Durham have placed senior player John Watson in caretaker charge for their game at Horden today.

Watson was handed the caretaker job after previous boss Billy Cruddas decided to quit on Thursday night.

Chairman Stewart Dawson said: "We're pleased that John accepted, but I must say that I am still upset about Billy leaving."

City were also hit by another resignation on Thursday, with coach Dickie Ord leaving to concentrate on the Soccarena project.

The Durham job is one of the most cherished in the North-East, and Cruddas said: "I stopped getting pleasure, and when that happens, then you have to get out.

"I had a great friendship with Dickie, and people can learn a lot from him. At least now I can go out with the chairman socially, without his mobile phone ringing and other managers asking if my job is available."

Midfielders Stephen Stewart and Kevin Dixon are both suspended, while keeper Paul Gilmore has been released.

Horden hope to conclude the playing transfer of assistant manager Jason Ainsley from Billingham Town before the game, while they will also give a home debut to Darren Raulston from Thornaby.

Brandon manager Vince Kirkup wants victory today in the six pointer at Thornaby - and put pressure on their relegation rivals.

Kirkup said: "If we were to win our second game in a row on Saturday, that would put a lot of pressure on the clubs below us.

"It could make a huge difference, and some clubs would have to win at least two matches to overtake us. And when you're near the bottom, winning two in a row isn't easy."

Midfielders Dale Crawford and Stephen Flockett, as well as striker Aaron Scott, are all unavailable.

Thornaby, just a point above Brandon, go into the game unbeaten in their last ten league games.

Consett play Peterlee in a bottom four battle. Consett include new signings, Wayne Edgcumbe from Whitley Bay and former Hartlepool midfielder Tony Skedd, but Micky Fort and Craig Tait are injured.

Peterlee player-manager Paul Hinton has ruled himself out because of a shoulder injury.

West Auckland, who have lost four out of their last five matches to slip to only five points above the relegation zone, are at home to Esh Winning.

Chris Gillespie and Darryl Hall return, while midfielder Brian Nelson will make his home debut after signing in midweek. Paul Stout will have a fitness test.

Esh are still without long term injury victims Phil Coxall and David Anderson.

Guisborough need to win their away game at Chester-le-Street to keep their survival hopes alive, but their injury list means that manager Steve Corden and assistant Steve Dowling will include themselves in the squad.

Chester are without striker Gary Shields and midfielder Anthony March, while three other players will have a fitness tests.

Shildon, who are six points clear of the relegation zone, are at Morpeth, and they expect to be at full strength, except for injured defender Leigh Grant.

League leaders Dunston are trying to stretch their unbeaten league run to 27 matches at home to Billingham Town, and they will be without injured midfielder Richie Pitt.

Town welcome back striker George Woodhouse and midfielder Martin O'Riordan.

Newcastle Benfield Saints, in second place, are at home to Whitley Bay, whose title chances have almost gone.

Billingham Synthonia, who are seven points off the pace, are at home to Ashington, and they are strengthened by the return of Lee Flanagan, but Craig Perry and Richie Gaston are both suspended. Ashington, who have lost just once in five games, are without midfielder Alex Lawson.

Second division leaders Newcastle Blue Star are at South Shields, and welcome back striker Christian Graham and defender David Johnson into their squad.

Jarrow Roofing owner Richie McLoughlin is hoping that the fairytale will continue as they aim for a place in the quarter finals of the Vase at home to Tipton today.

Roofing are into uncharted territory now after surprise wins over fancied Deal Town and Cammell Laird and McLoughlin said: "We're well up for this game.

"We've been raising our game for the Vase matches this season, and I don't think we'll freeze - we haven't up to now.

"But we know we're in for a tough game. Tipton have lost only twice this season, so we must make home advantage count again."