With both sides on equal points - only four behind leaders Murton - today's clash between Silksworth and Castle Eden is of crucial importance in the race for the championship.

Silksworth have hit form in recent weeks, but captain David Tate is not getting carried away. "I know it's an old cliche but I do take every game one at a time," he said. "It's no use worrying about what others are doing, we've just got to try and win every match.

"Of course, it would be a double bonus to beat Castle Eden. Not only would 20 points give us breathing space, but we would avenge our only defeat of the season." Castle Eden, who until recently led the table, are enjoying their best season since they switched from the Darlington Building Society NYSD Premier League six years ago.

"It's a really big game for us today. We have lost just once and are confident we can stay with the leading pack," declared secretary Leo Taylor, who reports that Michael Higgin cannot play but Tony Banks is available.

Silksworth also show just one change with the returning Malcolm Nichol taking over from Anthony Bell. Leaders Murton start favourites in their home game with second-bottom Seaham Park, who are without five players.

James Taylor is getting married and also absent are Michael McNicholas, Robert Howe, Chris Hudson and David Moorhead.

Despite having won one game more than their rivals, Murton's lead is a slender four points and they certainly cannot afford to slip up against the Park, who have won just once in 13 attempts.

Andrew Upperton for Keith Chapman is the home side's only alteration.

Following their encouraging performance in holding Hylton to a draw last week, basement side Houghton will travel to Peterlee with renewed confidence. Ian Johnson is named for Keith Rewcastle as the only change in the line-up.

Hylton, who in the last couple of weeks have failed to defeat the bottom two clubs, badly need a win at home to Boldon CA to keep in touch with the leading trio.

They have re-signed Shaun Smith from Philadelphia and expect to field their strongest side.

Boldon CA have David Downs and John Moffatt resuming as they attempt to climb the table.

Ryhope again miss John Leslie for their visit to Bill Quay, who will be minus several players because of holidays. But there is some good news in that brothers Micky and David Towns can both play.

Dawdon host Easington with Keith Laws a definite starter, however, David Coates will undergo a late fitness test.

Easington are not nearly so fortunate and are forced into changing more than half the team.

Russell Tarn, Brian Fenwick, Brian Daniel, Dane Wilson, Peter Booth and David Tarn are all ruled out so Stephen Briggs, Peter Hodgson, Paul Elliott, Chris Naylor, Ashley Cooper and Stewart Harbottle are all expected to play.