AFTER five successive defeats since winning their opening games, National One's bottom two clubs, Blaydon and Darlington Mowden Park, desperately need home wins today.

While Blaydon are one of many clubs suffering poor attendances during the World Cup, Mowden are hoping for a four-figure crowd against Loughborough University after handing out free tickets when the All Blacks visited.

Trying to overhaul first half deficits has proved beyond Mowden in their four successive away games and they will be hoping to repeat last season's flying start against the Students.

They roared into a comfortable lead before being forced to hang on against a side they beat home and away.

They introduce another dual-registered Rotherham player in 21-year-old lock Josh Redfern, who joined the Titans during the summer from Sheffield Tigers.

He will be partnered by ex-Plymouth lock Tom Jubb, returning after injury, while Rory Duff gets the nod at No 8 and Jamie Barnard returns at full back.

Tom Kill was the fourth player this season to be tried at full back last week, but he joined the lengthy casualty list with a knee injury. Ex-Newcastle Falcon Michael Tait is on the right wing, with Callum Mackenzie having to settle for a place on a strong bench also featuring Bruno Bravo.

Santiago Socino was also to have been among the replacements but has had to make way for local lad Liam Riley, making his first senior appearance of the season as he continues his conversion from flanker to hooker.

Blaydon entertain a Plymouth side who travelled by coach yesterday and have won only twice following relegation from the Premiership.

Dual-registered hooker David Nelson again starts for Blaydon, who feel they are due a win after showing marked improvement in the last two weeks.

Ruaridh Dawson is at scrum half alongside Brett Connon, with James Cooney switching to full back as Nathan Bailey continues at centre.

Tynedale are also having a tough time and are in danger of following their first relegation with another as they lie third from the bottom of National Two North.

After leading comfortably at home to second-placed Macclesfield last week they were overpowered up front in the second half and are unlikely to find things any easier away to third-placed Caldy.

While they still have pace in the backs, Tynedale are short of front row forwards and have been obliged to call on veteran prop Peter Southern.

Billingham have climbed into mid-table in Three North and will be seeking a third successive win at Cleckheaton. After scoring two tries on his debut, 17-year-old Adam Radwan has been switched from wing to centre and Michael Whinn is at No 8 for Danny Dixon.

Durham and Northumberland One leaders Middlesbrough entertain Consett and again have Sam Gaudie at fly half after a summer of playing in Canada. Andy Micklewright is on the wing.

Durham City, also unbeaten, kick off at 1.30 at home to bottom club Darlington, still seeking their first win.

Stockton host Hartlepool Rovers without six of last week's squad, including the whole front row. Tom Nelson, Paul Bate and Ben Cordiner come in, while skipper Steven Taylor is replaced by lock Sam Toulson making his first appearance of the season, and in the back row Martin Dixon replaces Chris Farrell.

Craig Slaughter comes into a reshuffled back division with full back Jonny Horner ruled out by a knee injury.