Fosters Northumberland and Tyneside Senior League: Although the halfway stage of the season will not be reached until next week, it is just about make or break for Whickham today as they strive to avoid returning to Division A2 after just one season in the top flight.

"You could say it is the last chance saloon since we are 29 points behind this afternoon's opponents Lintz, but even more worrying is the fact we are 40 points adrift of Swalwell," said Whickham chairman, Jim Huxley.

"Two sides go down so obviously we have an awful lot to do if we are to stay up."

Andy May is unavailable against Lintz but Chris Davidson has returned from university and could go straight into the side in an attempt to bolster up the batting which failed miserably against championship contenders Ashington last weekend.

"We were caught out on a spiteful wicket, but even so will need to bat a lot better at Lintz. Nothing less than victory will open up a window of opportunity for us," added Huxley.

At the top Tynedale have the enviable record of having taken all but one point from the eight games they have played.

"We have won seven of our matches by the maximum 20 points and are the only unbeaten side. We are very happy with how things have gone and there is no doubt that Stuart Graham has made a big difference as professional," enthused chairman Terry Darling.

Tynedale have a stern test on their hands today visiting Sacriston, who have gradually moved up into third position. A boost to the Hexham outfit is the availability of Neil Clark, who performs one of the strongest opening partnerships in the league with Scott Kay.

Ashington are second, 14 points behind Tynedale, and at home to unchanged Annfield Plain. They include Ross Sample, who was a regular last season but has been at university and this is his first senior match of the campaign for the Colliers, who cannot call upon Adam Craggs.

Lanchester admit they have a mountain to climb if they are to retain the championship. They have been badly hit by injuries and when they lost their professional turned to Pakistani Atta ur Rehman, who has already produced some good performances with bat and ball. He will need to be at his best again at Leadgate, who are never an easy side to beat.

Newcastle City go to Shotley Bridge with Peter Lidher promoted from the second XI after some encouraging batting performances. Vaseem Mukhtar cannot play so Omer Ahmed will keep wicket.