The Surridge Durham Coast League: There is a double programme this weekend when Murton, who went top of the table last Saturday, aim to strengthen their position.

Today, they visit fourth-top Washington and are buoyed by Wednesday's outstanding victory over Great Ayton in the Armourpost Security Shutters DRV Challenge Cup.

Tomorrow, Murton host Silksworth and their only absentee is Ian King, son of secretary Herbert who is pleased with the team's early-season form.

"We are the only unbeaten side, having won three and drawn two of our five games but this weekend will test us,'' said King snr.

"After winning the title in two consecutive years, we were third last season but feel we have a chance of again going all the way this time.''

Seaham Park are second ahead of their double with Easington and Ryhope. Michael McNicholas cannot play today and an opportunity is handed to Andy Witt who will make his debut. A pre-season signing, he has been sidelined with a hand injury. Tomorrow McNicholas returns, taking over from the unavailable and influential Alan Dick.

Easington are third and have Lawrence Jones and Russell Tarn back in the line-up for home fixtures with Seaham Park and Boldon CA, but Peter Booth misses both games.

Peter Spellman for Gerard Magee is Castle Eden's only alteration for visits to Bill Quay and Houghton CW who hope to have two new players in the line-up for the game at Boldon CA.

Houghton, last season's wooden spoonists, are already adrift having lost four of the opening five games but the club is working hard to bring in new players and improve results.

Today, Peterlee have Chris Ford, Matthew Briggs and Michael Garraghan in the side to host Ryhope and for tomorrow's visit to Dawdon, Bill Todner and Adrian Joyce make the line-up.

Washington are pleased to have professional Matthew Jane available for home games with Murton and Bill Quay. In addition, Mark Nelson has returned from holiday but Scott Robinson will need a late test on his fitness. Definitely ruled out is John Mitchell through injury.

Following a meeting of the League management committee on Thursday night, Silksworth have been told that they must play today's home fixture at Dawdon.

Tomorrow's game at Murton will go ahead as scheduled which means that Silksworth's two second team matches are postponed.

The club is experiencing severe drainage problems to the outfield and this is the second consecutive weekend when there will be no play on the ground.