The first County Cup final of the season takes place tonight when Guisborough face Marske in an all Northern League encounter at Stokesley in the North Riding Senior Cup final, the first of two crunch games between the sides in three days.

Both sides are still figuring in the second division promotion race, and are scheduled to meet in a league game as well on Saturday.

Guisborough manager Chris Hardy says: “There won’t be much at all between the two sides. For us, it’s a welcome distraction from the league, and there’s some silverware at the end of it. It’s a long time since Guisborough have been in the final, way back in 1994. It should be a good spectacle.”

Striker Chris I’Anson is missing because of injury, while midfielder Luke Bythway will have a late fitness test.

Marske boss Paul Burton says: “We’ve already beaten Guisborough this season in the league at our place, but we know that it will be a really tough game. Both teams are in good form, and have scored a few goals lately, so maybe it will be a high scoring game. We believe that we have the players who can cause them problems.” Marske haven’t been in the final since 1995.

Marske will be without midfielder Karl Charlton, who ironically has already played for Guisborough in the competition.

Shildon can go back on top of the STL First Division if they beat Billingham Synthonia at Dean Street.

However, manager Gary Forrest will give several players fitness tests, while Lee Chapman and Andy Johnson are both added to the squad.

Even if Shildon return to the top, then they will have played five games more than nearest challengers Spennymoor.

Synners, who are looking over their shoulders at the relegation fight, are without top scorer James Magowan, plus Chay Liddle, Lewis McArdle and Mark Scott, but keeper Josh Moddy returns after recovering from illness.

Consett, who are third, could go joint top if Shildon lose and they beat sixth placed West Auckland. Carl Piecha, David Scorer and Scott Martindale are all missing, while midfielder Jonjo Dickman is doubtful. West are missing Paul Gibson and Stuart Banks because of suspension.

Bishop Auckland, who have surged up the league in recent weeks, are at third bottom West Allotment, and manager Colin Myers is missing full back Darren Atkinson because of suspension, while Karl Everitt and Daniel O’Donnell are both missing. Veteran defender Phil Brumwell returns.

In the second division, Neil Wilkinson, Billy Gatenby , Paul Robson and Jonothan Lake all return for Thornaby for their away game at Hebburn, who are missing Stephen Forster through injury. Skipper Paul Catto is serving the last game of his four match ban.

In the Northumberland Senior Cup, Newcastle Benfield are at home to Blyth in their semi final.