Crook Town face their most important match of the season when they face fellow strugglers Norton at Millfield this afternoon.

Both clubs are facing relegation, with fourth-bottom Crook, one of the league's longest-serving members, two points ahead of today's opponents.

Crook chairman Steve Buddle said: "It's certainly our biggest match of the season so far.

"Winning today won't put us safe, but the points will be a big help.

"We've been playing better in recent weeks, and we've managed to pick up a few points. There's a nice atmosphere and spirit about the place, and everybody's pulling together to avoid the drop."

Crook expect to have the same squad which was on duty for last week's 3-3 draw at South Shields.

First Division leaders Brandon are hoping to maintain their one-point lead at the top at home to fourth-bottom Prudhoe.

Rob Bowman, Chris Neil and Anth McStea are all doubtful, but midfielder Richie Pitt returns.

Prudhoe, who are four points above the drop zone, welcome back four players who missed the midweek defeat by Billingham Town.

Brandon will be hoping that Billingham Synthonia can do them a favour at nearest challengers Bedlington.

Synners are without striker Tony Wood because of injury, but keeper John Mohun and midfielder Brian Healy return. Bedlington could be unchanged from the team which won in midweek.

Billingham Town, who still have a chance of a top-three position, are at home to second-bottom Consett.

Midfielders Richie Ward and Andy Burton will both have fitness tests, but defender Richie Gaston returns.

Consett, who have picked up just three points in their last seven matches, are without Jeff Sugden, Chris Hodgson and Tony Halliday.

Durham City, who are fifth, are without midfielder Steve Walklate because of a double leg fracture for their home game with Newcastle Blue Star, while they are missing six other players for various reasons.

Shildon, who have won their last three matches, will be at full strength when they go to Washington, who give Stuart Dixon and Paul Robinson fitness test. However, they are without Stuart Gregg, Ian Metcalfe and Michael Stubbs because of injury.

West Auckland, the division's second highest scorers, are at Morpeth, and they will be without strikers Jonathan Milroy and Michael Carter, but manager Alan Oliver could make a new signing.

Second-bottom Peterlee include new signing Simon Millington from Marske in their squad at home to Chester-le-Street. Youngsters David Yale and Nathan Jameson are both unavailable.

Former Tow Law striker Kraig Wilkinson, now at Dunston, is doubtful because of injury against his old club, while Danny Shore is also doubtful. Lawyers have doubts over Jeff Hall and Andy Allen, but Gavin Naylor and Carl Beasley could both return.

Guisborough are still without injured defender Micky Waller for their away game at Jarrow Roofing, who welcome back Lee Daly, Scott Garrett and Andy Barclay.

In the second division, leaders Thornaby are at home to Easington, who are without strikers Vic Holt and David Taylor.

Second-placed Washington Nissan are at Alnwick, and welcome four players back into their squad after injury.

Horden, who are third include new signing Gary McManners from Peterlee in their squad at Evenwood, while they are without midfielder John Cowley and striker John Outhwaite. Evenwood are missing striker Kevin Shoulder.

Eppleton, who are third bottom, are without defender John Webster at home to Seaham Red Star, who are on the fringe of the promotion race. Northallerton welcome back Mark Foster into their squad for the game at Whickham.

Marske welcome back midfielder Neil Hodgson at home to Whitley Bay.