West Auckland manager Alan Shoulder has warned that his side could drop back into the relegation fight if they don't start winning games again, starting today against Horden.

West put together a good run of results before Christmas to climb into midtable, but they have now lost their last two to make them look over their shoulders at the relegation fight, which they are just five places and six points above.

"I would say that the bottom ten teams are in the relegation battle," said Shoulder.

"If you win two games, then you think that you're safe, and then lose two and you're back in it again.

"I reckon that we need 40 points to make sure of safety - and this year it could be more than that." Darryl Hall, Chris Gillespie and Paul Stout are all expected to return, while Chase McMullen will have a fitness test.

Horden manager Alan Robinson takes charge of his first game since his surprise move from Billingham Town.

He and assistant manager Jason Ainsley will take a watching brief, while Keith Stephens picks the side.

One of Robinson's first acts has been to find some goalkeeping cover and he is hoping to sign Phil Naisbitt.

Fourth-placed Bedlington take on Billingham Synthonia, who are one place above them in the table. Bedlington are without striker Tony Shandran, while there are doubts over defender Danny Anderson and midfielder Robbie Cockburn. Synners are without midfielder Craig Perry because of suspension, while defender Shaun Hope will have a fitness test.

Title favourites Dunston, unbeaten in 23 league games, are at home to Esh Winning. Midfielder Richie Pitt is missing because of injury, but Danny Shore and Stephen Young return.

Esh choose from 15 players, but are missing Phil Coxall and Dave Anderson.

League leaders Benfield Saints are at home to Brandon, who are hoping they have rediscovered their form following their midweek win.

Saints, a point clear but have played five games more than Dunston, are at full strength. Brandon have a doubt over striker Dean Hellens, but midfielder Stephen Flockett returns.

Durham City are without midfielder Stephen Stewart because of suspension and striker Glen Robson because of injury at home to Ashington, who have doubts over defender David Carr and midfielder Mark Campbell.

Whitley Bay, who like Durham are almost out of the title race, are at home to Shildon, and will be without suspended midfielder Steve Leadbitter.

Shildon are without six players for various reasons, but striker Scott Emmerson returns to the line up after injury.

Consett face neighbours Tow Law in a bottom three clash.

Consett's new boss Jon King takes charge of his first home game, and includes new midfielder Ross Greenhill, signed from Benfield Saints, while he will give striker Micky Ford a fitness test Lawyers are hoping to have started a revival after two successive wins, and will probably be unchanged.

Jarrow Roofing need to forget about their Vase heroics at Chester-le-Street, and concentrate on improving their fourth bottom position.

Midfielders Steve Lish and Gus Di Lella return after injury, while Chester are still missing striker Phil Bell because of injury.

Billingham Town face Guisborough in a Teesside derby. Town welcome back George Woodhouse, Lee Ure and Adam Livingstone, while Guisborough could be unchanged.

The top game in the second division is at third placed Northallerton, who face Washington Nissan, one place above them on the same number of points.

Northallerton add midfielder Andy Swalwell and strikers David Onions and Craig Skelton to their squad after they all missed the midweek North Riding Senior Cup defeat by Whitby.

Nissan hope to complete the signing of midfielder John Toft from Shildon if they can obtain his release from Spennymoor, but former Hartlepool striker Steve Halliday is injured.

Leaders Newcastle Blue Star can inflict more damage on fifth placed Prudhoe, who haven't won in six league games.

Washington, who are still hoping to catch the top five, are at South Shields, and welcome back striker Gary McCartney and defender Alan Oliver.

Crook still have hopes of catching the leading group, and they have a derby against bottom club Willington. Crook expect to be at full strength, while Willington could make changes from the team that lost 6-1 last week.