NE Premier League: Bell called in for senior Washington debut after excellent second-team form

Skipper Ash Thorpe said: “Mark will make the step up after his very good performances in the seconds.

“He gets his chance because Colin Myers is at work. Josh Wilson returns and replaces Jason Jones, who drops back in to seconds.

“The side needs to be far more consistent and especially against the lower-placed sides in order to move up the table.”

Boldon entertain Sunderland, with Ian Pattison returning after a long spell out, as does Barry McCarthy, who is returning from Durham duties. Mick Barnes keeps his place.

Boldon captain Chris Ellison said: “We look forward to the Sunderland fixture and the chance to reduce the current point’s deficit.”

Ashbrooke skipper Greg Applegarth said: “There is a full squad to select from this week.

“The batting has been a little inconsistent of late, whereas the bowlers have shown what they are capable of, when given the right opportunity and conditions.

“Boldon are just behind us in the league, so top form is required to maintain the 30-point gap.”

Second-top Brandon travel to leaders Burnopfield in the match of the day.

Brandon skipper Chris Peareth said: “It’s going to be a tough match away to the league leaders.

“Karl Turner is away on holiday, Ryan Pringle is in the south with Durham, while Stephen Humble is injured.

“Oscar Dewhurst is unavailable and Nathan Adamson is working, so we are missing a few key players.”

Peareth added: “Cometh the hour, cometh the man, and all will be giving it everything to seek a positive result and leapfrog our opponents to the top the league.”

Willington, in fifth, host fourth-top Burnmoor.

Skipper James Stock said: “Joe Emmanuel has returned South from University and will be replaced by Peter Leggett, who is returning after a few weeks out through other commitments.

“Steven Alderson dislocated his finger last week, so will be out for several weeks. He is replaced by Jake Dickinson.

“The Burnmoor match is always looked forward to and no more so than this week, as the sides are currently close in the table and just one point separates them. What more is needed for an entertaining game?”

Burnmoor skipper Alec Linsley remarked: “We have a good side out, despite the enforced changes.

“Gareth Harte is out and away playing for Durham, so he is replaced by Craig Symington.

“It is felt an extra batsman is needed, so Harry Munton drops out – though he would have struggled to reach Willington from work in Gateshead in time, to take to the field! So Mackenzie Wright steps into the breach.”

South Shields are just one point above the relegation zone and welcome Blaydon.

Visiting skipper Geoff Stewart said: “We have five first-teamers missing from last week’s defeat, who make their return, so the second-teamers who gave valiant performances, revert back

“The game should be close as teams are ninth and 11th in the table and one good win would see them change places.”