STL Northern League Division One Bishop Auckland and Sunderland RCA meet for the second game in their ten day trilogy at Heritage Park this afternoon.

The RCA are seven points clear at the top after beating Bishops 3-2 in the reverse league fixture on Tuesday night, and manager Neil Hixon said: “I think both teams will be hoping for better playing conditions, after struggling with the wind on Tuesday night.”

Striker Joe Walton and keeper Kyle Donaldson both return for the RCA, but they will be without Harrison Davies and Lee Owens.

Bishops are badly hit by players being unavailable and injured, with Adam Strong and Darren Richardson both added to the missing list today, while midfielder Steve Walklate will have a fitness test.

Newton Aycliffe are at home to Consett, and striker Andy Appleby, signed from Crook a fortnight ago, has declared himself unavailable, while striker Danny Mellanby will also be missing because of injury. Sean Tarling is unavailable, but defender Darren Craddock could return. Consett, who haven’t scored in their last three league games, will be probably without defender Carl Piecha, who has a hamstring injury. Midfielders Gavin Ross and Jonjo Dickman might return after injury.

Norton, who are at home to Marske, will give a debut to new striker Lev Yalcin, signed from Spennymoor in midweek. Fifth bottom Marske, who have conceded 13 goals in their last three games, are hoping that five players can return to the squad after missing the midweek defeat at Penrith.

West Auckland, who are in fourth place, go to Tow Law and will probably be without defender Andrew Green because of injury, while strikers Mattie Moffat and Micky Rae, who have both been out for several weeks, will have fitness tests. Lawyers are missing four central defenders because of injury, so manager Ian davison may switch from full back to play there.

Guisborough, at home to Billingham Synthonia, welcome back Mikey Roberts and Nathan Steel, but they’re without Liam McPhillips, Mark Casey and Paul Roddam. Synners, who were beaten 5-1 at South Shields in their last outing, might be missing midfielder Kieran Edwards, but striker Nathan Jameson, midfielder Michael Cater and defender Andy Forester all return Second bottom Billingham Town, without a win in seven league games, are at South Shields, and they include defender Richie Gaston, who was signed in midweek from neighbours Norton. Shields include defenders Dan Kirkup and Lee Bell in their squad after missing the midweek defeat by Benfield.

Bottom of the table Stokesley are at home to Jarrow Roofing, who include new signing Michael Pattison, signed from Seaham Red Star, while Lee McMahon returns, but Karl McMann and Jamie Marshall are unavailable.