The Teessiders have quietly moved into fourth position and although 15 points adrift of their opponents, have been in good form for several weeks.

Ryhope are pleased to have Richard Jordan free from suspension and Philip Hall back from injury but manager Martin Swales will need to give fitness tests to Greg Swansbury and Shaun Petch.

After conceding seven goals last weekend, Silksworth manager Chris Lindstedt will field a much stronger side at Easington Colliery.

Neil Jones, Anthony Rogerson, Ross Taylor, Martin Armstrong and Shane Mull are all in his plans but John Smith, Gary Tyzack and Andrew Bowes are doubtful.

"We are in a much stronger position than last weekend when we were down to the bare bones," said chairman Steven Smith.

"This is our last opportunity of silverware and hopefully we can quickly bounce back from last week's defeat."

With four teams on North Riding County Cup duty and four involved in the League Cup, there is a restricted league programme.

Ashbrooke Belford House will be wary of their visit to Coxhoe Athletic who, after failing to claim a point from the first nine games, have taken 10 out of the last 12 points.

Manager Tommy Dobbing is unable to name Mark Eggleston and Chris Charlton because of injuries and Mark Lawton is banned but fortunately David Baxter can play.

After looking down and out until recently, Coxhoe are now up to fifth from bottom. The South Durham side go into the match pleased to have Tony Lee and Michael Owens available but Kevin Osmond cannot play.

Windscale, who visit Hartlepool, intimated that they would be resigning from the league a couple of weeks ago but changed their decision and resume tomorrow.

"We were having difficulties fielding sides, especially away from home but we've appointed a former player Steve Hodgson and David Wilkinson as a caretaker-management team and we are delighted to be continuing," said secretary Joe Shepherd.

Annfield Plain's only absentee at Houghton Town is Eddie Miller.