Guisborough have plenty of work to do if they are to haul themselves away from the Premier Division danger zone, with today’s home game against fellow strugglers Seaton Carew already taking on some real importance.

Despite being just four games into the new campaign there were some warning signs in last Sunday’s defeat against Stokesley, particularly in respect of their batting which, after a solid half century opening partnership, imploded with the last nine wickets falling for just 56 runs - and that included 30 from the lusty hitting of Steve Turner who blasted three sixes in the only real gesture of defiance.

Pre-season problems with their overseas pro Enamel Haque junior, who was called into domestic playing action in Bangladesh, meant he would be unavailable until early June and they had to change their focus.

They have another signing lined up which, if it materialises, will provide a significant boost, but the paperwork chain on that one is still some way from completion, so they have to go with what they’ve got in the meantime.

One bright spot has been the form of Ash Armstrong, an Aussie amateur who was recommended to the club by Steve Chapman. He plays successfully at the highest level of club cricket in Melbourne and showed his capabilities with wickets and runs in the Stokesley defeat.

Guisborough had a number of players missing last weekend, and are able to include Stu Mackay, Col and Ryan Murray today.

Seaton had hoped for a stress-free summer after the traumas of 2015, but it hasn’t turned out that way just yet and they prop up the rest after a couple of ‘backs to the wall’ draws were followed by a ten-wicket home defeat at the hands of Norton.

Usman Arshad has yet to hit his straps with the bat, but he is too good a player not to come good at some point, and they will be hoping it is at Fountain’s Garth.

With Normanby Hall, who have lost all four of their games, without a match it looks odds on they will slip to the foot of the table today, but amongst the other teams nestling just above the relegation placings Middlesbrough look to have the hardest task as they entertain joint leaders Marske.

Boro put on a spirited display with the bat at Park Drive last week, only to be blown away by Phil Mustard, but they were also hampered by a weakened line-up, primarily because of the promotion party going on at the Riverside.

They are able to include the returning Paul Johnston, Adil Ditta and Jamie Burke in their Acklam Park line-up today.

The Seasiders, under the fledgling captaincy of Lee Hodgson, have made the sort of start they were seeking, the key now for them is to maintain that form. With both Hodgson and Saeed Bin Nasir having centuries under their belts already they should have the batting power to challenge most teams, and with Gary Lynch back in the team that department is strengthened even further. Their other change sees young paceman Charlie Helm in for the unavailable Josh Carroll.

Champions Richmondshire are unchanged for their trip to Norton, Henry Shelton comes into the Great Ayton side to replace the working David Grainge when the villagers entertain a same again Darlington.

Stokesley should have James Weighell free from County duties and able to bowl when they welcome Billingham to the SCG, the Synners having to reckon without Chris Atkinson for this one.

The game of the day is at Vere Road where Barnard Castle take on Hartlepool, both fresh from their mammoth run chasing exploits of last weekend when they scored an aggregate of 547 runs in 90 overs.