Readers Durham County League: Esh Winning go into the double programme boasting the only unbeaten record. They have won two games more than any other side while no team has lost less than four matches.

The statistics prove why Esh lead the table and they are boosted by fielding a full-strength side for today's home game with Shildon and at Mainsforth tomorrow with the return of John Carmedy for Scott Kimmens.

Willington are second, 39 points off the top ahead of games with Ushaw Moor and Langley Park. They cannot call upon Robert Chismon for both matches, but Steve Donnelly could resume tomorrow.

Brandon miss Darren Punshon at home to Kimblesworth and at Ushaw Moor where they will attempt to rekindle their championship challenge which has faltered.

Etherley, who have been forced to concede two second-team games, have signed Paul Stones from Bishop Auckland and he is in the side for their only game at Crook Town tomorrow but Danny Hinge is still absent with a broken thumb.

Chairman Danny Hinge said: "We've really struggled for players this season and it doesn't help not having junior sides. We are hopeful of strengthening our squad with two players almost certain to sign and another two possibilities in the pipeline.

"We are also actively looking into having a junior set-up again next season. Juniors are the life blood of any club and clearly we have suffered not having a structured organisation for them.

"It is not all bad news, though and last week's victory over Brandon will have done the team's confidence a world of good. Craig Emmanuel is in splendid form with bat and ball we are looking forward to a better second half to the season.''

It's all change for lowly Shildon who face their stiffest test of the season at Esh Winning this afternoon before meeting Tudhoe, another of the title contenders.

Cameron Pearce, Lee Douthwaite, Hiram Marambe, Chris Lye and Chris Strong all play today but Gary Davies is sidelined. He returns tomorrow, however, but doubts surround the availability of Michael Thorpe and Stuart Foster for both fixtures.

David Armstrong has suffered a triple fracture of the toe and is likely to be out of the Ushaw Moor side for a month. Stephen Hancock resumes for the double with Willington and Brandon.

Evenwood name their strongest line-up for the visit of Crook Town and Hylton who today will attempt to win for the fifth consecutive time when they host Mainsforth with a full-strength team.

Richard Manuel could be out for a few weeks through injury and Michael Fawcett will need a late fitness test although he is expected to play in Crook Town's double at Evenwood and at home to Etherley.

Lloyd Cochrane is out of the Kimblesworth line-up with a broken thumb but twin brother Adam plays in his team's only fixture at Brandon today. Captain Stephen Meek, who scored a century last weekend, is struggling with a shoulder injury but hopes to play.

Paul Clish has recovered from injury and resumes as wicket keeper for Langley Park at Tudhoe and at home to Willington which means 16-year old Katie Brennan, who made her league debut last season, reverting to the second XI.