Bishop Auckland manager Brian Honour believes his side can still escape relegation, starting with a home win over Ossett Town today.

Even though Bishops are ten points adrift of Premier Division safety, Honour thinks they can pick up enough points from their last 16 matches to get out of the relegation zone.

"I feel really optimistic that we can get out of trouble," he said. "If we keep on playing the way we did against Burscough on Wednesday night, then we have a good chance of getting away from trouble. The new players have really improved the team."

Midfielder Steve Salvin has a hip injury, and defender Mark Foster has a knee injury.

Troubled Spennymoor, with financial clouds hanging over them, are at Burscough.

Defender Paul Talbot is unavailable, while new signing John Hutton from Durham has flu. Striker Tommy Raw could make the starting line up.

Manager Graeme Clark said: "I thought we produced one of our best performances of the season at Whitby in midweek."

Gateshead, who are fourth bottom, are at home to Wakefield-Emley, while second-bottom Blyth are at Lincoln United.

Promotion chasing Whitby are at Witton Albion.

l Although missing Stephen Bell and Lee Johnson, Darlington RA take a strong squad to Wolviston this afternoon when they will defend an 11-points lead at the top of the Wearside League.

"I had 21 in for training on Wednesday night and we are buoyant - especially since Stokesley SC conceded a couple of points in their midweek game," said manager Dave Woodcock.

He insists though that RA are taking nothing for granted. "Stokesley have a game in hand and we still have 13 to play," warned Woodcock.

Wolviston have transferred Tyson Masters to Norton and Stockton Ancients and Gareth Richardson is another absentee but Gareth Murphy and Carl Brunskill return.

Stokesley SC miss three players - Matthew Homan, John Humberside and Richard Hore - for their home game with improving Washington Nissan UK.

Nissan, unbeaten in six, are third from the basement. Tom Donkin and Mark O'Connor, who have been sidelined through injury are back in training and could play some part.

Ferryhill manager Mark Fanning is still attempting to strengthen his side ahead of the visit from New Marske. Richard Begg and Tony Stafford play and John Banks may make the line up.

New Marske are stronger with the inclusion of captain Ian Johnson, Ben Walker, Chris Knight and Adam Taylor.

Birtley Town aim to make it seven wins on the trot at the expense of lowly Whitehaven but they will have to do so without Paul Bryson. Stephen Ireland and Calvin Magnus are added to the squad.

After losing their last four games, fourth-top Cleadon SC need a good result at home to Ryhope CW. Brothers Stephen and Tony Fyall are included, but Mark Johnson is suspended.

Ryhope anticipate Chris Gallagher and goalkeeper Michael Burlinson playing but will need to run fitness checks on Kevin Benison and Craig Smith.

Sport Catterick have not played since early December and are looking forward to their Monkwearmouth Charity Cup tie at Jarrow where a full squad will be on duty. Jarrow include midfielders Craig Hood and Ryan Houson.

Coxhoe Athletic, who strengthened their grip on third position with a good result at Windscale on Wednesday, have Boldon CA as visitors with the sides playing for a place in the semi-finals.