Former Esh Winning boss Geoff Young has agreed to take charge of his old club today when they travel to Whitley Bay in the STL Northern League.

Esh parted company with Adam Furness during the week and appointed Peter Mulcaster in his place, but Mulcaster isn’t in a position to commence his new job until next week.

Young might make a couple of changes to the team that lost to Darlington RA in the Durham Challenge Cup in midweek.

Whitley, who are flying after winning at Nantwich in the FA Cup last weekend, are without striker Paul Robinson, who has an ankle injury, but keeper Terry Burke could return after injury.

League leaders Consett are at home to Norton, and manager Kenny Lindoe expects to choose from a full strength squad. Norton, who lost to West Auckland in midweek, welcome back defender Andy Burton and striker Michael Emerson, but midfielders Nathan Mulligan and Shaun Clarke are both injured, and defender Dave Alderson will have a fitness test.

Fourth placed Shildon, who like Marske, Whitley Bay and Norton, have an exemption from today’s Vase first round, are at Jarrow Roofing. Manager Gary Forrest will give fitness tests to Sam Garvie, Danny Richmond, Bobby Moore and Steve Walklate, but all are expected to be fit. Roofing are missing Keith Oliver and Kev Davison.

Newcastle Benfield go to Penrith, and manager Paul Baker could recall several players who missed the midweek defeat at Shildon where they lost their 100 per cent record in the league.