EXPERIENCED hooker Neil Lineham finds himself in an unaccustomed position in the back row as York bid to end a losing run of seven games when they tackle Blaydon at Clifton Park tomorrow.

Blaydon, second in North Two, would provide a stern test for York in normal circumstances, but the home club's hopes of halting their losing streak has been further hit by injuries.

Taff McTavish takes an enforced rest after being concussed at Huddersfield last week, lock Dave Spanton is on police duty and goal-kicker Andy Brown is doubtful with a groin strain.

With York looking light in the back five, Lineham has switched with Steff Gibbs taking up hooking duties.

Blaydon, pushing hard for promotion behind leaders Northern, are in dispute with player registration officials which has seen them docked points.

Problems arose when they fielded former Loughborough University centre Daniel Hopkinson and breached a registration rule, prompting officials to deduct points.

Blaydon had two appeals against the decision rejected, but they have now gone to Twickenham, claiming that there was a breach in procedure when their appeals were heard.

Hopkinson, who has played just once for Blaydon, will not be playing tomorrow as the row has yet to be sorted out.

Harrogate will welcome back Rob Faulkner, Stephen Riley, Andy Ludiman, and Dean Holder from injury for the visit to Reading tomorrow.

Reading won 33-27 at Harrogate earlier in the season, and Harrogate's league position means they will be keen to reverse the result.Selby beef up their side for the North East Division Three encounter with Ripon at Sandhill Lane.

Prop Sam Longthorpe returns to action for Andy Pocklington and Carl Patterson displaces Toby Pemberton at fly half.

For Ripon, George Whitaker, son of former club captain Neil Whitaker, comes in for the unavailable Richard moss at full-back and Roger Dawson deputises for Joff Steed at fly half.

Selby and Ripon also meet at second team level at Mallorie Park tomorrow in the semi-final of the North Yorkshire Trophy. The other semi-final, between Northallerton 'A' and Wharfedale IV, is scheduled for a week on Sunday.

Pocklington's player-coach, Gary Pearce, returns to action for the North East Three home game against Hartlepool Technical Day School Old Boys after checking on the form of his second team last Saturday.

Second-placed Pock are further strengthened by the return of forward Denzil Styche and name four props in their squad as there are fitness doubts over Perry Hardy and Rob Smith.

Malton and Norton travel to Wath-on-Dearne with teacher Tom Eddie available to take over from prop Steve Riddolls, who will be on the bench. Steve Hayhurst comes in at hooker for Matt Rohan.

In Yorkshire Three, Manu Fotu misses his second successive York RI game because of Achilles tendon trouble, but the New Lane side should prove too strong for bottom club Hornsea. Paul Rimmer comes in for Chris Dale on the RI wing.

Third-placed Wetherby, a couple of slots above RI, visit Stocksbridge, while Scarborough visit Yorkshire Shield finalists, Huddersfield YMCA, in Yorkshire Two.

Nestle Rowntree's second team skipper stands down from senior action as 'Trees prepare to meet Adwick-le-Street at Mille Crux in Yorkshire Five. His place at prop goes to Lee Cummings, while James Baldwin returns to the back row with Dave Sowray switching places with Chris Lowther.

Ship Inn Mauraders entertain Baildon Extra 'A' with Angus Smith replacing Simon Dwyer at full back and Paul Pinder returning to take Smith's position.

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