Redcar can take a giant leap towards promotion tomorrow as they host arch-rivals Acklam at Mackinlay Park.
With Ponteland marching towards the title with a 12-point advantage at the summit, realistically only one promotion spot remains for the challenging pack in Durham and North Two.
The Seasiders currently occupy second place and lie six points ahead of third-place Acklam going into tomorrow’s eagerly-anticipated derby, but having played one game more.
That means victory for Richie Young’s side tomorrow could pave the way for a promotion party come the end of the season, but Acklam themselves could muscle into second spot with an away win.
A defensive masterclass saw Redcar win 19-13 in the reverse fixture in September, and Young expects a wounded Acklam side to come out firing with revenge on their minds.
“We defended really well at their ground and capitalised on their mistakes, so we need to bring a lot more to tomorrow’s game to get the upper hand against what will be a very determined Acklam team,” Young said.
“I’m sure they will be desperate to avenge their loss at home.
“On any derby day, past results and performances count for nothing. It’s a one-off game and all about who wants it more.
“It’s going to take a massive effort from the lads but we are confident we can do it.”
Redcar go into tomorrow’s showdown in better form than their Teesside rivals, having won their last five matches.
But Acklam are a dangerous animal who have shown plenty of bite in recent weeks, and could count themselves very unfortunate to be sunk by Ponteland at Talbot Park before Christmas.
Johan Otker’s side bounced back with a convincing 65-5 victory over Seaton Carew last weekend, and have identified three must-win games in the second half of the season to achieve promotion.
The first of those is tomorrow at Redcar, and an away win could see them seize the momentum and become an unstoppable force.
Ross Everett retains his place after a dazzling start to his Acklam first-team career six days ago, while Ricky Scott will make his debut in a back line already boasting plenty of talent.
Veteran Andrew Cruickshank will start at number eight for Acklam, forming an exciting back-row combination with James Ffitch.
Elsewhere in the pack, Danny Moss again partners Tim Savage at second row.
Meanwhile hosts Redcar face further frustration due to the unavailability of a number of players.
However, Philip Dyball - enjoying his best season at the Seasiders - comes back in at hooker.
A reshuffle in the back three sees Rob Bryce start at full-back in place of the unavailable Charlie Templeman.
In the pack captain Steve Johnson returns to the second row and replaces injured Chester Reed, who broke his collar bone in last weekend’s 15-14 win at Hartlepool.
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