Darlington have possibly their last chance of wrestling the championship from Guisborough when the side's meet head to head at Feethams today.

The Fountains Garth side are the only unbeaten team, but they have won just one match more than Darlington and lead them by 38 points.

"It is a massive game for us and one which we have got to win.

"We lost to Guisborough in the first match and there is no doubt about it, they have a very good squad but we are not a bad side either," declared Darlington cricket co-ordinator John Edwardson.

Darlington name the same XI which secured victory over neighbours Darlington RA last week, but a double blow to Guisborough is the absence of their opening attack, professional David Towse and Chris Murray.

"Their absence is a major hurdle for us to overcome. We have only won once at Feethams in 20 years and it will not be easy today," said fixture secretary Gary Bolton who reports that Graham Murray will replace his brother and Chris Norminton will take over for Towse.

Towse is without doubt an integral part of the Guisborough side and frequently bowls the maximum 25 overs conceding few runs. During his time with the club he has probably been the most economical bowler in the league.

A week tomorrow, Guisborough host Sheffield Collegiate from the ECB Yorkshire Premier League in the quarter final of the ECB National Knockout Cup.

"We played them in the same stage of the competition two years ago when they beat us and went on to win the final and we are hoping that history does not repeat itself but before then we have two crucial league games to concentrate on," added Bolton.

Second-top Saltburn, 24 points adrift of the leaders, host Thornaby, who are one place off bottom.

The visitors cannot call upon Ian MacDonald but Paul Thomas returns and 15-year old Andrew Gibson, second-top scorer against Guisborough last weekend, retains his place. Another junior, Fazil Hussain, 16, is included with Mark Bell and Jimmy Carter named for the Second XI.

Wolviston have a huge mountain to climb if they are to avoid an immediate return to Division One but they continue to enjoy their time in the top flight.

They are 70 points behind Thornaby and face another difficult test at home to Normanby Hall, unable to call upon Mark Mullen but Geoff Peacock is a ready replacement.

Normanby Hall are strengthened with the inclusion of Graham Robinson and Graham Scanlon but Andy Robson cannot play and youngster Mel Sykes drops down into the second team.

It has been a topsy-turvy season for the Hall, who have won important cup matches but have been successful just twice in the league. Apart from Wolviston, who have yet to taste victory, only Richmondshire have won so few games.

Fourth-top Redcar will be pleased that Steve Chapman is missing from the Hartlepool line-up. He is touring with England Amateurs and his absence will be a big blow to the Park Drive side since he has been in scintillating form throughout the season. With Ian Palmer also sidelined, Pool bring in Kevin Peek and Hashim Ahmed.

Redcar have Andy Hassack and Graham Bowen back and Darren Nalton is available. Steve Hutchinson, Ollie Rogers and Peter Wilson step aside.

John Wiltshire, troubled with an injury to his knee, has decided to play in the Marske Second XI and with wicketkeeper Steve Larkin unavailable, Ben Walker will be behind the stumps. Karl Bramwell is also named for the home match with Middlesbrough who will have three brothers in their side.

Lee and Alex join Brett Roberts because James Beaumont and Richie Storr are playing football.

Albert Aurelius resumes in a full-strength Northallerton team at home to Richmondshire, taking over from junior Andrew Fishburn while Blackhall host Darlington RA with Ricky Darwin and Craig Gilmour coming in for Paul Moss and Mark Cushlow.

There is only one change to the RA line-up with Colin Cartwright resuming for Peter Mellor as skipper David Eckels attempts to move his side into the top half of the table, which would be a marvellous achievement for the Brinkburn Road club.

In Division One, second-top Great Ayton visit Marton without Steve Pennock and promising young batsman Stephen Hunton fills the vacancy. Tomorrow, Ayton meet Bishop Auckland at Feethams in the Final of the Haith Cup when Alan Cook takes over from Hunton.

Marske name John Wiltshire in their line-up at Middlesbrough and Darlington are unchanged for their fixture with Guisborough.

The Readman Cup final is also to be staged tomorrow. Darlington RA meet Saltburn at Thornaby.