WEST HARTLEPOOL will look to keep the pressure on the leaders when they head for Driffield – even though there will be a new look about the side.

Last weekend’s win over second-placed Morley in North East One was an important one as West closed the gap to three points, given that they sit just a place below them.

But Driffield, four places further back, will be encouraged to learn that West will not be able to field the same team for the trip to Yorkshire.

Playmakers Gavin Painter and Stu Waites, who have performed impressively all season, could be ruled out for some time. Painter damaged teeth and his palate against Morley before Waites dislocated his shoulder in the same game.

West will also be without second row Joe Rafferty and Scott Butcher, so Zac Southern and Luke Mallinson – who were pulled out of the second team’s game at Horden – will play.

There is also the good news that prop Michael Hogan is fit again ahead of a game which sees two of the unbeaten teams of 2016 go head-to-head.

STOCKTON host local rivals Middlesbrough who are in second place in Durham Northumberland Division One.

Boro were coached at one stage by Stockton's Paul Lee and Martin Howe before they returned to their home club.

Ex-Middlesbrough back row forward Martin Dixon is available again so Lewy Gray steps down. Scrum half Brian Thwaites is available again so the backs reshuffle and winger Brian Morris misses out.

Stockton went down 36-13 in the game at Acklam Park in October which was the first league meeting between the two sides for ten years. They are keen for revenge but know it will be a tough task as Middlesbrough have only lost two games this season.

Bottom club Darlington will again attempt to close the 12-point gap on Ponteland sitting above them when they travel to ninth placed Acklam. Darlington are still searching for a first win in 15 league games this season, having lost them all.

AT National League One level – while Darlington Mowden Park face Wharfedale – struggling Blaydon are going to have their work cut out against leaders Richmond.

The Tyneside outfit are battling to stay clear of the relegation zone with only Henley Hawks and Cinderford sitting below them and the gap shortening, so they could seriously do with upsetting Richmond. Blaydon are a massive 47 behind today’s opponents in the table.