Darlington are fifth from bottom and enjoy a 35-point cushion over Guisborough, who are in the second of two relegation spots. Norton are in a perilous situation, at the foot of the table.

Quakers entertain Middlesbrough, with the focus on winning to push clear of the dreaded drop zone.

Grant Sowerby returns at the expense of youngster Toby Lush, who returns to the second team. Boro are unchanged from last week. James Lowe, the skipper, said: “The last two performances against Marske and Barnard Castle have been good, so we are hoping to continue this form.”

Seaton Carew, with the same points tally as Darlington, travel to fourth-placed Stokesley with an unchanged side. They narrowly lost to Great Ayton at home last weekend and face another really tough game ahead.

Stokesley secretary Mark Smith said: “We have no changes for the game and we welcome a resurgent Seaton Carew. We are hoping for contributions throughout the team this week.”

Hartlepool, who badly need another win to get away from the relegation mire, travel to Marton in third place, who are playing very well.

Pools include Ben Smith, a 16-year-old signing from Northallerton and include Dale Metcalfe who missed last weekend game. Ollie Mole retains his place after an encouraging seasonal debut last week. John Watson is still absent, but returns for next weekend’s big game at home to Guisborough.

Champions Barnard Castle visit Guisborough today and the Priorymen have Richard Dunn, Dan Bowman and Stephen Turner coming in for Martin Hood, Neil Russell and Luke Middlemiss.

Director of cricket Chris Nicholls said: “It’s another big game, we need to start to pick wins up with seven games left, but time is running out and we need to make this happen now.”

Barney skipper James Finch was in upbeat mood: “We will be an unchanged team, however, we have had a few weeks now putting in ‘just average’ performances. We are working hard to sort that out and a win at Guisborough would be very welcome indeed.”

Top of the table Great Ayton, who have a 25-point lead over Richmondshire in second place, play Marske at Leven Park.

The visitors have had an indifferent season to date. Ayton will be looking for their ninth win of the season to stretch their lead at the top.

The Seasiders have Adam Pickard in for Chris Witherley and skipper Lee Hodgson said: “We will be looking for another positive result, after being unlucky not to get the last wicket against Darlington last Saturday. It will be a tough game for us with them being top of the league.”

Richmondshire journey to Station Road, to play bottom club Norton. They make two changes with Sam Winter and Ross Whelpdale returning to the second team, as Craig Marshall and Stephen Mather return.

The Kerridge Cup Final takes place at Markse tomorrow and it should be a cracker - Richmondshire take on Stokesley, with a 2pm start. Both teams are vying for the league and cup double.