IT'S top versus bottom today as league leaders Sunderland take on a Stockton side currently propping up the rest.

However, what might normally be considered a one-horse race has been given an intriguing twist following results in the last couple of weeks.

The Wearsiders went down to their first league defeat of the season last weekend, comprehensively beaten at Chester-le-Street by a side who had only one win to their name before the match, thus exposing a surprising chink in the leader's previously impenetrable armour.

Stockton, who took a draw out of champions South Northumberland a couple of weeks ago, have been battling hard and their first win of the season may not be too far away.

Sunderland expect to name an unchanged side, subject to Michael Robson passing a late fitness test, while Stockton delay selection until just before the game.

South Northumberland's hopes of retaining their title for the fifth consecutive season were boosted by Sunderland's defeat and they will go to Tynemouth in renewed spirits after their own return to form last week on the back of some impressive bowling by Stephen Humble.

The home side surprisingly suffered at the hands of Gateshead Fell and will be looking to bounce back, although the visit of the champions represents the severest of tests. Ben Debnam misses this one for Tynemouth, with Matt Summers replacing him, while South North are at full strength going into the game.

Third-placed Blaydon visit Benwell Hill today.

Chester-le-Street were delighted to gain their second victory of the season against the league leaders in such emphatic fashion.

Having now moved into fourth position they will be keen to kick on but must overcome the disappointment of losing Australian Andrew Tye for up to six weeks after his arm was fractured by a delivery from Sunderland's Pakistani Test player, Shahid Nazir.

Tim Stanwick has just returned from university and comes straight into the side as replacement for Tye.

They go to Maiden Castle today to take on an Academy squad boosted by the inclusion of Scott Redhead from Aberdeen, who is available after completing his exams.

Newcastle have enjoyed a reasonable season and and play Gateshead Fell.

South Shields will look upon their home game with Norton as a real chance to get back on track.

Norton breathed a huge sigh of relief when they won last week's derby with Stockton, but they have a keeper crisis - Lee Dalby is unavailable, and the second-team keeper has a broken thumb - so they are hoping to sign a wicketkeeper for today's game.

If they are unsuccessful, Chris Dunwell will deputise.