Chester-le-Street manager Anth Smith takes charge of his first home game against Whickham, and he will await fitness tests on midfielder Robbie Draper and striker Sam Renwick before he chooses his team. Whickham manager Neil Saxton could make changes to his team.

Leaders Darlington RA, who have a one point advantage over Team Northumbria, are at home to Morpeth, but they will be without strikers Freddie Huscroft and Nick Lyons.

Second placed Team Northumbria are at home to North Shields, and they have a fitness doubt over midfielder Liam Clough, while they will give new signing Lewis Marr, once of Newcastle and Motherwell, his debut. Shields manager Anthony Woodhouse gives Paul Dunn, signed from Ashington, his debut, but another signing, former Blyth and Whitley striker Lee Mason, is unavailable.

Esh Winning, who have won their last two matches, are at home to Alnwick, and will give former Darlington midfielder David Duke a fitness test, while defender Lee Newby returns.

Thornaby, who are third, face Gillford Park in their 1,000th league game at Teesdale Park. Keeper Paddy Pisani, forward Paul Vickers and midfielder Dave Turner all return.

Northallerton play West Allotment for the third time this season, Mark Fanning’s side having knocked the Northumbrians out of the FA Cup in a replay. Keeper Stephen Craggs returns after injury, but Craig Winter and Dan Clayton are both suspended.

Brandon are playing their second game inside 48 hours at home to Crook Town, and manager Vince Kirkup could keep the same team that thumped West Allotment 5-2 on Thursday. Crook had an excellent 5-1 away win at Alnwick in midweek, and Kevin Devine, who scored one of the goals in midweek, is unavailable.

Bottom club Horden face Washington, who won for the first time in six matches in midweek. Horden manager Brian Honour has the luxury of almost a full squad to choose from, with Jack Honour, Sean Ryder and Lloyd Evans added to the squad. Washington keeper Dan Regan returns, while there will be fitness tests for defender Colin White and midfielder Mark Covell. Midfielder Nicky Evans is out for three weeks with an ankle injury.

Seaham Red Star are hoping to avoid another goalless draw when they play local rivals Easington, and they are hoping that Michael Turnbull and Lee Peachey can both return to the squad. Striker Tim Bowman is unavailable. Easington will give defender Martin Langley a fitness test, but Chris Pearson and Simon Todd return, while they include new signings Ben Riding and Lee Knight, both from local football.

Seaham have had three goalless draws already this season.

Ryton manager Dave Hagan could make changes to his side for their away game at Whitehaven.