Last weekend's double header saw the title race turned on its head following two starkly contrasting performances by Esh Winning.

Esh had slowly clawed back Kimblesworth's lead with some outstanding performances, including a humbling of the champions, and knew if they maintained that form then they would be top by Sunday evening.

They hit the top, but not in the manner anticipated, as it was only the five points they secured in a defeat by Shildon Railway that took them there - just three points clear, but having played a game more.

Esh will be in the mood to get this shock reversal straight out of their system and a home match this afternoon against a struggling Langley Park team could be just the type of game required to recharge their championship batteries.

Park suffered two heavy defeats last weekend, but had a much depleted team as holidays took their toll. They will be much stronger today as Peter Caulfield, Anthony Dinsdale, David Jones and Jamie Winn all return to the fold. Esh keep faith with their strongest team.

Kimblesworth have the tougher task in their home match with a frustrated Ushaw Moor, who sat last Saturday out due to the weather. With overseas player Omesh Wijisiriwardene finding his feet, this game holds all sorts of possibilities.

Third-placed Tudhoe sit today out, giving Shildon a chance to regain the position they surrendered at Evenwood.

But first they must travel to Willington, who suffered a shocker on the same day when succumbing to bottom club Etherley.

They bounced straight back with a Sunday victory and, with both sides having similar records, it's a difficult call.

The home side will be without the holidaying Mick McCabe who turned in remarkable bowling figures last Sunday of seven overs, seven maidens, two wickets for no runs.

Resurgent Evenwood are at home to Crook Town, Hylton entertain Mainsforth and at Brandon, where Etherley are the visitors, they welcome back Andrew Oreb, Danny Majid, Will Paxton and David Christie, who all missed last Sunday.

The Hunter Cummings Memorial Trophy League Cup Final takes place at Tudhoe tomorrow where Willington visit. The home side have won the trophy on five previous occasions, last in 1988.