THE common view that floodlit matches are decided by the toss will not trouble Durham in tonight's crucial Norwich Union League match against Hampshire at the Riverside.

All three of Durham's floodlit matches to date have bucked the trend, with the side batting second winning.

The latest example was at Worcester two weeks ago, when the hosts overhauled Durham's formidable 274 for seven with only three wickets down.

Leaders Worcestershire surprisingly lost to Essex on Sunday, so Durham can go back to the top by beating third-placed Hampshire tonight. Glamorgan are also in the promotion frame, but Durham can take comfort from the remaining fixtures as all the contenders have to play each other.

Durham's most difficult match is likely to be at Cardiff on Monday, August 27, especially as it falls the day after they play Sussex at Hove in this competition.

The Riverside's third floodlit match is a repeat of last season's, when Robin Smith steered Hampshire past Durham's modest 161 for eight with an unbeaten 88.

Hampshire have already visited the Riverside this season, when former Thornaby professional Neil Johnson's century was upstaged by a faster one from Nicky Peng in Durham's comfortable C & G Trophy win.

The Riverside's biggest crowd of the season - more then 4,000 - is expected for the 4.10 start, with the finish scheduled for 10.20 if the 45-overs-a-side match goes the full distance. Durham are likely to field an unchanged side after Sunday's easy win against Derbyshire, although they might consider bringing in an extra bowler in the absence of Michael Gough.

The off-spinning all-rounder lost his ever-present record this season during last week's visit of Derbyshire because of a back injury, which will keep him out at least until next week.

Nicky Phillips' first action after his hand injury is likely to be a second team match next week, so spin will continue to be left in the hands of Graeme Bridge unless 17-year-old Gary Scott comes in for his one-day debut.

Neil Killeen, whose ankle problem remains a mystery, is to see a lower limb specialist in Leicester and a decision has yet to be taken whether Simon Brown will wait until the end of the season to have a minor knee operation.Tickets for non-members are £10 (£5 juniors).

A family ticket for two adults and three children costs £25