The match-of-the-day is unquestionably at Brinkburn Road where high-flying Darlington RA meet championship favourites Birtley Town.

"It is a massive game and one that we have got to win if we are to have any chance of clinching the title," said RA manager David Woodcock, who has guided his side to ten successive victories.

"We have enjoyed a tremendous run and only recently defeated Birtley, but even so they are still one point ahead of us with five games in hand."

RA's last defeat was on October 26 and since then they have steadily climbed the table into fourth position.

The home side miss Rob Morley, but hope to have Gary Hornsby fit and expect Paul Freary to return from Liverpool University to play.

Birtley have an injury doubt surrounding Paul Scott, but Anthony Cosgrove is back from holiday and manager Dave Smith has a near full-strength squad to choose from.

Two sides in the bottom four, Cleadon SC and Ferryhill Athletic will be battling for points as they bid to avoid the wooden spoon.

Mark Johnson and David Watson are doubtful for the home team while Ferryhill will hope to complete the double over their opponents, who they defeated last Saturday in the Monkwearmouth Charity Cup.

Ferryhill boss Mark Fanning reports that Michael Brown may be unable to turn out, but Stuart Williams, the regular goalkeeper for some months, is available to take over. Although Billy Robson is sidelined, Bobby Elliott resumes.

Redcar Town are at home to Stanley United and secretary Willie McGeogh is pleased that all players are available. Stanley, who have lost their last five games after going eight matches unbeaten, welcome the return of Shaun Gregory, Joncharles Gott, Shaun Mansfield and Brian Rees.

Captain Liam Routledge is absent from the Ryhope CW line-up in the home game with full-strength Annfield Plain. And Barnard Castle Glaxo could be depleted by injuries for the visit of Wolviston, who bring in John Symon. David Graham is suspended, but Stephen Williams has completed his ban and is included in the plans of Boldon CA manager Norman Hunter for the home fixture with Windscale. The South Tynesiders are optimistic that Kevin Lloyd and Christopher Barratt will also be able to turn out.

Three ties will be played in the League Cup. Stokesley SC go to North Shields minus Warren Gregson and Mattie Homan.

Goalkeeper Simon Bradford, carried off last week, is unable to play for the Robins, who also await news on Anthony Robson's injury which caused him to miss last Saturday's game.

New Marske are at Jarrow and add Adam Taylor to the pool of players, but Richard Booth is again an absentee. Elsewhere, Harton and Westoe play Whitehaven.