Tow Law are hoping to hit the FA Vase glory trail again and forget about their league form when they go to Bacup Borough today.

Lawyers, who reached the final in 1998, only to lose to Tiverton, have struggled in the league this season, but manager Geoff Young believes their fortunes are improving.

"A lot of our injured players have returned in recent matches and they've added quality to the team,'' he said.

"I don't expect miracles, but I expect another improvement."

Keeper Andrew Spence is doubtful because of injury and midfielder Anth Lowther is missing, but Carl Beasley, Scott Richards, David Hunter and Lee Innes return.

Shildon take on Ashington, who, like them, have reached the second qualifying round of the FA Cup.

Shildon have a big doubt over striker Garry Barnes and defender Steve Huggins, while Leigh Grant and Adam Reid are both missing.

Horden, who also did well in the FA Cup in midweek, are at Atherton LR.

Peterlee, who are at home to Clipstone, are without striker Paul Hinton and midfielder Steve Pitman, so manager Andy Toman could include himself in the squad.

Esh Winning, unbeaten in their last seven league and cup games, are at Armthorpe, and are without four players because of injury, while striker Gary Messer will have a fitness test.

Evenwood, hoping to pull off a giantkilling against Consett, include new striker Gareth McMahon. Stephen Moore, Graham Wedge and Stephen Houlahan are all unavailable. Consett could make changes after losing in midweek at Peterlee.

Crook Town have a tricky game at Northallerton, but are strengthened by the returns of strikers Lee Ellison and Andrew Shaw, but another striker, Danny Mellanby, is unavailable. Northallerton hope to sign midfielder Simon Colligan from Gateshead, but defender Stuart Jackson will have a fitness test.

Willington go to Salford City, and manager Stan Cummins again includes himself in the squad.

Newcastle Benfield Saints play their first home game of the season against Ramsbottom, and will be without striker Stephen Young and midfielder Tony Errington.

Kennek Ryhope CA are at home to previous finalists St Helens, and include striker David Taylor, who has returned to the club after spells at Shildon and Horden. Keeper Craig Shields is missing.

Chester-le-Street include new striker Johnny Wightman, signed from Kennek Ryhope CA, in their squad at Thornaby. Wightman is a former team-mate of Chester striker Phil Bell, who is the league's leading scorer. Thornaby have welcomed back Chris Lynch to the club after a short spell at Whitby.

Brandon manager Vince Kirkup is without Dale Crawford and Kevin Hamilton for their tie at Washington, who welcome back Scott Oliver and Chris Creamer.

Former Vase winners Whitley Bay are at Washington Nissan, and they have doubts over five players, including top scorer Adam Johnston. Nissan will be at full strength.

North Shields, whose only win this season was in the last round, are at home to Maine Road, and they will be missing Mark Cass and Ian Dugdale, who are both injured.

Guisborough play Goole from the NCEL and are without three players because of injury, but keeper Simon Corbett and midfielder Darren Mowbray return.

Jarrow Roofing have signed former Hartlepool midfielder Gus DiLella from Horden, but he is ineligible for their home tie against Nelson. Craig Nelson and Chris McCabe both return.

Norton, unbeaten in the league this season, are at Penrith, and welcome back Brian Sherlock and Steve Hunter.

Marske go to Winsford, who beat them in the FA Cup last season, Striker Chris Reeve is unavailable.

Billingham Town manager Alan Robinson wants his players to forget about the FA Cup as they prepare for today's game at West Auckland.

While Town have battled through to the second qualifying round of the FA Cup, their league form has suffered, and go into today's game in the bottom half of the table.

Robinson said: "We really must start picking up points again."