The fight to survive continues, with only six games remaining. Bottom club Marske are 27 points from safety and they have an important game at Acklam Park, where they will face Middlesbrough who have a 46-point gap above the relegation trapdoor.

Marske have two changes, with Tom Urwin and Jack English in for Harry Peirson and Lewis Myers. Skipper Chris Veasey said: “We are looking to bounce back from a disappointing result last weekend against Barnard Castle and this game is a must win.”

Boro skipper Leigh Beaumont said: “After two good league wins, it was disappointing to lose in the style we did at Seaton Carew last weekend - it was a poor batting display. The lack of consistency has affected us for most of the season, but saying that, we have kept the same team and they are working hard in training.”

Bishop Auckland occupy the other relegation slot and go to in-form Stokesley, who are fourth.

Skipper Scott Oldfield said: “We have a full squad available, with myself and Dan Legge returning and after a good performance against Richmondshire last week, we need to keep that consistency going. The next four or five games are massive, as we play the teams in and around us.”

Stokesley Secretary Mark Smith said: “The players are buoyant after a hard-fought victory against Darlington last weekend. Bishops, despite being in a relegation position, can produce some good performances and should not be taken lightly.”

Hartlepool are looking over their shoulders and are just 22 points above Bishops and they travel to Thornaby.

Secretary Michael Gough snr said: “Thornaby have had an excellent season back in the Premier League. They have two good bowlers in their overseas professional and Lewis Harper and we will need to see these two bowlers off and set a solid foundation for the rest of our batting.”

Thornaby skipper Paul Allen remarked: “Jonathan Rickard is missing, so Michael Muldowney comes in. We need to win and get back up the table, we started superbly this year and need to find that early season form again.”

Darlington have the same points as Pools and they head to Marton, who are unbeaten in five and 18 points further ahead. They make one change, as Nathan Wright is replaced by Toby Lush after some useful scores in the second team.

Marton are unchanged from their draw at Hartlepool last Saturday.

At the top, Barnard Castle in second place take on leaders and champions Great Ayton.

Barney skipper James Quinn said: “There is one change from last week’s win against Marske, with wicketkeeper Phil Merryweather returning. After a very dominant performance last week, the boys are in good spirits and are excited for a huge game.”

“We are expecting a big crowd and the players are keen to keep our unbeaten league record at home. We know Ayton are a dangerous side, so we’ll have to be at our best.”

Ayton skipper Jon Grainge said: “We make one change, as Tom Leng misses out and plays in the seconds, while Matty Wilkinson comes in for his first appearance. It’s a huge game at this stage of the season. We are well aware of Barney’s capabilities, and really looking forward to a tough game.”

Richmondshire, in third, take on Seaton Carew and Dion Wood comes in to replace Michael McKiernan, who is playing for Derbyshire. Skipper Gary Pratt said: “It will be tough as Seaton have improved recently. It’s all still to play for and Ayton have to come to our place yet, so we need to keep winning.”

Seaton have risen to fifth and travel with one change. Liam Gough is back in to replace Harry Cook.