Hot signings on show if Tynedale beat cold

The West Yorkshire club are confident that their pitch is playable, but it will still be an anxious wait for Shotton and coach Tom Borthwick - who are keen not to lose the momentum built up at the end of last year.

"I spoke to Wharfedale on New Year's Day and they said the pitch is OK at the moment," Shotton said.

"They have had covers on it and that appears to have got it through the worst of the weather but there will be a few games off, I'm sure.

"We don't want a postponement. We're in decent form and with the addition of Tom and Alex and the rest of the lads from the Falcons it's a pretty decent looking team - as good as any in the division on paper."

The recruitment of Tait is a coup for Tynedale, although the talented full-back will start on the substitutes' bench as he plots a comeback from the dislocated kneecap which has ruled him out of most of the season.

As well as Tait, fellow loanee Dillon has plenty of top flight experience, while the return of powerful Greg Irvine at number eight after nearly two months out with a knee injury is a further boost.

Rob Miller will take the place of the injured Gavin Beasley, but Jack Smales and Andrew Murray are both unavailable.

"We're happy to get Alex and Tom, who both have good experience at the top flight. We'll wait and see how ready Alex is but he's on the bench at the moment," he said.

"Wharfedale are a decent side, though - especially tough at home. Despite being down there in the table not many teams have come away from them with points and a win and they'll be fighting for their lives."

WEEKEND TEAM

TYNEDALE (v Wharfedale, away): J Harrison; J Hoyle; T Dillon; B Duncan; F Shaw; R Miller; R Sampson, J Williams; J Graham; R Harden; B Marshall; E Gesinde; S Johnson; G Rastall; J Murray. Replacements: A Tait; W Massey; G Irving; P Southern; M Fieldhouse.