Darlington Mowden Park may be 22 points and nine places better off than today’s opponents Billingham but player-coach Pete Taylor has warned that league positions mean nothing when it comes to a derby.

Mowden travel to Billingham with fresh legs after another enforced week off owing to the weather, well aware that a win could see them within five points of second place in National Three North.

Park make one change to the starting XV, with Graham Seddon coming into the back row. Tom Wilkinson drops to the bench alongside Chris Bark and Olly Peters.

Taylor said: “Billingham are a dangerous side and we have the utmost respect for them. We will arrive with complete focus and the lads know that quality execution of our game will be critical.

“League positions count for nothing, Danny and the boys know this and I am confident that the mentality will be where it needs to be.”

Billingham are seeking a third successive home win as they look to escape from the bottom two.

Director of rugby Stewart Evans makes one change to his starting line-up, with Danny Robinson, who came off the bench in the win over Middlesbrough, retaining his place ahead of Steve Hutchinson, who drops to the bench.

Middlesbrough head across the Pennines to take on league leaders Stockport, who have only lost once this season, and that was the earlier fixture between the sides at Acklam Park.

Middlesbrough are set to name the same side that would have faced Waterloo last weekend had the match not been postponed because of a frozen pitch.

Blaydon face National One high-fliers London Scottish in a rearranged fixture, hoping to end a three-match losing streak.

Gavin Jones suffered an injury in training and will miss out, while Andrew Archibald comes on to the bench.

Club secretary Jim Huxley said: “They lost their first three matches and now they’ve won 14 on the trot.

They’re on a fantastic run, but if it’s wet and windy we may have a chance.”

Darlington will prepare for next weekend’s likely Durham and North One title decider against Gateshead with a home game against Sunderland.

The Blackwell Meadows side will field a muchchanged team due to a large number of players being unavailable.

Darlington have parted company with winger Warren Peterson, who has made a significant contribution to the side’s fine form in the first half of the season.

West Hartlepool visit Old Crossleyans looking to build on last weekend’s thumping victory over Old Brodleians.

Andrew Foreman has recovered from a dead leg and Colin Cheslin has shaken off a bout of flu to take his place at full-back.

Leading try scorer Stephen Stockdale returns at number eight, with the versatile Adam Howard returning to the bench.

Stockton travel to thirdplaced Alnwick in Durham and North One looking to make amends for October’s heavy defeat to the same opposition.

Mark Gilchrist returns to bolster the front row, but there are injury concerns over locks Craig Tennant and Wayne Brown. Veteran Ian Todd stands by. Luke Tinkler impressed on his debut last weekend, so will retain his place in the three-quarters.

Redcar, rooted to the bottom of the table, visit Horden, who are in the top half of the league.