Darlington will discover whether they have improved since the first match when they entertain Westoe in North One.

The visitors won 32-8 when the sides met in an EDF National Trophy qualifier and after scoring three tries from driving mauls in a narrow home win against Middlesbrough last week they are again likely to be too strong up front for their hosts.

After surrendering an 11-0 lead at Hull last week, Darlington have dropped four forwards in Bill Smith, Andy Harston, Chris Palesci and Andrew Tonkin.

They are replaced by Ali Carter, Dave Hinchley, Del Lewis and Semi Rocko Tovi Tovi, who is back from army duty overseas and has impressed in training.

He takes over at open side from Tonkin, who has been playing with injuries or illness for most of the season and is given the chance to build his fitness in the second team.

Skipper Lee Richardson is expected to return after injury on the wing in place of Gavin Clegg.

Coach Kevin Robinson said: "All the players who have been left out are disappointed but have shown an appetite for getting their place back. We have to create competition and players have to accept there is no automatic selection."

Darlington have a crucial game next week away to one of the other three teams on two points, Altrincham-Kersal, who have been granted a 1.30 kick-off at Middlesbrough today for bonfire purposes.

Andy Micklewright makes his first start of the season on the wing for Boro in place of Rob Bellaby and Gavin Fingland comes in at open side with Martin Howe on the bench. He is joined there by centre Lee Rust on his return from injury.

North Two East leaders West Hartlepool have flanker Paul Rudd back at blind side for the visit of York.