Foster's Northumberland and Tyneside Senior League: The two sides promoted from Division A2 last season meet today with Lintz enjoying a 30-point advantage over Greenside.

A close result is anticipated as Greenside won for the first time last week, defeating champions Tynedale, and with Glyn Taylor and Paul Carrick in form with the ball, are confident of giving their rivals a good game.

Greenside are missing both Stephen Lugsden and Darren Stephenson.

Ashington, runners-up last season, are bottom of the table ahead of their game at Ponteland, where they will be much stronger with the return of Dale Ross and Daniel Grant.

Michael Levison steps up from the second XI with Stephen Boyd, John Atkinson and Jonathan Saddler moving in the opposite direction.

A big boost to Annfield Plain's chances at home to Tynedale is the availability of former Durham County player Martin Speight, who recently had an innings of almost 200.

Phil Donnelly, who has toured Australia for a year, plays his first game but Liam Taylor cannot turn out.

Benwell and Walbottle visit Swalwell minus Simon Anderson and Graham Robbie while Leadgate, for their home fixture with Shotley Bridge, are stronger with the inclusion of Paul Hutchinson.

Newcastle City, with a one-point lead at the top, visit unchanged Sacriston happy to field the side which won for the fourth time last weekend.

They are the only remaining unbeaten team.