In the Readers Durham County League, Mainsforth are hoping to make it three wins on the bounce when they visit third-bottom Brandon this afternoon.

Following an indifferent start, Mainsforth's confidence has been boosted by recent results and victory today could lift them into fifth.

"We are in a reasonable position but we need to show a bit of consistency. If we can get another win on Saturday, it could kick-start our season," declared secretary John Irvine.

John Sweeney has returned from holiday and is a straight replacement for the unavailable Chris Hardwick, but it is too soon for David Sherrington to make his comeback. He has been out for a month with a neck injury and could resume next weekend.

Willington have won all six games played and their strength will be put to the test by Evenwood, who are just five points behind them although they have played a game more than the leaders.

Stephen Donnelly cannot play so Darren Brown will keep wicket with Paul Clark promoted from the second XI.

"We are on a good run but keeping our feet firmly on the ground. The team as a whole has performed well but this is probably our most difficult game so far so the outcome will give us an indication of how far we have come," said official Karl Brown.

Champions Esh Winning, who have won all the games unaffected by the weather, are third. Chris Hurst for Jonathan Rochford is their only change for the visit of Hylton who are mid-table despite a number of players being sidelined through injury.

After losing last weekend, Kimblesworth go to bottom-of-the-table Etherley hoping to rekindle their challenge to the leading pack.

"These are early days but hopefully we'll be good enough to be there or thereabouts at the end of the season. Obviously, it is important we get a good result at Etherley especially after losing for only the second time last Saturday," declared secretary Malcolm Bartle.