Foster's Northumberland and Tyneside League: The game of the day between leaders Lanchester and Newcastle City could go a long way to deciding the destination of the championship.

Lanchester, with just one defeat, are 14 points in front of their rivals and with 20 points up for grabs today, victory would greatly strengthen Lanchester's hold on the leadership. Newcastle City though will take some beating, especially as they are able to field a full-strength side. Lanchester, involved in three midweek cup ties, delay announcing their line-up.

It seems certain that one of the two sides will clinch the title, but third-placed Tynedale have not given up the fight. They show just one change in their line-up with David Pesarra coming in for the unavailable Craig Barber at home to Sacriston. The visitors are considerably boosted with the return from injury of Harry Hubber, who has two centuries to his credit this season. Ian Bestford also makes a welcome appearance.

Backworth and Ryton both have a mountain to climb if they are to avoid relegation, but they can grab a lifeline if they win their bottom-of-the-table clash. Ryton are unchanged and Backworth are looking to field their strongest line-up.

Annfield Plain are just one place away from the relegation zone, but appear safe since they have a 47-point lead over Ryton. Visiting Ashington, they are at full strength, but the Colliers are forced into making changes since neither David Rutherford nor James Harmison can play. Their replacements are Mark Hetherington, Andrew Sutherland, who are promoted from the second XI.

Lintz again have David Nevin absent for their visit to full-strength Leadgate with Richard Brewis returning from injury. Nigel Bates and Barry Westlake line up in place of Simon Clarke and Jim Smith for Swalwell against Shotley Bridge.