Darlington Building Society NYSD Premier League: Bishop Auckland are second ahead of their game with table-topping Northallerton this afternoon, but even so director of cricket Paul Furby reckons the Kingsway side could have done even better.

"It was very disappointing to be held to a draw by Richmondshire last Saturday, but full credit to them, they never took their eye off the ball and made us fight every inch of the way.

"On the other hand, I suppose a year ago we might have lost to Richmond and Saltburn.

"But we managed to hold both teams to a draw so we line up at Northallerton still unbeaten," said Furby.

Included in the Bishops line-up this afternoon is Richard Partington who has looked really sharp and been unlucky to take just one wicket.

The attack takes on a more balanced look with the return of spinner Stuart Morgan who will be playing his first game of the campaign, but Jonathan Fudge is unavailable.

Northallerton, who conceded their unbeaten record when they lost at Blackhall last week, bring in Roger Mackerell for Richard Chandler, who is unable to play.

"We have made a good start with four wins, a draw and one defeat in six outings and regardless of the result today we will still be in pole position tonight," said Northallerton secretary Ian Morton.

No doubt Northallerton will aim to produce a more consistent batting display against Bishops. Last week they suffered a mid-innings crisis losing five wickets for the addition of only 14 runs before eventually recovering to end on 161 which proved insufficient.

Blackhall, in fourth position, are against at home this time to Redcar and they are more than happy to keep pace with the side which is so far unbeaten although they have been held to a draw on five occasions. Redcar also name the same XI who were on duty last week.

Darlington are second bottom with one win and against Saltburn at Feethams show a couple of alterations. Liam Brown and Kevin Barker are named for Kevin Mott and Derek Coates.

Saltburn, who are expected to once again be among the contenders for the championship, anticipate fielding a strong line-up.

Darlington RA are fourth from the basement - two places ahead of their neighbours - even though they have still to taste the success.

They hand a debut to 18-year-old all-rounder Michael Bean who replaces Jimmy Middleton in the home game with Hartlepool.

Great Ayton, buoyed at defeating Blackhall in a midweek cup tie, nevertheless face another difficult game at home to Richmondshire.

Their chances are weakened by the absence of the former Kildale players, Dan Doughty, David Grainge and Jonathan Grainge who are all away.

Experienced pair Tony Harrison and John Doyle Senior together with Anthony Doyle are drafted into the side.

Richmond's only change is the return of Ben Biker for Adam Smith as they attempt to improve on the one victory they have achieved to date.

Stuart McKie and Ben Walker cannot play for Marske so Raf Ali and Paul Smith are named as replacements against Middlesbrough who show a number of alterations.

Skipper Martin Ball is unavailable so professional Brenton Parchment will lead the side which is also minus James Beaumont, Janisar Hussein and Brett Roberts. The quartet of absentees are replaced by Lee Roberts, Anthony Taylor, Chris Murdoch and Matthe Connolly who are all juniors.

Guisborough, having managed just one victory out of six, go to Normanby Hall again without the unfit Johnny May so Richard Hornbrook continues to deputise. They are hopeful that wicket keeper Graeme Wrightson will have recovered from injury.