Only 27 points separate the bottom four clubs and Marton have won two and drawn one of their last four games, as they attempt to get away from the bottom of the table.

They travel to Thornaby tomorrow with skipper Alex Wardell saying: “We have signed Ryan Gibson to add some more batting and bowling strength to the team, and he replaces young Jack Leadbitter for the match.”

Barnard Castle entertain one of the other struggling clubs, Saltburn, who sit just above the relegation slots after winning at home to Stockton last week. Barney skipper James Quinn said: “We are forced into three changes, as Rob Dixon, Finn Usher and Phil Merryweather are unavailable. Ian Swinburn comes in alongside Max Martin and a late decision on Cam McKnight or James Alderson, to see if we go with an extra batter or bowler.”

Quinn added: “We will be looking for a big performance to keep the pressure on the teams above us in the league.”

Darlington host Billingham Synthonia who have lost their last two games, following two consecutive draws and find themselves alongside Marton in the bottom two. Feethams official Garry Moody said: “Lee Hutton returns to the team, with Toby Lush going into the second team.”

Hartlepool have dipped in form of late, ahead of their home game with Great Ayton. Secretary Mike Gough said: “We make one change, as Josh Tribick is unavailable and is replaced by 15-year-old spin bowler Charlie Scorer, but Harry Crawshaw is still a few weeks away from returning from injury.”

Gough added: “We struggled at Marton last weekend and we scored too slowly in our innings, whereas Ayton had a convincing win over Stockton, but we are looking forward to the game and meeting up with former professional Doug Mulholland.”

Great Ayton make one change, as Tom Crown comes in, for the unavailable Steve Pennock.

League leaders Richmondshire are unchanged for their trip to Stockton. Skipper Rob Carr said: “We are looking forward to the game and hoping to maintain our lead at the top.”

Stockton legend Leigh Beaumont said: “We have five players returning to the side from last weekend. Kev and Jimmy Ward, Johnathan Rickard, Jamie Burke and Abinath Ramisetty, will all play.”

Stokesley welcome second-placed Middlesbrough to the SCG and are without Harry Harding who is on holiday. However, they do have Jonny Weighell returning to strengthen the batting following last week’s hard-fought draw with Richmondshire alongside Tom Preece. Boro skipper Matthew Bell said: “We are unchanged for the game and will be looking for a positive result.”

In Division One, leaders Bishop Auckland who have won all 12 of their games, take on Marske at Kingsway. In second place, Darlington RA host Whitby at Brinkburn Road, while Normanby Hall are coming into some good form and travel to play Richmondshire seconds at Hurgill Road.