Bishop Auckland striker Andy Johnson could go top of the first division scoring charts when Marske come to Heritage Park today.

Johnson is the joint leading scorer with Bedlington's Anthony Shandran in the first division with 29 league goals, and assistant manager Steve West said: "Andy could have had more at Stokesley in midweek, and sooner or later, he's really going to punish somebody."

Johnson is expected to pass a late fitness test, along with fellow striker Dan Hawkins, while defenders Daz Richardson and Phil Shead will also have tests.

Marske, who haven't won in eight league games, are missing striker Benn Thompson because of suspension, while midfielders Rob Jones and Anthony Ormerod plus defender Lee Donachie are all injured.

At the top of the table, league leaders Sunderland RCA go to Guisborough, and they will be missing midfielder Andy Cuthbertson, who was injured whilst warming up in midweek, plus defender Ian Dixon and midfielder Rob Briggs, who are both already out for the season.

Guisborough, who have lost only once in their last five league games, are hoping to sign Adam Gell from Marske United, and they are also boosted by the return of midfielder Jamie Poole to the squad, as well as midfielder Gary Wood and Mikey Roberts.

Vase semi finalists West Auckland, who are two points behind RCA with three games in hand, are at home to Norton, and they will give fitness tests to midfielder Adam Nicholls and striker Stuart Banks, while striker Micky Rae could start the game after recovering from injury. West manager Peter Dixon made the 600 mile round trip to watch opponents Herne Bay in action in midweek.

The other Vase semi finalists, Dunston, who are in fifth place, are at home to Billingham Synthonia.

Top scorer Andy Bulford has recovered from a groin injury and will probably start the game, while striker Micky Dixon and midfielder Steve Goddard are both added to the squad. However, Lee McAndrew is definitely ruled out, and is a big doubt for the Vase semi final next week.

Synners are struggling, with defenders Robbie Bettson and Curtis Collantine, and midfielders Ross Gardner and Chris Emms all injured, plus midfielder Chay Liddle is suspended.

Spennymoor, who are in third place three points off the lead with three games in hand, are at second bottom Tow Law, and they will be without suspended midfielder Lewis Dodds, but defender Chris Mason and midfielder Craig Ruddy both return. Lawyers, who need to win to keep their hopes of avoiding relegation alive because they are none points away from safety, welcome back keeper Stephen Robinson, as well as midfielders Andrew Thompson, Scott Arnott and Alan Herbert.

Whitley Bay need to beat Bedlington to keep their slim title hopes alive, and they will have to do so without David Coulson, Brian Smith, Chris Fawcett and Callum Anderson.

Fourth bottom Jarrow Roofing need the points from their home game with Consett, because they only have six games remaining and Penrith, three points and a place behind them, have five games in hand. Dan Carson, Dave Anderson and Darren Reay are all unavailable, while Kev Davison is injured. Consett are missing midfielder Craig Robson and defender David Brown.

Billingham Town need to take some of the pressure off themselves by taking at least a point from Newcastle Benfield at Bedford Terrace. Striker David Onions and defender Richie Dacombe both return to the squad. It will be Benfield's first game under new caretaker manager Perry Briggs, who took over from Alu Bangura in midweek. They will be missing Brian Dodsworth, Shaun Bell and Ian Graham, while Kenny Boyle and Phil Lumsden are both doubtful.

Shildon, who are at Ashington, will give midfielder Sam Garvie his return league debut after re-signing him from Spennymoor, but manager Gary Forrest will be missing Chris McCabe, Chris Hughes, Billy Greulich-Smith, Justin Keegan and Ross Gardner. Defender Richard Flynn returns to the squad. Ashington, who are in sixth place, are missing striker Phil Bell and midfielder Micky Tait.

Newton Aycliffe are at Penrith, and manager Allan Oliver will be without defender Mark Peck.