It is all to play for in The Readers Durham County League with Evenwood holding a slender one-point lead ahead of their crucial game at Crook Town this afternoon.

"The race for the championship will go right to the wire, of this I am certain, but our destiny is in our own hands now that we are in front," said captain Craig Rutherford.

Michael Pedelty hurt himself playing in a charity match on Bank Holiday Monday when Evenwood had a free day. He cannot play today and also missing is Chris Peareth, with the pair replaced by Jonathan Gill and Paul Townsend.

Willington are at home to Shildon minus Will Hutchinson, who is getting married, but skipper Steve Donnelly returns.

"The outcome is on a knife edge. Obviously, Evenwood are in the driving seat, but we believe we can win our last three matches and keep the pressure on them," declared secretary Steve Barker.

Tudhoe secretary David Linford believes his side is still in with a chance despite being 11 points off the leaders.

"We have Evenwood to play and on the last day of the season fourth-top Kimblesworth meet Willington, so anything could happen.

"So far as we are concerned, we are in with a shout and we will be going all out for the 20 points against Etherley this afternoon."

So too will Kimblesworth at Ushaw Moor, where they will strive to maintain their championship aspirations by reducing Evenwood's 13-point advantage.

Murton's penultimate fixture at Peterlee has been postponed until September 7 because a festival is taking place on the ground. Instead, they will anxiously await the outcome of the game at Hylton, where Silksworth need to win otherwise Murton will be crowned champions of the Durham Coast League.

Lanchester are just about home and dry in the Foster's Northumberland and Tyneside Senior League and with Backworth certain to join Ryton in Division A2, attention focuses on the four-way race for the two promotion places. Only eight points divide the quartet.

Leaders Whickham host Blyth with Tony Ainley free from football commitments because Whickham played their FA Cup tie against Hebburn Town last night.

Benwell and Walbottle are just a point off the leaders before meeting second-from-bottom Kirkley, and Consett go to Seaton Burn strengthened by the inclusion of Colin McPherson and Kevin Hopps. Morpeth, who are also in contention, meet Greenside at Longhirst.

Horden and Burnmoor both face potentially difficult fixtures this afternoon. Horden entertain Hetton Lyons, who at times flatter to deceive but are capable of competing with the best.

Meanwhile, Burnmoor travel to high-riding Marsden, currently in fourth place but seeking a top-three spot.

Marsden professional Sean DeKretser has hit 323 runs in August so far, completing a maiden century last Monday. He will be part of an unchanged Marsden team.

Burnmoor are minus John Tindale and Mark Robson, but hope Gary Brown will be available.

Horden expect to field a full-strength side, but opponents Hetton Lyons have doubts over Marc Hopkinson, who injured a hand on Monday.

With professional Gerry Strydom having returned home, their batting would be further depleted if Hopkinson is not fit.

With South Northumberland crowned champions, attention is on the bottom of the Foster's ECB North East Regional Premier League.

Norton aim to avoid the wooden spoon by taking maximum points from Benwell Hill.