Crook Town, who have won their last three away league matches, are at third placed Gillford Park, and if they win, could be right in the thick of the promotion race, but on the other hand, their games are running out. Manager Gary Pearson will choose from a full squad.

Birtley, who are up to fourth place after a great run, can improve their promotion chances by beating North Shields. Manager Scott Oliver welcomes back Scott Garrett, while Mick Hepplewhite and Dan Smith are both doubtful. Shields boss Anthony Woodhouse will make changes after they lost in midweek to Morpeth and in turn drop out of the top six.

Horden manager Peter Mulcaster takes charge of his first game, against his last club Esh Winning, and he has signed former Horden full back Darren Atkinson from Bishop Auckland and striker Adam Livingstone from Thornaby.

Esh themselves include new signing David Harrison from Darlington RA, while Scott Richards, Stephen Oakley and Luke Wilson all return after missing the midweek defeat at Spennymoor.

League leaders Team Northumbria are away at Washington, and if results go in their favour, could be more than their current 13 points ahead tonight.

Hebburn, who are sixth, are at home to Brandon, and manager Paul Bennett recalls several players who were unable to play in Monday's league cup defeat at Team Northumbria. Brandon are playing their second in 48 hours having played Ryton on Thursday night.

West Allotment, who are just three points off third place, are at home to Chester-le-Street. Player/manager Paul Stoneman returns after suspension, but his team selection is restricted by injuries, with only 16 players to choose from. Chester expect to sign Luke Proctor from Crook before the game, while midfielder Michael Coghlan should return.

Bottom club Easington badly need a victory at home to Whitehaven, and they add five players to their squad who missed the midweek defeat by Darlington RA.

Northallerton, who haven't won in seven league matches, are at home to Thornaby, and they add youngster Alex Caisley to their squad, while Stuart Jackson and Stuart Hardy both return. Thornaby Seaham Red Star, who are looking over their shoulders at the bottom two, have a tough away game at Morpeth, and they welcome defenders Peter Henderson and Marc Moon back into the squad, but David Halliday, Ryan Graham and Daniel Corbett will all have fitness tests. Seaham only have eight league games remaining.

In the other game, Whickham are at home to Ryton and Crawcrook.