Foster's ECB North-East Regional Premier League: Captain Allan Worthy is confident that Chester-le-Street's mid-season blip is behind them and they will challenge on a number of fronts for honours.

After losing successive games to Norton and Stockton, the Cestrians bounced back last week defeating Philadelphia to keep the pressure on the leaders.

On Sunday they reached the last 16 of the prestigious Cockspur Cup with victory over South Northumberland and will now meet the winners of the Scottish group.

And they followed it up on Tuesday when they won their third match in four days with victory over Tudhoe in the Matthew Oswald Cup.

"I firmly believe that we are now back on track. In addition to challenging for the championship, we are involved in three cup competitions and will meet Blaydon in the Banks Salver. From now on it's onwards and upwards. July is going to be a crucial month," claimed Worthy.

After today's game at third top Gateshead Fell, the Cestrians meet Benwell Hill, South Northumberland and Sunderland.

"Without question July will make or break our season, but I really believe we can bridge the 40 points advantage Sunderland currently have and go all the way in three cups," enthused Worthy.

Opening batsman and wicket-keeper Wayne Ritzema is again absent so David Wilson deputises. He announced his retirement at the end of last season, but was persuaded to play last week's.

Worthy said: "He played so well you would think he had never been away. He took three catches and kept wicket extremely well. We are fortunate to have him."

Also missing today is Durham County's Graeme Bridge, who has been told not to play for at least a fortnight while he recovers from a back injury. Worthy had hoped Bridge might play and only bat.

Gateshead Fell lost for the first time in five last Saturday and will provide a stiff challenge.

They show two changes, lining up Richard Smith and Stephen Devonport in place of Andrew Trotter and Lee Hargreaves, who drops into the second XI. Just 12 points separate the sides.

Leaders Sunderland enjoy the rarity of playing at Riverside against Durham Academy who stage most of their home fixtures at either the Racecourse or Maiden Castle.

Although the Academy have won just twice in ten outings Sunderland captain Simon Old knows that his side will have a fight on their hands to maintain pole position since they are just three points ahead of South Northumberland.

South North go to Stockton who are up to fifth position. South North anticipate fielding a strong line-up, while Stockton are happy to name an unchanged team despite losing to Benwell Hill last weekend.

Norton are at home to second from basement Newcastle who name Andy Robson for the unavailable Keith Brown.

A boost to the chances of the Tynesiders is the inclusion of Tim Stonoch who has shown no after effects from an ankle injury after his return last weekend.

Norton's only alteration is the inclusion for his first game of the season of Chris Fawcett, who replaces sidelined Nicky Beall.

Philadelphia went bottom of the table when they suffered their seventh defeat in ten last Saturday.

They have signed Ben Wicling who has played for Bishop Auckland this season. He scored a century playing in the Phili third team last Sunday and is handed his senior debut at home to Benwell Hill.

Also back is Joe Dodd who has recovered from injury and Alan Loscombe, recently transferred from Hetton Lyons, plays his second game for Bunker Hill club.

Blaydon eased their position near the bottom of the table with a good performance last weekend and at home to Tynemouth are almost at full strength.

The Seasiders miss early order batsmen captain Graham Hallam and the injured Wayne Falla. Stephen Scott will captain the side and Nick Forster is added as is new signing Saikat Sarkar.