Following a rare defeat last weekend, Teesside Athletic have an early opportunity to return to third position when they meet Harton and Westoe in one of only three league games this afternoon.

"Obviously, we were disappointed losing by the only goal to table-topping Cleadon SC, but today's fixtures give us the chance to renew pressure on them," said secretary Kevin Fryett, who reports that only club captain Ian Johnson would be missing on South Tyneside.

Harton and Westoe manager, Ronnie Thompson, is pleased to have full back Darren Warne resuming, especially as centre back Scott Tooley will be out for a few weeks after injuring his knee playing Sunday football.

Bottom-of-the-table Ferryhill Athletic are at New Marske, who are just four places and two points above them, while Gateshead Low Fell, equal on points with Ferryhill, make the long journey to Whitehaven, who aim to maintain their championship challenge.

The quarter-finals of the League Cup are being staged with leaders Cleadon SC pitched against third-top Stokesley SC at Jack Clark Park.

"We played really well defeating Teesside Athletic last week to open up a three points lead, but it will not be easy against Stokesley, who have their eyes on gaining promotion to the Arngrove Northern League," declared Cleadon manager, Doug Key, who will have a full squad.

Second top Birtley Town host Boldon CA and boss Dave Smith is confident his side will bounce back after losing to West Auckland Town in the Durham Challenge Cup on Tuesday.

Mark Irwin, who had to withdraw from the tie after picking up an injury during the warm-up and Tony Thirkell, are expected to play, but Paul Scott will need a late fitness check.

Jarrow are at Annfield Plain, minus Andrew Barclay, Bill Dolphin, Dean Patten, Chris Liddle and Gary Atwell, but fortunately, captain Mark Brown can play.

Following their narrow defeat in midweek which cost them third position, Willington turn their attentions to the cup against Windscale at Hall Lane.

Two ties are down for decision in the Monkwearmouth Charity Cup. Lowly Coxhoe Athletic have home advantage over mid table Cleator Moor Celtic while Nissan SSC Sunderland have a clean bill of health for the Wearside derby with Ryhope CW.

Their opponents though are not so fortunate since Kevin Benison, Kevin Burn and Peter Maughan are all injured, but Christopher Stanton has returned to the club and is in line to make his comeback.