Bell cannot play.

They have suffered because influential professional, Pakistani Syed Zaidi, picked up an injury but he is now fit and could pose problems for the Northallerton attack.

Bishop Auckland have opened up a narrow six-point lead ahead of their fixture with newly-promoted Marton at Kingsway.

Director of Cricket Paul Furby reports that Mark Romaines is unavailable but otherwise Bishops are at full strength.

"We have made a good start and it's nice to be out in front but these are very early days," said Furby.

Marton, who have won one and drawn three of their first six games since joining the top flight, cannot name Rhys Barker but Gary Knight resumes.

Great Ayton are second, pleased with the progress they have made since promotion. They are at home to Middlesbrough and name brothers Anthony and John Doyle in a strong line-up.

Middlesbrough are fourth from bottom but are 18 points ahead of Redcar, who prop up the table.

Darren Birkett and Matthew Connelly are ruled out so Andrew Taylor and Janisar Hussain are promoted from the Second XI.

Third-top Guisborough, determined to regain the championship crown they conceded to Saltburn last season, have selected the same side which would have been on duty last week had the entire programme not been washed out.

Normanby Hall are visitors to Fountains Garth and they include Faz Ahmed, who has returned from Pakistan. Mattie Hurren makes way.

Bottom-of-the-table Redcar again miss captain Shaun McGarry for the home fixture with Darlington.

He is struggling with a muscle injury but is hopeful of resuming next weekend.

In his absence, Andy Hassack continues to lead the side which is considerably stronger this afternoon with the inclusion of Mally Whitehead, Tom Urwin and Martin Reeves.

Darlington, who have drawn four of their opening six games, show one alteration, with Simon Lee coming in for Danny Morgans.

Hartlepool have made an encouraging start and have selected the same XI as last week for their game at Marske, who again miss the injured Stephen Larkin, so Chris Shepherd will deputise behind the wicket.

Chris Murdoch is home from university and he replaces Ryan Lazenby.

Richmondshire cannot call upon Clive Layfield for the home fixture with champions Saltburn who have Lee Hodgson back in the side.