Darlington hope to secure their fifth promotion today when they entertain Manchester-based Aldwinians in the play-off for a place in North Division One.

Blaydon also have home advantage as they attempt to get out of North One into National Three North by beating Midlands One runners-up Leicester Lions.

Unlike Blaydon and Aldwinians, who have both had hectic schedules, Darlington completed their league fixtures five weeks ago.

Ten of their players were involved in the two Durham County matches, but even they haven't played for three weeks and have had to rely on twice-weekly training sessions to stay sharp.

It could be the last appearance in a Darlington shirt for some time for 19-year-old prop Dan Miller, who is to join Bath next season.

But with other highly-promising front row men such as Joe and Dan Osleton coming through, there is every reason to believe they can follow neighbours Mowden Park into the national leagues.

They beat both Mowden and Blaydon on their way to lifting the Durham Cup for the first time, but they must beat Aldwinians to view the season as a complete success.

Two years ago Aldwinians won the Intermediate Cup, beating Dudley Kingswinford in the final after the Midlanders had knocked out Darlington in extra time in the last 16. Darlington have improved considerably since then, while Aldwinians appear to have stood still. They lost five games in North Two West this season, while Darlington lost only their two matches against Halifax, thereby securing home advantage today.

The visitors had two games last weekend. With their play-off place already secure, they lost 26-15 to Lymm in the league then beat Blackburn 18-3 in the Lancashire Trophy final.

Aldwinians include two players in fly half Mike Jackson and flanker Chris Rushworth who were Wakefield teammates of Darlington's player-coaches Phil Lancaster and Craig Lee.

Veteran No 8 Andy McFarlane is a former North player, while hooker David Giles has played for England at under 16 and 18 levels.

Darlington field the team which won the county cup final six weeks ago, keeping Mark Butler at centre, which means Leigh Johnson is on the bench with Joe Osleton and Brian Baldwin.

Team: D Glendenning, M Potts, C Lee, M Butler, P Beattie, P Lee, D Andrew (capt), P Lancaster, R Goddar, D Miller, R Snowball, S Fitzpatrick, B Dixon, M Howe, D Lewis.