A knee injury has wrecked the start of Nazier's commitment to the club. Though negotiations have begun concerning a replacement, there is no news yet on who that might be.

>> Join the debate in our football forum
>> Have your say in our football survey and you could win £100

The loss of Nazir will undoubtedly affect spirits already dampened by an indifferent start which sees Sunderland languishing in unfamiliar territory near the foot of the table. The Wearsiders will hope for more good form from Chris Rushworth, Stewart Walker and Imran Shah, who were their best performers last week.

Last week's reverse at Norton was unexpected and Saturday's match at Ashbrooke against unchanged bottom club Gateshead Fell now takes on extra significance.

Five-time champions South Northumberland occupy top spot already – but there is a genuine belief that Chester-le-Street can maintain their promising, early-season challenge.

The Cestrians lie in second spot, just one point behind the Gosforth outfit, and overcame a potentially tricky hurdle when defeating Benwell Hill at Denton Bank last week.

They return to Ropery Lane on Saturday, with Blaydon the visitors in the match of the day.

Chester could be unchanged as they wait on a late fitness test for John Coxon who picked up a groin injury a fortnight ago – there is a feeling that this weekend could come too soon for him. Fourth-top Blaydon, with a settled team, are a match for any side on their day.

Durham Academy manager John Windows stated before the start of the season that he had every confidence in his team's batting strength, although he felt they were a little light in the bowling department.

Last week's 600-plus runs at the Riverside, even allowing for the boundaries being very much reduced, seemed to give substance to his views. The youngsters travel to Station Road on Saturday to take on a Norton side buoyed by their first win of the season, so this should be an enthralling tussle.

Tynemouth, who host South Shields at Preston Avenue, will be intent on bouncing straight back after their defeat at Blaydon last week. Shields welcome back exciting youngster Oliver Stedman.

Benwell Hill will try to upset the South Northumberland apple-cart. Nicky Peng continues to deputise for injured South North batsman Brendan Ford, who should be fit for next weekend. Newcastle miss both Richie Evans and Rob Farenheimat Stockton, so Ben Embleton and Matt Bashford step up.