Cleadon SC will move into third position if they defeat second-from-bottom Washington Nissan UK this afternoon.

And, despite the fact that they have played more games than their nearest rivals, manager Doug Key is confident his side can finish in the top four. "It is a real achievement to be up there with the likes of Birtley Town, North Shields and Stokesley SC.

"They are leading the field in the chase for the championship and although we are out of the running, we have a great chance to finish in our highest position for some years," enthused Key.

With no injuries or suspensions to worry about, Key will select from a full squad and will be hoping his side can open up the Nissan defence which has conceded 109 goals in just 25 games.

Basement side Ferryhill Athletic have an additional incentive to win at Ryhope CW since if Nissan lose at Cleadon, they will move off the bottom of the table.

"We are just two points adrift of Nissan with a couple of games in hand so it is up to us," declared Ferryhill manager Mark Fanning who has Philip Appleby and Andrew Patterson returning but Stuart Cottam is unavailable.

Harton and Westoe are at home to Annfield Plain and although they are ten points better off, their rivals have played three games fewer.

Tommy Nixon and Mark Robinson resume but Harton boss Ronnie Thompson awaits a late fitness check on Scott Tooley who is hopeful of playing.

Eight sides are involved in the Monkwearmouth Charity Cup. Second-top Birtley Town travel to Jarrow without Kevin Murphy and Anthony Lynch.

Manager Dave Smith reports that Paul Scott could make the squad. Gateshead Reserves meet Whitehaven at the International Stadium and manager Alan Bell anticipates fielding his strongest side.

Stokesley SC make the short journey to Wolviston, whose secretary Keith Simpson anticipates a free-flowing match with goals for both sides.

"We both like to play attacking football and I am looking forward to a cracking game. We have a score to settle since Stokesley comfortably beat us earlier in the season," said Simpson.

Wolviston welcome the return from suspension of Gareth Murphy and Stokesley have Dean Talukder back into a full-strength squad.

Darlington RA expect a difficult tie at Boldon CA where they have a last chance to win silverware.

"This is our season. It is a massive game but Boldon are always hard to beat on their own pitch," declared RA manager Dave Woodcock who has a full pool of players at his disposal. Boldon CA welcome the return from suspension of Wayne Brown and Craig Rolfe but Paul Jary is banned. Mattie Donkin cannot play because of work commitments and goalkeeper Andrew Hunter is in line for a recall after recovering from a knee injury.