Brandon manager Vince Kirkup wants to pull away from the clubs at the bottom of the table, starting with this morning's clash against Peterlee.

Brandon are five points above the bottom three after a run of just two defeats in 11 games, and Kirkup said: "Today's game is a real six-pointer.

"We must put some daylight between ourselves and the bottom three, especially as the other clubs have games in hand on us."

Marc Irwin, Shaun Gregory and Craig Coates are all doubtful, while third bottom Peterlee could keep the same team that beat Horden on Boxing Day.

Leading duo Dunston and Benfield are both without a game today so third placed Billingham Synthonia will close the gap if they win at Morpeth.

Defender Shaun Hope and midfielder David Wells return but strikers Tony Wood and Lee Flanagan are still both missing because of injury.

Morpeth have been one of the most improved teams in the league recently, having lost just once in six matches.

Chester-le-Street could go fourth if they beat Bedlington at Chester Moor, but they will be without leading scorer Phil Bell and recent signing Danny Newby because of injury while defender Damien Maw will have a fitness test. Bedlington could be close to full strength.

Whitley Bay, who are on the fringes of the title race, include new signing Chris Moore from Bishop Auckland for their home game against bottom club Tow Law. Leading scorer Adam Johnston will have a fitness test, but Neil Shotton and Ben Ryan are both missing. Tow Law are hoping to be close to full strength.

Durham City, whose title chances are steadily slipping away, are at Consett, who are now managed by former Durham boss Tony Harrison.

Midfielder Stephen Stewart and striker Michael Mackay will both return for Durham while Consett, who are fourth bottom following their midweek win at Esh Winning, choose from their full squad of 15 players.

Billingham Town expect to be at full strength for their home game with Ashington as Jason Ainsley, Tom Jones and Stuart Brightwell all return to the squad. Ashington have a slight doubt over midfielder Lee Picton.

Esh Winning welcome back several players for their home game with Jarrow Roofing who are a point above the relegation zone. Andy Cuthbertson, Gareth McKenna and Craig Marron all return, but they are still missing Phil Coxall and David Mawson.

Roofing, who haven't won in three league games, welcome back defender Micky Irving.

Shildon go to Thornaby who are level on points with them just above the relegation zone. Midfielder Steve Huggins and striker Scott Emmerson will both be missing for Shildon because of injury.

In the second division leaders Prudhoe are at South Shields and second-placed Newcastle Blue Star face second bottom Easington. Star will be at full strength.

Fourth-placed West Allotment, who are unbeaten in their last six matches, will probably be at full strength at home to North Shields who welcome back Steve Hamil and Ray Gordon.

Northallerton who are level on points with Allotment, are without suspended trio John Ryan, Ross Diamond and Ross Foreman away to Whickham, while they could make a new signing before the game.

Crook need to beat Marske United to stay in touch with the leading group, and they will be without keeper Andy Hoggeth.

Washington also need maximum points for the same reasons away to second bottom Hebburn, and they will probably have a full squad.

Evenwood, who are fifth bottom, will be at full strength for their home game with Penrith.

All of today's games kick off at 11am, except for those at Morpeth, Whitley Bay and Whickham, which are at midday.