With just nine matches to play, the heat is on leaders Northallerton.

Less than a fortnight ago they were 32 points clear, but the lead is now just 12 following two successive draws.

The leaders have a home game today and Guisborough will provide another tough assignment for the home team, although the visiting attack is blunted by the continuing inability of Paul Goodchild to bowl because of his back injury.

The leaders welcome back Ian Gill and Andy Fothergill, with Albert Aurelius and 16-year-old Joe Clarkson making way.

Middlesbrough go to Feethams with the bit between their teeth and knowing the home side have been struggling. With their overseas pro now back home in South Africa recuperating and unlikely to return, Darlington face a possibly arduous run-in, even though they appear to have enough points in the bank to prevent them slipping into the red.

Mark Jobling is back and Mark Dobinson comes in with Dan Hodgson holidaying and Lee Craggs with the seconds.

While talk of a two-horse race has been going on for most of the season, Richmondshire have been quietly going about their business. If they can win their home game with Marske they will feel they can shake off the tag of outsiders.

They are only 13 points behind Boro, and apart from Mick Fleming, who is out with a broken finger, they are at full strength today, with Chris Layfield replacing Charlie O'Kelly. The visitors have suffered from changes throughout the season and this week Karl Bramwell is in Mexico getting married.

Title-holders Great Ayton are only ten points further back and are not to be discounted.

They are in the middle of a run of games against Redcar in which they appear to have the upper hand, and they will be heavy favourites today.

Ayton go into the match with a settled side, while for Redcar John Davis is unavailable through work and Ryan Lazenby is on holiday.

Two evenly matched sides face each other at Park Drive, where Marton take on Hartlepool. Pools go into the game with a settled side, as the visitors bring in Tom Chadwick for Alex Wardell.

Bishop Auckland seem to have recovered after a blip and expect a win when at Saltburn.

Bishops are hoping Chris Renshaw will still play a few games even though he's back in training with Tow Law for the new football season. Keith Stones is back after missing last weekend, but Ben Usher will still be in Barbados with Barnard Castle School.

The home side miss Shaun Storey and Lee Hodgson, who may be on Test Match substitute duty for England again, Will MacDougall returns from holiday and Kevin Wright is back from work to keep wicket.

Normanby Hall have been delighted with their recent form which has seen them erase relegation fears and Blackhall, who have now slipped below them in the league, will have their work cut out today.

The visitors will be without Luke Cushlow, who was struck down with appendicitis just before the start of last week's match and will now be out for around a month. Philly Bell keeps his place.

In Division One, Thornaby will be wary of visitors Sedgefield after they scuppered Seaton Carew last week, while Billingham face a tough game at Acklam Park against Boro's second string.

Seaton are not out of the race but need to win the majority of their remaining games, starting today at home to a revitalised Bedale side.