Darlington Building Society NYSD Premier League: Darlington RA have moved quickly to sign Ashar Zaidi following news Rethinder Sodhi returned to India to sort out his niggling back problem.

The former Huddersfield league all-rounder makes his debut in today's game against Guisborough at Brinkburn Road.

RA captain Phil Crowther said: "We are fortunate to have Zaidi who is living with his family in London. He played in the Huddersfield league last year scoring in excess of 1,500 runs. He is a left arm batsman and seam bowler and I am confident he will do a very good job for us while Sodhi is away."

RA inflicted a rare defeat on Guisborough when the side played at Fountains Garth on Monday and Crowther is urging more of the same from his players.

"It was a tremendous result," added Crowther, who is in his first season as RA captain.

"Not many sides will beat Guisborough, yet we have the chance to complete a quick double over them this weekend. It will take another super effort but we are obviously in with a chance."

Nigel Whaley and Peter Eckles are included in the second team along with debutante Zaidi and Graeme Hird.

Guisborough, who went six games unbeaten until a double Bank Holiday defeat, make their first change in eight games this afternoon. Wicket keeper Graeme Wrightson is unavailable and Chris Trillo takes his place behind the stumps.

Saltburn are in pole position for the first time this season and they visit Middlesbrough with a strong side. James Beaumont is unavailable, but Raf Rashid comes into the Boro line up as they attempt to claim a third win this season.

Bishop Auckland, who have lost only one game and lie third in the table, visit Marske. The Seasiders, encouraged by recent form following an indifferent start, name an unchanged line-up.

Billingham Synthonia's recently appointed professional Keith Hewson cannot play in the home game with Redcar. He is joined on the sidelines by Vinod Mair. David Fairley and Gary Burgum are named as replacements.

Redcar, the only side without a win are again unchanged, as are Great Ayton who host Hartlepool.

Ashley Day has recovered from injury and takes over from youngster Alan Tebbett in Pool's line up. A fit Day will be a real boost to the Hartlepool attack as they attempt to chalk up their fourth win of the campaign.

A close encounter is envisaged between Northallerton and Normanby Hall.

The ever reliable Jonathan Barnes will spearhead Northallerton's drive for a second victory but, neither Richard Chandler nor John Plaice can play. Brother Ian Plaice and John Sample fill in while Normany Hall anticipate Anil Paceman and Eddie Rosa will replace Rashad Rashid and Geoffrey Robinson.

Darlington go to bottom of the table Richmondshire with Lee Craggs taking over from the unavailable Duncan Johnson. Mark Layfield is called up from the second team.