Norton will erase any lingering relegation worries if they stave off defeat in today's bottom-of-the-table clash at Hetton Lyons.

The Teessiders are 65 points ahead of their rivals who have yet to win, and look destined for an immediate return to the Foster's Durham Senior League.

But Norton team manager Keith Symington warned: "We still have six games to play with 180 points up for grabs so we have to make sure, at the very least, we don't lose this one."

Earlier in the season Norton dismissed Hetton Lyons for only 39 - the lowest score ever recorded in the seven-year history of the competition.

Former captain Kenny Gresham returns, replacing Glynn Falconer, and, with Gary Park also in the line-up, Norton field their strongest side.

It has been a baptism of fire for Hetton Lyons who have managed just five draws and suffered 11 defeats.

Today could be their last chance of avoiding the drop and they have Lee Cowan taking over from 17-year old Michael Walker.

At the top, South Northumberland face a crucial weekend. Today, they meet Durham Academy hoping to take another step towards clinching a fourth successive championship but they are minus Michael Smalley whose place is filled by Matthew Hall.

Tomorrow they are again at Gosforth for the semi-final of the ECB National Knockout Cup against Nottingham side Caythorpe. The prize for the winners is a trip to Lord's.

"Four of the side have played at Lord's but it would be great for the club to be in the final. It is a huge weekend," said skipper John Graham.

Chester-le-Street are second, 23 points off the top, ahead of their visit to Blaydon where skipper Quentin Hughes is again ruled out through injury.

Former Cestrian captain Allan Worthy is a doubt for Blaydon but he expects to have recovered from a foot injury which kept him out of Northumberland's Minor Counties game earlier in the week.

Stockton are unchanged at Tynemouth and Marc Symington is again absent from the Sunderland line-up against Benwell Hill at Ashbrooke.

Also missing is Mervyn Dillon who has returned to Trinidad to play in a 20/20 competition. Both are expected to be back next weekend.

Matthew Hynd is unavailable so Johnny Bailey will skipper Newcastle in their game with Gateshead Fell at Jesmond. Bob Farenheim resumes and Newcastle are hoping that Durham County will release Ben Harmison.