Wolviston manager Graham Howard will be looking for a big improvement from his defenders in the home game against Ryhope CW this afternoon.

Fifteen goals have been leaked in the last four matches and the return of goalkeeper Simon Clark should help stem the flood. Central defender John Patterson is suspended and midfielder Paul Edwards is working in the south.

The match gives Wolviston the opportunity to complete an early double over the Wearsiders whom they defeated 6-0 in the first meeting. "It was just one of those days when everything we tried came off and I will certainly be taking nothing for granted today," said Howard.

Ryhope CW will be without leading scorer Stephen Rochester but are much stronger with the inclusion of Kevin Benison, Michael Burlinson, Nicky Hindmarch and Brian Smiles. Ian Tindle will undergo a late fitness test.

Ferryhill Athletic will be searching for their first win at the eleventh attempt visiting Whitehaven, who have injury problems. Andrew Boyes and Lee Jewitt are suspended, Graham Mercer is away but Dean Harcus has recovered from an injury.

Darlington RA, who have lost five games all by a one-goal margin, meet Windscale at Brinkburn Road minus Mark Hebden and Max Ripley. Manager David Woodcock expects Stephen Roberts and Robbie Homan to turn out.

Last season's champions Birtley Town are at Harton and Westoe and although manager David Smith can call upon Shaun Devlin, he has concerns surrounding the fitness of Anthony Lynch and Keith Foster.

Jarrow miss Gary Aisbitt, Mark Brown and Andy Barclay against Stokesley SC at Perth Green and Paul Scott is doubtful, but Philip Dolphin is added to the squad.

Washington Nissan UK are at home to Annfield Plain without Stephen Smith and Stephen Corrigan. Neil Foster has recovered from injury and Gary Liddle may play.

Barnard Castle Glaxo have Boldon CA as visitors. Rob Tansey is sidelined but Stuart Murray and Ross Murray are added to a near full-strength squad.

Boldon's Graham Cairns and Wayne Brown are again ruled out while Mark Harrison and Craig Botcherby are absent. Kevin Lloyd is now free from injury.

Leaders Cleadon SC, the surprise side to date with seven wins and two draws in ten games, defend a one-point lead over North Shields when they host Gateshead Reserves in a re-arranged fixture at Jack Clark Park.

Tony Fyall is definitely out but manager Doug Key is confident that Liam Rochford and Mark Johnson will be able to play their parts in his team's challenge for the championship.