Shildon manager Daniel Moore says that he and assistant manager Micky Barron will be a very good partnership as they prepare for their FA Cup tie against Morpeth at Dean Street on Saturday.

Barron, one of Hartlepool’s favourite sons with over a decade of service, was appointed assistant during the summer, and that will allow Moore to continue playing in defence.

“Micky doesn’t want to be a manager – he’s quite happy to be an assistant manager, doing the coaching, organising from the touchline and passing on his experience,” said Moore. “We’ve known each other for a long time, we have a good relationship, and most of all, I trust him.”

The Railwaymen have only one problem – they are awaiting international clearance from Scotland for defender David Renyard, who played for Gretna last season.

Morpeth finished third in the league last season and will be a big test for the Railwaymen after strengthening their squad during the summer.

Bishop Auckland start their campaign on Consett’s 3G pitch against their fellow Northern League side, and manager Steve Riley will give a couple of players fitness tests.

Bishops had a good run in the Cup last season and were the only NL side to reach the fourth qualifying round, and Riley said; “I’m not a fan of the FA Cup being the very first game of the season, and it is difficult against a Consett side who are normally strong at home. But we are optimistic that we can go there and get a result if we play to our strengths and would love to emulate the cup run from last season.”

Newton Aycliffe are hoping to reach the next round for the second time in three seasons in their home tie against Chester-le-Street.

Manager Deano Browne includes five new signings including Craig Hutchinson, the league’s top scorer last season, but he will be missing Jack Oliver and Liam Browne. The manager said; “We know that Chester will be a good team and very well organised. Pre season has gone well and the lads are looking forward to getting the season started.”

Chester, who were relegated last season, include six new players – Andrew Clarkson, Connor Lyon, Daniel Maddison, Alex Walker, Dylan Crooks and Callum Greaves -- as manager Colin Wake rebuilds, but he will be missing three players for various reasons.

West Auckland go across the A66 in order to play Penrith. Manager Gary Forrest, who has brought in several new players in a summer rebuild, said; “The first game of the season is always a tough game played at 100 miles per hour.”

Three of those summer signings, Ben Wood, Denver Morris and Michael McKeown, will have fitness tests.

There are seven second division games for those clubs who failed to qualify for the FA Cup.

Darlington RA are looking for a winning start at home to Esh Winning, who finished bottom last season but were reprieved from relegation.

Manager Peter Mulcaster, who has a squad of 21 to choose from, said; “Like us, Esh have brought in a number of new players, but I have to say that I will be disappointed if we don’t get a result.”

Esh have added several new players during the summer, including Michael Summerson and Gavin Brown from Coxhoe, and Bailey Hunter and Daniel Kent from Willington. Manager Tony Boakes said; “It’s a massive game for both sides, and we’ll both be going for the win.”

Crook Town manager Wilf Constantine takes his side back to one of his old clubs Easington, where he had three spells as manager, one in particular when they reached the last qualifying round of the FA Cup. Constantine has made several new signings for his first full season in charge, and said; “It’s a tough start at Easington, but to be honest it’s a tough league.”

Durham City are away at newcomers Jarrow, who have been promoted from the Wearside League, and manager Olly Hotchkiss includes several new signings with Nicky Allen, Sam Joyce and Philip Hayes all in the squad.

Tow Law are at home to Northallerton, and they will be missing Glenn Caygill because of suspension, but Ross Morrow, Matty Smith and Kieran Parnaby will all be making their debuts. Manager Steve Murray said; “It’s a good test for us to see where we are, as Northallerton are one of the best sides in the division.”

Northallerton have a goalkeeping problem as James Briggs and Michael Thackeray are both injured, so Alex Ward, on loan from Selby, will probably play. They include six new signings, including old boys Aaron Ramsbottom, Josh Knox and Mark Hemingway.

Brandon are at home to Ryton and Crawcrook, who just managed to escape relegation last season, and they will give Jason White his second debut, but Kieran Duffy-Weekes, Steven Turnbull and James Moore are all suspended. However, new signings Tom Goundry, Kieran Alderson, Owen Stephenson and Decklan Greenwood are all added to the squad.