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Synners gained promotion to the Premier Division last September, but it has been a long slog so far and last Saturday they crashed to only 41 all out at Saltburn.

He said: "There is obviously a big gulf between the Premier Division and Division One. In the top flight there is also a wide chasm between top and bottom as we found out to our cost last weekend.

"But I believe we are good enough to mount a strong challenge to stave off relegation, especially as we have brought three newcomers to the club in the last week.''

Tariq Ali and Sajid Hussain have previously been involved with Peterlee and Stokesley respectively. Sajid's cousin Omar Shahid has also moved from Middlesbrough.

A big problem for Billingham to date has been their inability to field a full-strength side, but Wing now has a pool of about 16 players to choose from.

He added: "In addition to the three new lads, Gary Crawford and Chris Harrison are back and we look a lot stronger for the visit of Normanby Hall.

"Our second team play in Division Three and when we have had to call up players they have found it is a massive step to take," added Wing who has been with Synners since 1984. "Now though we have a bigger squad and hopefully we will be able to move off the bottom."

Great Ayton meet Normanby Hall, who are stronger with the return of Graeme Robinson and David Austin. Tomorrow, Hall play a re-arranged game at Marske.

While Billingham Synthonia struggle, Saltburn's title march goes on unabated.

After dismissing Synners for 41 they sent Redcar crashing to 64 all out last Sunday to open up a 46-point lead although they have played one game more than closest rivals Guisborough.

The Seasiders are at Hartlepool, who are expected to provide a stiffer test than the leaders experienced in last weekend's double header. Guisborough have a lot to do if they are to create a record-breaking fifth successive title.

Gary Bolton, who recently played his 500th game for the club, is included to face Redcar at Fountains Garth.

Chris Murray is unavailable and his brother Graeme is injured, so another brother, Ryan, is named alongside the returning Saul Clifford.

Stephen Hutchinson and Martin Reeves come in for Ollie Rogers and Andy Hassack in the Redcar line-up.

Darlington are third, 70 points off the top, and it appears the best they can hope for is the runners-up spot. They need a good result against Darlington RA at Feethams to sustain their challenge.

Philip Buxton misses out, while Mark Dobinson and Liam Brown revert to the seconds with Ricky Hopwood, Alex Deuchar and Mark Jobling replacing the trio. RA show just one alteration with Jimmy Middleton preferred to Nigel Whalley.

Great Ayton, who have reached the final of the Kerridge Cup to face either Saltburn or Normanby Hall, introduce John Russell, who has been scoring freely in the second team, against visitors Bishop Auckland.

James Marshall also lines up with Bilal Rashood and James Cook reverting to the second team.

Middlesbrough miss Darren Birkett and Umar Shahid at Northallerton where Anthony Taylor and David Ananakwah take over. The home side have David Wake lining up for the unavailable Roger Mackerel.

Richmondshire are unchanged against Marske who welcome the return of Neil Coverdale and Steve Larkin.

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