John Toomey will take charge of bottom club Crook for the first time as permanent manager when they go to Celtic Nation on Saturday.

Toomey took over as caretaker manager following the departure of Nick Harrison a fortnight ago, and since then the team has shown plenty of spirit in their two games, a 3-2 defeat by Bishop Auckland in the league cup, and a battling 4-4 draw with Penrith last week.

He will be assisted by Adrian Webster, while the club could yet appoint another person to the management team.

Toomey has some problems to consider today, Defender Chris Renshaw is out because of suspension, while David Webster, Adrian Webster and Stephen Butterworth are all injured. Midfielder Kallum Holbrook will have a fitness test.

The Nation welcome back Aaron Roberts, Andy Casson, and John Jardine, but Dean Armstrong and Dean Crozier will both have fitness tests.

Durham City are at home to third bottom Billingham Synthonia, and manager Ian Chandler is without Baptiste Fixot, while defender Ross Wilkinson and striker Callum Patton will both have fitness tests. Ryan Noble should return in time after having a trial in Scotland this week. Synners, who conceded seven in midweek at West Auckland, add defender David Abel and midfielder Kris Hughes to the squad, while midfielders Bryan Stewart and Shaun Clarke are both missing. City have lost just once at home this season, Synners have picked up only one win away.

Bedlington, who have lost their last four league games, are without eight players for various reasons for their trip to Penrith, but midfielder Craig Hindmarsh and striker Dylan Williamson both return.

Jarrow Roofing are at West Allotment, and they welcome back striker Lewis Teasdale, while their top scorer, John Campbell, leaves for Oxford next week and is unlikely to play.. Kieran Whitehead is missing because of injury. Player-manager Paul Stoneman returns after suspension, but Ian Dunn, Liam Anderson and Mikey Hall are all unavailable.

In the second division, Chester-le-Street take on leaders Team Northumbria, and they include new striker Dan Smart, signed from Sunderland RCA, while Craig Marron and Joe Hamblin both return. However, Jackie Honour and Glen Hargrave are both missing.

Darlington RA, in sixth, are at Billingham Town, and they welcome back centre forward Fred Huscroft back after injury, while they include new signing Matty Allison from Newton Aycliffe. Town are without defender Ian Bishop because of a head injury, while Stuart Browne, Matty Dixon, Joel Callender and Stephen Hodgson are all doubtful.

Norton are at second bottom Esh Winning, and they add four players who missed their midweek game against Whickham – Michael Joseph, Danny O’Brien, Rocky Andrews and Karl Charlton – while midfielder John Seaton will have a fitness test.

Esh hope to have the same squad as last week, with Scott Bryden added.

Heaton Stannington are at home to Hebburn, and they add defender Rob Pearson to their squad. Hebburn, who have lost their last three league and cup games, are without Kris Summers, Scott Wallace and Craig Malley because of injury, but Ian Bickerstaff and Jak Quantrill both return.

Northallerton manager Steve Skinner takes charge of his first home league game against Birtley, and expects to choose from a full squad. Birtley are without several players because of injury, but Craig Suggett and Robert Smith both return.

Third bottom Tow Law have a big game at home to bottom club Brandon, and they include new keeper James Howarth, signed from North Shields, as well as Stephen Kennedy, signed from Consett, while captain Jamie Henderson is injured. Brandon include new signings Tom Callaghan, Jonny Atkinson and Jake Baker, who have all signed for the club this week.

 

Washington are at home to Thornaby and are without defender Greg Swansbury, while striker James Fairley will have a fitness test. Keeper Michael Duff and outfield players Phil Horsman and James Riordan all return after suspension for Thornaby, while they also include a Greek student Gabriel Retsi.

Willington are at home to Stokesley, and they include new signings David Moffat and Adam Pinkney in their squad, but they are without Michael Gibson, Aidan Goodey, Stephen Howe and Tom Lazonby. Fourth bottom Stokesley are without midfielder Dave Edwards, but Callum Revely and Kristian Kamara are both included in the squad after recovering from lengthy injuries.

The game between South Shields and Ryton has been postponed because of a floodlight problem at Eden Lane.