The Readers' Durham County League: The game of the day is between third-top Esh Winning and leaders Tudhoe, who are the only unbeaten side in the league.

The teams have played the same number of games but Tudhoe have a 21-point lead over their rivals, who have lost twice.

"In footballing parlance it is a six-pointer," declared Esh secretary Joe Lawlor.

"The result is of importance to both clubs, although I suppose the outcome will be more vital to us than them."

A boost to the chances of Esh is the return of left-arm paceman Stephen Dunn, who has not played so far because of an injury to his back. But on the debit side Martin Shoulder could be out for up to six weeks after dislocating his shoulder for the second time in recent months.

Teenagers Mark Davison and Eddie Watson are both included, as is the former Durham County player Graham Hurst, who has fully recovered from an injury.

Tudhoe secretary David Linford reckons the fixture will be one of the most difficult of the season. But, with professional Shahid Anwar and Simon Davies in such good form, believes his side has a chance of victory.

Anthony Timmiss could play his first match of the campaign, but both Michael Kyle and Stephen Thompson are again sidelined. Following their shock defeat last weekend, second-placed Evenwood face another difficult game at home to much-improved Willington. Kevin Watson and Tony McMahon are both missing so Gary Dowson and David Jacobs step in.

Willington are in their highest position for some time and count among their cup tie scalps Philadelphia and Horden. They will be out to prove their credentials but will have to do so without Steve Donnelly and Will Hutchinson, who has an incredible near-300 average for the second XI, is drafted in.

Shildon will attempt to win their first game visiting Kimblesworth, where Lee Douthwaite returns to captain the side. Stephen Thornbury is also named but Trevor Henderson is a definite absentee and John Brennan will undergo a late fitness test.

James Forster and Paul Richardson resume in a full-strength Sedgefield line-up for the home fixture with Mainsforth. Malcolm Dickinson and Stephen Flockert are the players to make way.

The visitors cannot call upon Andy Howells and both Darren Patterson and Arthur Willoughby are listed in the second team. Stalwart John Irvine, Nigel Milner and John Sweeney are all available. Crook Town, second from bottom, go to Langley Park with Phil Jewell playing his first game in three years. He has been to university and also lining up today is Keith Maddison. David Snow and Mel Thompson are both unavailable.

Langley captain David Gladstone reports that a near-full strength side will be on duty, the only absentee being long-term injury victim David Leslie. Both Lee Wright and Paul Clish are back.

Ushaw Moor show several alterations for their visit to Brandon. John Bate and Scott Nattrass cannot play and Dwane Douglas lines up in the second team. The trio are replaced by Stephen Milburn, Stephen Hancock and Darren Punshon as Ushaw Moor attempt to build on last week's splendid victory.

With Michael Tinkler and David Fort ruled out and Andrew Johnson suffering with a broken ankle, Brandon bring in 15-year-old Stephen Wallace for his debut. Ian Johnson and Craig Hewitt have also won their places.