Hylton are now odds-on favourites to win the championship after their long drawn-out saga of the cancelled game with Houghton took yet another twist this week.

Initially, the League decreed that the result should be a draw. Hylton protested and were awarded 20 points only for the decision to be overturned when it was decided that the match should be replayed.

When Houghton were unable to field a side, Hylton were again given the points, but they were withdrawn following protests. In mid-week, however, it appears that a final decision was taken which means that Hylton are now 18 points ahead of Murton with just three games to play.

Today, Hylton can take another step towards the title if they defeat third-from-bottom Boldon CA. The Wearsiders are at full-strength while Boldon keep changes to a minimum with David Downes coming in for Paul Anderson.

Murton, meanwhile, deposed as leaders because of the League's decision, host Bill Quay with Ian King coming in for David Gordon. David Donnison resumes for the visitors.

Peterlee are now 20 points adrift of Hylton going into their fixture at Silksworth. Stuart Wilson and David Young are back in the Peterlee side and Silksworth bring in Anthony Bell and Paul Howe since neither Graeme Weeks nor David Tate can play.

Basement side Houghton meet second-from-bottom Seaham Park still minus Gary Robson, Lee Husband, Craig Elliott and Paul Elliott, but there is some good news in that Kenny Marriott returns. Seaham, who were without captain Andrew Worthy last weekend, delay final selection of their line-up. Dawdon miss youngsters Jamie Greenwood and Stephen Gale for their match with unchanged Castle Eden and Ryhope go to full-strength Easington with professional Alan Dick and James Taylor resuming, but John Minnis and John Bennett are absent.

* In the Foster's Northumberland and Tyneside Senior League, Lintz, who have led the table for most of the season, need to win at Sacriston today if they are to keep in touch with Shotley Bridge.

The Spa side have built up a healthy 21-point advantage in recent weeks. With Gary Christie unavailable, Lintz promote Richie Guy who has been playing very well in the Second XI.

Shotley Bridge host fourth-from-top Lanchester, who have re-engaged Pakistani Bilal Rana for a second season. It has been a rags-to-riches transformation for the Bridge, who finished just one place off relegation last season.

Lanchester are in their first season in the top flight and have more than held their own with Rana having played an integral part in the success. Stuart Kelly for Graham Kendal is their only change this afternoon.