It's the battle of the giants today when leaders Kimblesworth host Evenwood with little between the sides.

"Make no mistake about it, even at this early stage of the season it is an important fixture," said Kimblesworth secretary Malcolm Bartle.

"We have lost once but Evenwood, with a game in hand, are unbeaten so the outcome is crucial for us both."

A blow to the chances of Kimblesworth is the absence of Stephen Meek, who was married last weekend. His replacement is Scott Emmerson and the home side expect that Andrew Kelly and Nigel Darling will both play. They have been visiting a physio in an attempt to shrug off injuries.

Evenwood's Billy Teesdale also recognises the importance of the match. "We finished runners-up to Kimblesworth last season and would like to go one better this time but if we end in the top three we will have had another good year," said Teesdale, who is pleased that all but three of the side are locals.

"Two lads live outside the village and of course we have West Indian Deighton Butler as our professional. He is on fire at present and if he maintains his form today we'll have a chance," added Teesdale, who announces a full-strength side will be on duty.

Brandon, too, are among the early-season pace-setters and at home to Esh Winning, bring in Stephen Milburn for Tony Keogan.

"We have a 100 per cent record from games actually played, having won all five league fixtures and beaten Willington twice in cup competitions. In addition, our under-15s and under-13s have also won all their games, which proves the club is in a very healthy state," exclaimed secretary Ian Johnson.

Unlike some sides, Esh Winning are well off for players following the return to the club of David Lawlor, Martin Shoulder, Kevin Davison and John Rippon.

Their only change is the inclusion of John Bate for the unavailable Peter Maddison.

Ushaw Moor go to Willington hoping to add to the four victories they have chalked up. In addition, they have seen off Horden, Boldon, Hylton, Lanchester and Sedgefield in cup competitions.

"The only game we have lost was to Sedgefield in the League. We could hardly have made a better start and Indian professional Sanjay Raul has made a big impression with bat and ball," enthused secretary Robbie Wilson. Stephen Hancock returns to a full-strength line-up against Willington.

Tudhoe are without youngster Chris Glasper with a broken finger and wicketkeeper Stephen Maddison also misses the match at Etherley. Anthony Timmiss will take over behind the wicket with David Ronson and Stuart Hood filling the vacancies.

James Foster resumes for Sedgefield at home to Langley Park who name their strongest side. Daniel Wilkinson, 15, is given a day off because he is due to play a lot of games in the near future. Lee Wright takes his place.

Shildon, hoping to improve on last week's dismal performance, hand a debut to Paul Allenby at home to Crook Town who have Lee Holloway deputising for Andrew Coe.