Washington Nissan have seen fireworks in more ways than one after failing to fulfil last weekend's Second Division fixture against Penrith.

The club was forced to postpone the game because of a fireworks display at the Nissan complex, and the league's management committee has now handed them a total of £300 in fines and deducted three points for failing to fulfil the fixture.

As a result they have dropped into third place in the Second Division.

Northern League chairman Mike Amos said: "Nissan were fined £50 and had three points deducted for failure to fulfil a fixture and were fined £250 for failing to meet the agreement of their league membership, specifically not having full and first use of their ground at all times."

Nissan manager, Wilf Constantine, said: "I've been ordered by the club secretary not to say anything, but I'm sure we'll have plenty to say when the time comes."

Nissan were informed that the display was going ahead only the day before the game and, denied access to their facilities, had no alternative but to call the game off.

Nissan have a Durham Challenge Cup tie at Birtley to worry about today and will be missing midfielder Jon Cullen because of injury.

In the First Division, Billingham Synthonia, who are third, take on West Auckland at Central Avenue.

Synners are without midfielder David Wells, while Lee Flanagan and Tony Wood are both struggling with injuries. West welcome back striker Andy Cole, while there is a doubt over youngster Kevin Hughes.

The Durham Challenge Cup game between the two sides in midweek had to be abandoned because of floodlight failure and has been rearranged for Tuesday night.

Second-placed Dunston face Tow Law at Federation Park and are without midfielder Michael Robson because of suspension, while another midfielder, Richie Pitt, will have a fitness test.

Tow Law, who have conceded nine goals in their last two matches, are without suspended pair Carl Beasley and Lee Innes, but midfielders Stuart Niven and Ian Davison return.

Durham, who are fourth, just two points off the lead, are at home to Horden, who conceded six in midweek.

City will give defender Justin Keegan and striker Glen Robson fitness tests. Horden are without strikers Kevin Devine and Martin Bowes because of suspension and injury respectively.

Chester-le-Street, who are sixth, will give striker Gary Shields a fitness test before their home game with Esh Winning, but midfielder Rob Draper returns. Esh are badly hit by injuries, with David Anderson, Ben Gawthorpe and Paul Brown all missing, while there are doubts over David Lee and David Mawson.

Shildon include new striker Phil McGuire, signed from West Auckland, at home to Jarrow Roofing, and they are also boosted by the return of skipper Danny Key after suspension.

However, striker Garry Barnes is missing because of an ankle injury. Roofing, who have won their last two matches, both against Guisborough, could be unchanged.

Fourth-bottom Consett are at home to second-bottom Brandon, who are unbeaten in their last five matches.

Consett will give striker Michael Stubbs, signed from Washington, his debut, while Brandon welcome back leading scorer Scott Bell and midfielder Stephen Flockett, but there are doubts over John Harrison and Chris Allen.

Bedlington are badly hit by injuries for their home game against Thornaby, because striker Tony Shandran and midfielder Robbie Cockburn both picked up knocks in midweek against Horden.

Guisborough desperately need a win at home to Peterlee, and could make changes to their line up. Peterlee are hoping to complete the signing of Wayne Edgcumbe before the game.

Whitley Bay are away to Morpeth, who have conceded eleven goals in their last three matches.

Whitley are yet to keep a clean sheet in any game this season and expect striker Adam Johnston to rejoin the squad.

In the Second Division, Crook are hoping to sign a new player before their home game with Seaham Red Star. Strikers Danny Mellanby and Andrew Shaw are both injured.

Seaham are missing Anth Laidler and David Johnson because of suspension, but Lee Blackett returns.

Bottom club Willington have an important away game at Hebburn, who are two places and five points ahead of them. Willington boss Stan Cummins has signed Lewis Powell and Paul Harrison, both from Norton.