Leadgate, who won the Division A2 championship at a canter last season, are too near the bottom of the table for comfort so have moved quickly to replace professional Sean Ackermann.

They have turned to Pakistani Zahid Umar, who will turn-out in the home game with Swalwell today. Injury means that Ackermann will not play again this season.

Another welcome boost is the return of Alan Reeve, who has been sidelined for some time through injury. However, a blow is the absence of Gary Innes, whose place is filled by Danny Stewart.

Swalwell, who have not made the anticipated impact on the championship race which was widely predicted of them, have Tony Todd coming in for the unavailable Nigel Bates.

At the top, Lanchester host Tynedale defending a narrow 16-point advantage. Once again they cannot include Tony Halliday because of injury, but his brother Gregg is available.

Newcastle City are second ahead of their home fixture with second-from-bottom Ryton. City will field their strongest line-up while Ryton are unable to include Keith Morris.

Philip Bates and Joseph Docherty both make the line-up and Chris Nixon drops down into the second XI.

A big blow to Sacriston is the news that Harry Hubber has broken a finger. He has two centuries to his credit this year and his absence from the batting line-up will take some replacing. Andrew Dixon deputises against Lintz, who are without four regulars.

Gary Christie is sidelined and his brother Michael is also out with a broken thumb. Graeme Clennell and Anthony Ward are also absent.

Fourth-placed Ashington are at home to Shotley Bridge and although they have delayed their final selection they should have a full squad to select from. The Bridge's only alteration is the welcome return of all-rounder Donald Brown, who takes over from Billy Gibson