Arngrove Northern League: Spennymoor manager Ken Houlahan has demanded more consistency from his promotion chasers as they prepare to face North Shields at the Brewery Field this afternoon.

The new Moors go into the game in second place in the table but Houlahan feels that they could have been in a healthier position above the chasing pack.

"We're the second highest scorers in the league but our goal difference is poor," he said.

"We've had some good wins but we've also had bad defeats. We're too inconsistent and that's why we're looking to strengthen the squad."

The answer could be with South African Tashibo Seribetso, who has played for Sporting FC Johannesburg and now works in the area, and Moors are awaiting international clearance before they give him an outing.

Shields have a good away record, having lost just once away from home in the league this season.

First Division leaders Bedlington will be hoping to at least maintain their five-point lead at the top when they take on Chester-le-Street at Welfare Park. Bedlington could be unchanged from the team that drew 4-4 at Billingham Town in midweek.

Chester, who lost badly at West Allotment in midweek, welcome back Darren Devlin and Anthony March, but Elliott Milburn and Colin Wake are still ruled out because of injury.

Second placed Newcastle Blue Star face Jarrow Roofing at the Wheatsheaf, and they include new signing David Colvin from Gateshead, but they have a doubt over Stuart Irvine, while Mark Walmsley and Jon Cullen are both injured. Roofing hope to complete the signing of midfielder Stuart Dixon from Horden in time.

Durham City, who are in fourth, take on Billingham Synthonia, but are missing midfielder Gary Pearson because of suspension. Synners, who are seventh, will probably be unchanged.

Durham were hoping to meet Synners again in the Durham Challenge Cup next week, but they have been kicked out of the competition for fielding an ineligible player in the last round.

Bottom of the table Brandon, who have yet to win a game this season, go to Tow Law, and will be without midfielder Trevor Hawthorne, who is injured, while striker Kevin Shoulder, who is suspended today, has asked to go on the transfer list.

Lawyers give defender Michael Coulthard his second debut following his return from Bishop Auckland, but Gary Ankers and Scott Emmerson are suspended. Lawyers have also received an official approach from Bishops for defender Graham Liddle.

West Auckland, sixth in the table, are at home to Morpeth and will be without striker Lee Ellison, who is suspended, and they have an injury doubt over midfielder Adam Reid.

Shildon, who have lost just once in their last seven league games, are at home to Thornaby and expect to give new signings John Jury, a defender from Jarrow Roofing, and striker John Ryan from Northallerton, their debuts. Keeper Adam Collington is injured, so Andrew Allen replaces him. Shildon have received an official approach from Bishop Auckland for striker Wayne Gredziak.

Thornaby have a doubt over Mark Casey, but Brendan Lowes and Alan Cosavella return.

Champions Dunston, who look as if they're returning to form, host West Allotment at Federation Park. Keeper Stuart Dawson and defender Kane Young will both return, but midfielder Danny Shore will have a fitness test. Allotment are without striker Paul Wilary because of injury.

Horden go to Whitley Bay, who are steadily climbing away from the relegation zone. Strikers Kevin Devine and Lee Dixon are both doubtful, but midfielder Lee Ure returns after injury.

Sunderland Nissan are looking for revenge against Newcastle Benfield, who beat them 6-1 earlier in the season. Midfielder Rob Huntley has joined his brother James at the club after leaving Gateshead, so they will be at full strength. Benfield will give fitness tests to Shaun Bell and Anth Errington.

Billingham Town go to Ashington and are strengthened by the returns of Tom Jones and David Turner, but defender David Abel is still out injured. Ashington should be at full strength, except for injured striker Alan Hogg.

In the other second division games, Consett go for 11 wins from 11 matches at improving Norton, who have lost just once in their last nine league and cup games. Striker Gary Forbes is missing because of a back injury, but Michael Mackay and Kraig Wilkinson return.

Norton include new signings Lee Bytheway from Marske and defender Stephen Hodgson-Panico from local football.

Darlington RA are badly hit by injuries for their trip to Alnwick, with the possibility of nine players ruled out. Definitely out is leading scorer Warren Byrne, who has a thigh injury, but midfielder James Chapman will probably return.

Crook's recent surge up the table, with just one defeat in seven games, will be tested when they go to surprise packages Whickham, who are unbeaten in their last eight league games. Crook are without striker Jonathan Milroy because of a groin injury, while fellow striker Danny Mellanby will have a fitness test. Whickham are without defender Chris Holmes.

Washington, who are third, are missing several players because of injury at home to Northallerton, who expect to be at full strength.

Marske and Seaham Red Star meet for the second time in three days, Seaham, who won their league cup tie on Thursday, will be unchanged, while Marske are without Ross Foreman and Glenn Wesson because of suspension.

Ryton are at Penrith and welcome back striker Craig Burke, as well as midfielder Chris Hill, who has been playing for the Durham County youth team.

Hebburn welcome back David Pybus and Joe Fulcher for their home game with Kennek Ryhope, who have a doubt over keeper Peter Roddam.

Bottom club Guisborough are still looking for their first win of the season when they go to South Shields, while second bottom Peterlee are at Prudhoe.

* The draw for the third round of the League Cup is Penrith/Sunderland Nissan v West Allotment Celtic/Hebburn Town/Newcastle Benfield BP, Brandon United/Morpeth Town/Billingham Synthonia v Prudhoe/Tow Law , Crook Town/Jarrow Roofing v Seaham, Whickham v West Auckland Town, Norton v Esh Winning/Newcastle Blue Star, Ashington v Dunston , Bedlington /Horden v Darlington RA/South Shields, Thornaby/Northallerton v Consett/Billingham Town.