Wolviston have suffered a double whammy with the news that their Metcalfe Park ground has been vandalised and two leading players have left the club.

"The pitch has been completely wrecked and we have been forced to switch our game to Birtley Town. We have spent a lot of time and effort in recent seasons improving the playing surface and for this to happen is disheartening," said secretary Keith Simpson.

The club's misfortunes have gone from bad to worse, however, with promising youngster Michael Diciccio moving to Easington Colliery while Guy Whatmore has joined the RAF.

Manager Graham Howard has acted immediately to boost the squad by signing youngsters Shaun Sproates and Emrhys Sheldon.

Birtley Town, second from top, have two players doubtful because of injury. Daryl Preston stands by to take over in goal from Stephen Harrison and defender Paul Scott will also undergo a late test.

Darlington RA will be severely weakened for their game at Windscale. "Four players are definitely ruled out and another is doubtful but we will just have to make the best of it," said manager David Woodcock.

Stephen Johnson has rejoined Washington Nissan, James Chapman is moving house, Stephen Bell attends a wedding and Martin Brown will be working.

In addition, Gary Hornsby is struggling with an injury.

Ferryhill Athletic will now meet Ryhope CW at the Sunnydale Leisure Centre, Shildon, because the Wearsiders' ground is required for a youth game.

Manager Mark Fanning is pleased to have Graeme Kime, Stephen Salisbury and Andrew Dixon back but Stuart Cottam is definitely out and Ryan Stonehouse is doubtful.

Club captain Ian Tindle is absent with a broken hand and Ryhope await fitness tests on Alan Surtees, Liam Routledge and Kevin Bennison.

Leaders North Shields host Barnard Castle Glaxo, who last week scored nine times. Out of the Robins' line-up are Eddie Miller and Dominic Riley, while Martin Graham is struggling with an injury. If he is unable to play, Martin Lamb will step into the breach.

Glaxo boss John Hall has Stuart Murray, who scored four goals last Saturday, available but his brother Ross, a hat-trick hero in his last outing, is unable to play.

Joe Baum is injured but Chris Beckett definitely resumes and Rob Tansey is named after playing ten minutes in a comeback match last weekend.

Stokesley SC, third-from-top, hope to play their first match in three weeks when Gateshead Reserves are visitors. A big boost to their chances is the availability of Richard Hore, and secretary Peter Grainge reports that long-term injury victim Ben Escritt is back in training.

New Marske visit Boldon CA minus talented youngster Harrison Davies, who could be out for up to eight weeks after suffering a ligament injury.

Neil Archbold, Paul Burrell and Tommy Nixon all return for Harton and Westoe at home to Whitehaven, while Cleadon SC are at full-strength against visitors Jarrow,who miss the injured Gary Aisbett and suspended Dean Patton.