Second Division basement battlers Easington and Hebburn will face a play-off if they have identical results today.

Never in the league's 116 year history has a situation like today's been encountered. Both clubs are tied on points, goal difference and goals scored going into their final games of the season. If their results are exactly the same today, then a play-off to decide who is relegated along with Willington will have to take place next week.

League chairman Mike Amos said: "It's an unprecedented situation for two clubs to be in and it's an amazing thing to happen. Neither game will be a place for the faint-hearted."

Hebburn, who have lost just once in their last six matches, could be without key player Paul Donaghie at Marske, while a couple of other players are expected to shake off knocks.

Easington, meanwhile, are hoping to be at full strength for their home game with champions West Allotment, who have a doubt over 48-goal striker Michael Chilton. Allotment will have the second division trophy presented to them after the game.

However, it may all be much ado about nothing, because if Ryton, who have applied to join the ANL, don't finish in the top two in the Northern Alliance, the second bottom club will be saved.

Ryton could be beaten to a top-two place by Team Northumbria and Shankhouse. But there doesn't appear to be a threat to expel South Shields, who failed to fulfil their game at Alnwick on Thursday night.

Shields only had six players, and the game had to be postponed. Amos said: "We have a meeting on Tuesday at which the situation and the particular circumstances will doubtless be discussed.

"I don't think expulsion is an option."

Shields are more likely to be given a heavy fine.

In the first division relegation fight, West Auckland, who have finished their fixtures and are fifth bottom, will be nervously watching the results involving Brandon and Consett.

If both of those clubs win, West will be relegated. Brandon are a point behind West but a draw will be no good for them at Esh Winning because their goal difference is two goals worse.

Keeper James Winter and winger David Foley are both missing for Brandon, but Ben Wickling, Aaron Scott and David Fort all return.

Esh are without Phil Coxall and Richie Paxton, who are both injured, while Dave Mawson is suspended.

Brandon boss Vince Kirkup said: "We'll be trying our hardest, make no mistake about that."

Consett can go above West on goal difference but only if they beat Shildon at Belle Vue. Striker Mark Turner will be missing for Consett, while Shildon, who were beaten in the league cup semi-final at Dunston in midweek, welcome back striker Lee Ellison and midfielder Steve Huggins, but defender Danny Shoulder is unavailable.

Consett manager Jon King said: "The players were nervous when we drew 0-0 in midweek but if we play like we can do we're more than capable of beating them."

If second-bottom Peterlee, who are eight points adrift with three games left, lose their derby at Horden, they will be relegated.

Paul Hinton, who was appointed caretaker manager after the departure of John Charlton, has resigned for personal reasons, so chairman Trevor Jones has taken over team affairs.

Horden welcome back five players who missed the midweek game at Bedlington, but they are missing Lee Dixon because of injury.

Washington Nissan can clinch the last promotion place from the Second Division if they win or draw their decider at Northallerton, who are one place and one point below them but have played a game more.

Nissan are at full strength except for injured full back Kevin Bruce, and manager Wilf Constantine said: "I thought we were coming back to form when we won in midweek."

Northallerton are without suspended pair Ross Diamond and Andy Swalwell and their boss Paul Burton said: "If we win it will put the pressure on Nissan in their last game."

In the other First Division games, champions Dunston will have the championship trophy presented to them before their home game with Jarrow Roofing.

Dunston, who are unbeaten in their 38 league games this season, are without Mark Taylor, who has a hamstring injury, and they might rest one or two players ahead of their two cup finals next week.

Tow Law, who are safe from relegation, are at Bedlington, and will have a full squad to choose from. Bedlington are missing Tony Chapman because of injury and Robbie Cockburn who is unavailable.

In the other second division games, Newcastle Blue Star can clinch the runners-up spot if they beat Prudhoe at the Wheatsheaf. They'll be missing strikers David McMahon and Michael Fenwick because of suspension.

Seaham Red Star are at Penrith and they'll be missing several players."