Wearside League: Wolviston's aim is to go one better this season and clinch the championship which just eluded them in May.

Manager Graham Howard is again at the helm and he has brought in five new players to strengthen his squad.

David Steel joins his brother Andrew and other new faces are Carl Brunskill, Gareth Murphy, Michael Dichico and Ian Evans, who has rejoined the club.

Wolviston visit champions Birtley Town, who have lost a number of last season's key players. Influential midfielder Paul Bryson, Paul Terrell and Michael Pitt have moved to Consett, Bobby Cooper has made the short journey along the road to Chester-le-Street and Derek Ord has retired.

Stokesley SC begin their programme at home to Cleadon SC with minimum changes to their pool of players. Richard Orr has left for Whitby Town and Stephen Pennock has joined Marske United, but two players from Acklam Steelworks, Dean Talkender and Robbie Donnelly, have replaced them.

Barnard Castle Glaxo go to Annfield Plain with new secretary Geoff Wall confident there is greater strength in depth. The Plain cannot call upon Michael Murray, Gareth Slavin or Kelvin Armstrong for their first fixture.

Darlington RA are at home to Harton and Westoe and manager David Woodcock will show several changes from last season's side, as will North Shields at Whitehaven.