With the Universal Sealants-sponsored side 27 points clear of fourth-placed Felling – who travel to leaders Burnmoor – it will require a massive upset for the Villagers not to finish in third place.

It is a sign of the progress that the club have made in recent years that their fourth successive top-three-finish is viewed with some disappointment after coming so close to the title last season.

This summer, David Bell's side have stayed ahead of the chasing pack, but haven't been able to compete with the two leading sides, Burnmoor and Hetton Lyons.

The Villagers will be looking for better luck with the weather than they had at Church Road last season.

After a century from Jimmy Daley helped Whitburn to a score of 231-2, they had the home side in deep trouble at 20-4, thanks to three wickets from Neil Johnson.

But, the rain cost them victory and an extra 18 points that may have allowed the Villagers to claim the league title.

As well as Zimbabwean international, Elton Chigumbura, Eppleton include two of the league's most promising youngsters. Kyle Davis hit a century in last week's draw against Seaham Harbour, and Paul Coughlin has scored over 1800 runs in all cricket this summer.

Tonight, Whitburn welcome their former professional, Ashley Thorpe, and his Sunderland team-mates to the Village Ground for their twice-postponed Just Sport Trophy semi final.

If the Villagers can claim their third Premier League scalp of the season, they will face Shotley Bridge in the final of this prestigious tournament.

Opening batsman Neil Ayre, who has scored 496 league runs at an average of 45 in this rain-ravaged season, faces a late fitness test ahead of tomorrow's game, after suffering a back injury in last week's draw at Durham City.

If the misses out, Ross Carty is expected to get another chance at the top of the order.

Carty has made promising starts when asked to open, with scores of 42 and 25 in his two innings against Seaham Harbour and Durham City, and will be looking to go on to a big score tomorrow if he gets another chance.