Spennymoor manager Jason Ainsley believes that his team has returned to top form ahead of their big FA Vase first round tie at Bedlington this afternoon.

Moors thumped Ashington 6-2 in the league in midweek to erase some of the doubts arising from their 3-1 home defeat by Consett last weekend, and Ainsley said: “The lads responded perfectly to our defeat last weekend, and I’m looking for a repeat performance today.

“I could see that their hunger and desire had returned. If they show that much effort in games, then there’ll be no complaints from me.”

However, midfielder Chris Moore is unable to play because loan players aren’t eligible for the FA Vase, while midfielder Craig Ruddy is suspended. Full back Callum Griffiths will have a fitness test.

Bedlington, meanwhile, are without striker Wayne Gredziak, who is cuptied having already played for Bishop Auckland in the competition.

West Auckland are hoping to have a good Vase run, beginning with their home game against Second Division Birtley, and manager Peter Dixon expects to chose from a full squad, except for striker Danny Hindmarch, who is cuptied having already played for West Allotment. Birtley are missing their top scorer Matty Roper because of injury, while they have signed a new keeper, Paul Barrett.

Meanwhile, Workington manager Darren Edmondson has said that he is going to keep an eye on Mattie Moffat’s performances following his display in the Cup last week at Borough Park.

Bishop Auckland face Billingham Synthonia tomorrow, but they are struggling with injuries, as Adam Emson, Chris Lawson, Darren Atkinson and Darren Richardson are all out injured, but centre half John Hutton returns.

Synners will be without defender Darren Hollingsworth, while keeper Chris Porter has retired for family reasons. Midfielders Nathan Jameson and Liam McPhillips could both return.

Northallerton who are having a better season so far in the cups than in the league, take on Stokesley in a local derby and will be without Wayne Hall ad Richard Thompson. Stokesley, who are in the first division bottom four, have transferred last season’s top scorer Andy Jennings to Billingham Town, while Leeon Poole returns to the squad. Brian Stewart and Karl Liley will both have fitness tests.

Tow Law have a tough away game at Tadcaster Albion, who lost to Shildon in the FA Cup last month. Midfielder Luke Parkinson is missing for Lawyers as well as player-manager Ian Davison, but Michael Robson and Scott Thompson both return.

Dunston will be wary of Washington in their tie at Federation Park, as Washington won at league leaders Consett in the last round. Lee Bell and Fergal Harkin both return to the squad, while Kane Young will have a fitness test. Washington will give Jamie Dawson a fitness test, while defender Graham Liddle is missing.

Billingham Town take on Ashington at Bedford Terrace, and manager Carl Jarrett will be missing four players because of injury, but Richard Dacombe and James Crossman both come back into the side. New signing Andy Jennings is ineligible. Ashington have several players missing because of injury.

South Shields face Thackley, who lost to Ashington last week in the FA Cup. Midfielder Lee Paul Scroggins is missing because of suspension, but Tony Burnell returns.