Leading pair meet in derby (From Durham Times)

Leading pair meet in derby

12:00am Saturday 21st July 2012 in Sport By Chris West

For the second week running leaders Murton face a challenge to their supremacy from the team directly below them, and if they can pull off another victory then they will take a giant stride towards their first title in four years.

After seeing off the challenge of closest rivals Easington last weekend they now face Dawdon. Easington's defeat dropped them into third place with Dawdon moving above them to become Murton's closest challengers.

But Dawdon are likely to provide formidable opposition.

After pulling off a derby victory against Seaham Park last time out with a depleted side they will not lack confidence, particularly when leading players Mark Ewart, Ryan Consitt and the Purewal twins are set to return. Jamie Greenwood is the only absentee against a full strength Murton.

Easington fell 33 points behind their conquerors last week, but they are realistically the only other team still in with a real shout of catching the leaders. Their cause has been boosted by the acquisition of Scott Birks from Blackhall - he made his debut last week and will be joined in this week's side to play at Peterlee by the returning Jason Moses.

That game is one of several derbies. Silksworth hope that their home fortunes will change this weekend as they entertain local rivals Ryhope. The Silks have a strong team in the field with Darren Stoker and Michael Nicholson back from sunnier climes, and Paul Bradford set to make his seasonal debut.

It's one Lawrence in and one out for Ryhope - Chris returns and replaces Micky Thorpe, while Scott is absent with his place taken by David Hughes who has been scoring freely for the seconds.

Seaham Park's title chances would now appear remote - to make up 56 points in just eight games is a tall order. But they have a chance to recover pride when they take on the team six points below them in the table, Washington.

Park have to reckon without Uzair Afaq for the next month, while Thomas Ferguson is away - Michael Evans and Dave Moorhead earn call-ups. Washington have Jak Gaff and Andrew Ebdale back from holiday.

Bill Quay welcome Neil Cuskeran for his seasonal debut - he is on leave from merchant navy duty and should feel at home as his Quay side are at the Harbour to take on unchanged Seaham.

Unchanged Boldon CA take on Hylton, the visitors showing just the one change with Owen Williamson back from holiday.