Readers Durham County League: Following their superb victory over Hetton Lyons in midweek, Willington go to Kimblesworth with renewed confidence, although they anticipate a stern test.

"It is not often that a side loses a 20-over cup tie when they score 139, but we had four wickets left, thanks to an exhilarating innings of 73 by Karl Brown,'' said Willington secretary, Steve Barker.

Although they have lost two of their first seven matches and trail leaders Evenwood by 46 points, Willington are still considered title contenders.

Today they cannot include Paul Chivers, but otherwise expect to be at full strength.

Kimblesworth were disappointed to lose to Evenwood in the League Cup on Wednesday, despite posting what appeared to be an unassailable total of 163 for six.

They are second top, just eight points adrift of Evenwood, and are able to field their first-choice line-up this afternoon, although Nigel Darling is unlikely to bowl following his recent injury.

After scoring in excess of 200 in three successive matches, Langley Park have struggled recently and they could again find it difficult at home to third placed Tudhoe.

A boost for captain David Gladstone is the return from Lanchester of all-rounder Stephen Gray and he replaces Greg Coates.

Evenwood include the Gill brothers, Chris and Jonathan, as they attempt to extend their unbeaten record at the expense of Brandon.

David Jacobs and David Smith are called into Paul Watson's side which so far has won seven and tied one of the eight fixtures.

Brandon are unchanged following an encouraging performance despite losing to Kimblesworth in their last outing, when Adam Cochrane, in particular, batted well.

Eddie Watson and David Lawlor return for Esh Winning, with John Parkinson and Chris Hurst making way for the home game with Crook Town.

Crook are back to full strength with the inclusion of Andy Guy, who comes in for Peter Brown.

Nigel Milner is unavailable so Mainsforth line up Craig Dowson for their fixture with Ushaw Moor, while Sedgefield, at home Shildon, have Mark Jemmeson taking over James Forster.

Shildon hand a debut to Michael Thorpe, who has switched from Brandon.

Skipper Lee Douthwaite and Chris Lye return with Gary Davies and Shane Rowley leaving the team.

* Willington have applied to join the Federation Special Durham Senior League from next season. Any club interested in playing in the County League should contact secretary Roy Coates on 01388 764841 as soon as possible.