Shildon manager Danny Moore says that the Railwaymen mustn’t lose when they go to North Shields on Saturday.

The Railwaymen, who are third in the table, need to bounce back from last Saturday’s disappointing home defeat by Dunston, and stay in touch with the two leaders, Morpeth and Marske.

Shields are one of their other rivals, standing a place and four points behind them.

“This is a big three points for both clubs, because Shields lost last weekend as well,” said Moore. “Neither of us can afford to lose. It’s always tough going there, we need to get something out of the game.”

Moore will give new defender Carl Jones his debut on his return to the club, but another recent signing, Matty Waters, will have a fitness test. He has also signed midfielder Adam Gell from Whitby, where he was a regular last season.

Shildon have won eight out of ten away league games this season, while Shields have only won four out of nine at home.

West Auckland, who are sixth, also have a big game, away to Newcastle Benfield.

West have some great away form of seven wins from twelve league games, and they will be missing defender Ross Colquhoun because of suspension.

Manager Gary Forrest said; “We need to keep their top scorer, Paul Brayson, quiet.”

Newton Aycliffe face Seaham Red Star at Moore Lane, and they will give defender Dan Mitton a fitness test, while keeper James Winter returns after illness. Manager Deano Browne said; “It’s another test for us against a well-organised. The lads are raring to go, hopefully the game will be on.”

Second Division leaders Northallerton are at home to Esh Winning, and they include a 16 year old, Charlie Griffiths, at left back, but they will be missing defender Elliot McGlade because of suspension. Liam Jarvie could return after recovering from injury.

Northallerton manager Darren Trotter said; “It will be another hard game as there are no easy games in the league but if we play to our potential we should be capable of winning the game"

Esh, who are tenth, are without Chris Mordue and Matthew Allison, while Max Stoker and Mykel Summerson return. “It’s always a hard game at Northallerton and both teams will be after the three points,” said Esh manager Tony Boakes.

Tow Law, who are third, are at home to Heaton Stannington, who are one place and a point behind them. Manager Steve Murray reports no injuries from last week’s victory at West Allotment, and said; “We hope to be at full strength for the first time in a while. It’s a big game against a good side.”

Durham City, who have won their last three league matches to go seventh, are at home to Easington, and they welcome defender Ste Malloy and striker Brad Hird back into their squad. Manager Olly Hotchkiss said; “It will be a difficult game as Easington are a good side with good players. We need to have the same desire as recent weeks to hopefully pick up another three points.”

Second bottom Darlington RA need at least a point from their home game against Whickham, and they are strengthened by the return of keeper Phil Pentony, and new signing James Connor, Sean Johnson and Jordan Hanratty.

Willington go to Ryton and Crawcrook, and manager Rob Lee expects to choose from a squad of 16, as they try to improve on their 12th place in the table.

Both clubs need the points when fourth bottom Crook Town meet Brandon, a place and five points behind them. Crook are without left back Joe Spooner and forward Daniel Kent, but defender Ryan Coles returns. Manager Chris Lax said; “It’s a six pointer, we must get something from the game.”

They also include new signing Ethan Grayson, signed from Brandon last week.

Brandon manager Steve Skinner is taking charge of his first game, and includes new signings Andrew Brown from Seaham Red Star and Glenn Donaldson from Darlington RA.

“The game is massive for both sides with the situation at the bottom of the table,” said Skinner. “For us, it’s more about getting things moving forward on the field. Three points are massive but we need three or four gams under our belts to put things in place so we can move forward and results will come for us.”

Chester-le-Street’s recent revival of three straight league wins to take them up to 15th will be tested by second in the table Blyth AFC.

Manager Colin Wake expects to choose from a full squad except for Kevin Dixon who is unavailable, and said; “We go into the game full of confidence after the little mini run that we’re on, but hopefully the break hasn’t stopped our momentum.”