Leaders Stokesley SC hope to take another step towards a league and cup double today by beating Wolviston in the semi-final of the Sunderland Shipowners' Cup.

Secretary Peter Grainge has warned though that his side will find it difficult at Metcalf Park since Wolviston are one of the few teams to have inflicted defeat on Stokesley this season.

"It is never easy playing against Wolviston who are also in the race for the championship," he said.

"But we are in good form at present and hope to have Michael Wilson and the ex-Northallerton player Andrew Murphy in the squad although Neil Duffy is sidelined."

Wolviston secretary Keith Simpson believes his side will have a psychological advantage. "This is a really big game for both teams, but we beat them at Stokesley and the lads are confident they can complete a double."

Central defender Andy Clark and striker Andy Steele resume but recent signing from Darlington RA, Richard Hill is ineligible.

In-form Darlington RA, who have won 13 and drawn one of their last 14 games, visit New Marske in the quarter-final of the League Cup. Manager David Woodcock reports that Stephen Bell, Mark Radmore and Rob Morley are all unavailable, but Phil Sweet has returned from holiday.

New Marske cannot call upon Adam Henry who is included in the North Riding squad to play Liverpool at York in the Northern Counties Youth Championship.

Boldon CA, deposed from pole position last week, have an early opportunity to return to the top when they visit Barnard Castle Glaxo, who expect to have a strong pool of players available.

Boldon are confident that Stephen Williams and Mark Williams will be able to play but Craig Rolfe could be an absentee since Hebburn have made an approach for his signature.

North Shields are waiting in the wings and Ferryhill Athletic could find the going tough at Ralph Gardner Park where boss Mark Fanning reports that Stuart Illingworth and Robbie Elliott come into his plans. Kaljit Sander definitely misses out.

Harton and Westoe have parted company with David Jones and Ronnie Thompson has taken over as manager ahead of the visit of Windscale. Keith Mason cannot turn out and a doubt surrounds the injured David Hopper.

With Alan Humble and Brian Rees suspended and Gavin Lonsdale also ruled out, Stanley United manager Vince Kirkup will include Chris Burn in the home game with Annfield Plain who name the returning Philip Raisbeck. Birtley Town need to return to winning ways if they are to maintain their championship aspirations. A blow is the absence of goalkeeper Stephen Harrison at Whitehaven.

Ryhope CW host Cleadon SC confident they can maintain their move up the table.