Spennymoor manager Jason Ainsley has told his players that they mustn’t let their standards slip as they prepare to face Dunston in the FA Cup first qualifying round at the Brewery Field on Saturday.

Ainsley was furious with a sloppy performance against Stokesley in midweek, even though they won 5-1, and he said: “We were nowhere near the standards we expect at this football club in the first half. We just thought we had to turn up and stroll through the game. We can’t afford to do that against Dunston, because they’re a very good side and will punish us.”

Recent signing Gavin Barton is cuptied, while defender Leon Ryan, who has been playing up front recently, has a thigh injury. New signing Sonny Andrews, who arrived from Norton in midweek, is also cuptied.

Dunston, who have had a free midweek, are boosted by the returns of top scorer Andy Bulford and fellow striker Micky Dixon.

Shildon face Ashington at Dean Street, boosted by their midweek Vase win over Newton Aycliffe. Defender Chris Hunter is missing because of injury, while striker Lee Chapman and midfielder Leon Scott are both unavailable. Defender Justin Keegan will have a fitness test. Ashington are hoping that striker Jonny Godsmark passes a late fitness test, while recent signing Jamie Clarke could return to the squad.

Whitley Bay are at Kendal Town from the Evostik League, hoping to add to their giantkilling feats of recent years. Strikers Paul Chow and Phil Bell are both back in the squad, while midfielder Lee Kerr will have a fitness test on a groin. Defender Gareth Williams is expected to return after injury.

Hebburn, the last STL Second Division club left in the competition, are at home to Penrith, and manager Paul Bennett chooses from a full squad, although he wasn’t happy with the manner of his side’s midweek at Morpeth. Bennett will choose from a full squad.

Bedlington are at home to Newcastle Benfield, and they include new signing Craig Hubbard, signed from Spennymoor in midweek. Top scorer Anthony Shandran is rated 50/50, while striker Steve Richardson and midfielder Steve Bowey will also have fitness tests.

Benfield, under new manager Alu Bangura, have fitness doubts over striker Micky Chilton and defender Carl Paterson. They have also appointed Tom Wade as Bangura’s assistant. Wade was manager when the club won the treble three seasons ago.

In the other cup tie involving the area’s clubs, Whitby are at Parkgate, who lost to Hall Road Rangers a fortnight ago, but were re-instated after Hall Road were found guilty of a player an ineligible player.