Darlingon Building Society NYSD Premier League: It has been a difficult start to the season for Redcar, but skipper Shaun McGarry is confident better times lie ahead.

The Seasiders face another difficult task against Middlesbrough at Acklam Park this afternoon but the fact that their opponents have yet to win gives them hope.

"We've had a bit of a struggle but the club is pulling together and I am optimistic that we can put points on the board and move off the bottom," said McGarry, one of seven players ruled out today.

He pulled a thigh muscle bowling last Saturday and the side will be led by Andy Hassack, who will be unable to call upon Mally Whitehead, Stephen Hutchinson, Mick McCabe, Jason Robinson, Martin Reeves and wicket-keeper Tom Urwin.

Lee Powell takes over behind the wicket with Mark Rix, Andy Hunter, Stephen Law, Jason Boardman and Andy Wetherall drafted in.

Redcar have drawn one and lost four of their first five games, while Middlesbrough have shared the points on three occasions and suffered two defeats.

Boro are at full strength with Guy Whatmore taking over from Andrew Taylor.

Bishop Auckland are the early-season pace-setters and their strength will be tested by champions Saltburn.

Mark Romaines cannot play for Bishops, while Saltburn are pleased to have Lee Hodgson, who is on the Lord's ground staff, available, especially as John Bond cannot play.

Great Ayton are second with an identical playing record to Bishops, although they have gained fewer bonus points.

Ayton show no alteration to their line-up against Darlington at Feethams.

A blow to the home side is the news that wicket-keeper Lee Hutton will be out for a couple of weeks after being injured last Saturday. Mark Dobinson takes over.

Darlington RA are relieved to have Ashar Zaidi back at Normanby Hall.

Injury kept him out last week and his return, together with Stephen Marr and Graeme Hird, is a big boost to RA's chances.

Normanby Hall, who like RA have yet to taste success, cannot name Mattie Hurren but are hopeful that Pakistani bowler Faz Ahmed will be available in the near future.

Guisborough, aiming to reclaim the championship crown they conceded for the first time in five years last summer, visit Marske, third from top and only nine points behind the leaders.

Talented opening batsman Chris Allinson is now playing mostly with the Yorkshire Academy, so Ryan Murray is included.

Steve Larkin is out of the Marske line-up and Chris Shepherd will keep wicket.

Jordan Carroll is promoted from the Second XI as the Seasiders attempt to improve on a useful start.

The inclusion of Graham Shaw should improve Marton's runs total.

He is named in place of Gary Knight for the home fixture with Richmondshire, who cannot call upon vice-captain Clive Layfield.

Jamie Stead, who scored a century for the seconds last weekend, wins his chance and wicket-keeper Kevin Forbes, back from holiday, takes over from Stephen Orchard.

Ashley Day makes his seasonal debut for Hartlepool against Northallerton at Park Drive.

His return is timely as Ian Jackson is ruled out through injury.

Northallerton skipper Ian Gill reports that Liam Botham and Doug Mulholland are unable to play and are replaced by John Place and David Wake.

With two wins and three draws from their first five games, Gill is pleased at the start his changed side has made but the absence of Botham and Mulholland is a blow.