Tow Law manager Steve Smith is looking for more passion from his team at Chester-le-Street today as they battle against falling into the relegation zone.

Lawyers have slipped to fourth bottom and Smith said: "I was unhappy with last week's performance.

"Because we hadn't played for three weeks, I could have understood it if the players had a poor touch and weren't sharp enough for the first 20 minutes, but it was like that all the way through.

"Where was the passion and the commitment? That's what we need to get us out of the bottom four. We must get back to the form we had a month ago."

Lawyers welcome back midfielders Lee Innes, Scott Richards and Geoff Young.

Chester-le-Street, who have won their last two matches, include Ross Lumsden, who has returned after a spell in America. Striker Paul Richardson could face his old club.

Shildon, who are eighth, include three new signings at Morpeth. Manager Ray Gowan has signed former Darlington midfielder David Campbell from Whitby, midfielder Kurt Warburton from Evenwood, and young striker Warren Burn, who was at Bishop Auckland last season. Striker Nigel Bolton is injured, while defender Jamie Middleton is suspended.

Horden have signed midfielder Lee Fitzgerald from Jarrow Roofing, and defender Chris Copeland from Brandon, while manager Eddie Freeman could make one more signing before their home game with Jarrow Roofing. Striker Paul Chow will have a fitness test for Roofing, as will defender John Bendelow.

Bedlington are hoping to make up ground on leaders Durham when they go to Thornaby, and they welcome back striker John Milner and midfielder Keith Lang after injury.

Whitley Bay, who are third, go to second bottom Marske United, who are hoping to sign two youngsters from Darlington before the game. Striker Tom Jones and midfielder Nicky Ward could return.

Dunston are without defender Billy Irwin because of injury for their home game with bottom club Penrith, but striker Ray Booth should return.

West Auckland, who have won their last two matches to climb into mid-table, welcome back Mahdi Elfallah at home to Peterlee, but they are without defender Ben Summers, who has a hamstring injury. Peterlee are missing defender Danny Cobain and striker Steve Pitman. West have a date with the Three Legends from Century Radio at the Manor House hotel on Thursday January 22.

Billingham Synthonia, who are unbeaten in nine matches, are without striker Lee Flanagan because of a groin injury and midfielder Andy Ripley for their game at Washington. Defender Ian Metcalfe returns for the home side, but Darryl Smith, Paul Robinson and John Lydon are all missing.

Billingham Town welcome back striker Paul Coleby at home to Guisborough, who are just two places below them. Town hope to re-sign Lee Ure, from Whitby, next week.

Brandon, who have slipped to sixth place, are at Esh Winning who are two places above them. Brandon are without three players because of injury and suspension, while Esh are without striker Gary Messer and midfielder Richie Paxton because of injury.

In the second division, both Willington and Crook badly need the points from their derby.

Willington could be unchanged from the team which won at Shotton last week, while Crook include new defender Simon Rogers, signed from West Auckland. However, they are missing top scorer David Snow.

Runway leaders Consett, who could reach 60 points by the end of the year, welcome back midfielder Lee Suddes at home to Alnwick, but defender Jonny Brown and striker Michael Pitt are missing.

Shotton's new manager, Vince Kirkup, has a difficult first game in charge away to second-placed Ashington, and could include three new signings.

Evenwood, who are at home to Northallerton, expect to be at full strength. Manager Ken Houlahan has been asked to appear in front of Durham FA on January 12 following his dismissal at Washington Nissan last month.

Washington Nissan, who are fourth, welcome back keeper Frank Johnson after injury for their derby at Kennek Ryhope CA, who are missing Chris Davidson, Cameron Marshall and Phil Thompson.

Norton, who have lost once in six matches, are missing top scorer Chris Garbutt at home to unchanged Newcastle Blue Star.

Seaham Red Sta include new signing Trevor Tierney from Billingham Town in their line-up at Newcastle Benfield Saints, who have an injury doubt over striker Adam Scope.