Seaham Red Star manager Neil Hixon knows his side's fate is out of their hands on a nail-biting last day in the Second Division.

Penrith were promoted in midweek, but there are two places up for grabs between the other three clubs - Horden, Thornaby and Seaham.

But Seaham need to win at Northallerton and Thornaby to drop points against Penrith in order for them to go up.

Hixon said: "We've had a great run since Christmas, losing just two matches, but the end of the season is coming maybe a little too quickly. At the moment, I think we're the best team in the division after the run we've had.

"We're expecting Horden to beat Hebburn, and we're hoping that Penrith will go to Thornaby with the full intention of winning their game.

"We're going to concentrate on winning at Northallerton and wait and see what happens at Thornaby. "

Leading scorer Paul Taylor will return to the team after missing the midweek win over Easington.

Northallerton, whose manager Peter Mulcaster takes charge of his last game, are without Andy Cole and Ross Diamond, so Steve Boyle and Paul Coleby replace them.

Horden need a point from their home game against Hebburn to make sure of a promotion place.

Manager Tommy Garside said: "The pressure's on, but I'm sure we'll cope with it."

Horden won 2-0 at Eppleton in midweek, with keeper Steve Tierney keeping his nerve while others around him wilted, by scoring a crucial penalty.

Midfielder John Cowley will be missing because of injury for Horden.

Thornaby, who were top of the table early last month, need to beat Penrith to make sure of a promotion spot at Teesdale Park. Penrith, who have a much superior goal difference than the others, need a point to be mathematically certain of the title.

In the first division, Newcastle Blue Star, who are relegated, play their last game at home to second placed Bedlington, while Whitley Bay take on Morpeth.

* Wearside League leaders Wolviston are without a game and Stokesley SC will move back into pole position if they defeat Cleadon SC.

"Every game is difficult at this stage of the season but it is one we have got to win," said Stokesley secretary Peter Grainge.

"We are two points behind Wolviston and after this we will have played one game more than them, so it is vital we come out on top.

Goalkeeper Grant Hine did not play in the mid-week fixture and is again doubtful, as is Ben Escritt, who had to leave the field during Wednesday's victory over Barnard Castle Glaxo.

Birtley Town are also in contention for the championship and they face a stern test at New Marske.

"Fortunately, we expect to field a near full-strength side, with Paul Bryson, Michael Pitt and Michael Ford, who has not played for several weeks, all coming into contention but Paul Scott is definitely ruled out," said assistant manager Paul Foster.

Darlington RA, who play Wolviston at Metcalfe Park on Monday morning in the final of the Sunderland Shipowners' Cup, are severely depleted for their game at Windscale.

Seven RA players are unavailable and manager David Woodcock might have to play in goal.