Shildon manager Gary Forrest says that they can knock West Auckland out of the title race if they beat the leaders at Dean Street on Saturday.

After recording their ninth win in ten games in midweek at Billingham Synthonia, Shildon climbed up to third in the table, three points behind West with three games in hand.

“The pressure is on West as it's they who need to win today,” said Forrest. “They have a tough run in and need three points. If we beat them it virtually takes them out of the chase.”

However, midfielders Mark Hudson and Bobby Moore, plus strikers Ben Wood, Billy Gruelich-Smith and Michael Rae are all carrying knocks and will have fitness tests.

West, who have bounced back recently after a spell in the doldrums, will be without defender Adam Wilkinson, and manager Steve Skinner said; “It’s a big game for both teams involved. We know that if we win, it will put pressure on them to win their games in hand. But we will apply ourselves in the same way as we have in the last two matches as they have gone well for us.”

Guisborough, who are sandwiched between West and Shildon, are at West Allotment, but they are missing six players for various reasons – Liam McPhillips, Danny McWilliams, Leon Carling, Damien Stevens, Connor Smith and Ben Jackson Guisborough have lost just once away from home this season, and are on a run of 15 games unbeaten in league and cup.

Allotment, who are fifth bottom, are without Mark Allen, while player manager Paul Stoneman will have a fitness test.

Sixth placed Marske United, who have lost their last two away games, are at bottom club Crook Town, and defender Liam O’Sullivan is missing with a knee injury, but top scorer Jamie Owens returns.

Crook will be relegated if they lose, and fourth bottom Billingham Synthonia win at Newton Aycliffe.

Defender Mark Stephenson will be missing for Aycliffe because of suspension, but otherwise they will be at full strength.

Synners are without Josh Rowbotham, Steve Huggins, Chris Dodds, Robbie Bettson and Ryan Foster all because of injury, but David Abel and Andrew Burton both return.

Third bottom Sunderland RCA, who won at Newton Aycliffe in midweek, are at home to Jarrow Roofing, and they are missing defender Ross Preston and midfielder Tony Coe, while there will be fitness tests for Michael Charlton, James Armstrong, Steve Callen and Paul Weldon. Roofing include new striker Paul Chow, who has left Whitley Bay following a glittering career there after leaving Roofing eight years ago. Defenders Dan Kirkup and Alex White are both suspended, while midfielder Corey Barnes will have a fitness test.

Durham City manager Ian Chandler faces his old club Whitley Bay, with whom he won three FA Vases at New Ferens Park. Defender Chris Wallace is unavailable, while youngster Aiden Haley is missing with a broken foot.

Whitley welcome back defender Craig Smith after suspension, but midfielder Chris Reid and midfielder Paul Robinson are both missing because of injury. Defender Callum Anderson is unavailable.

New Consett manager Colin Myers takes charge of his first game at home to Ashington, and he will be without winger Adam Nicholls and defender Corey Nicholson because of injury. Ashington are missing James Taylor, Steven Shaw and Andrew Johnson because of injuries whilst Tony Stephenson will have a fitness test.

Newcastle Benfield are at home to Bedlington, and welcome back striker Steve Baptiste after a month out with a hand injury, but defender Richie Slaughter is suspended. Michael Hoganson is also back after a trial with a club in Iceland. Player manager Steve Bowey is still out through injury. Bedlington’s new manager Gary Innes will probably keep the same squad that won at Billingham Synthonia last Saturday.

Morpeth are at home to Penrith and will be missing Stephen Forster because of work commitments.

In the second division, leaders Seaham Red Star don’t have a game, so the chasing clubs can reduce their eleven point lead.

Second placed Washington are at home to Northallerton, and they will give 22 goal striker James Fairley and midfielder Aaron Croft fitness tests, while Mark Grant is unavailable. Northallerton, who won at Team Northumbria a fortnight ago, add Martin Butterworth to their squad.

Third placed Norton are at Birtley, and they are hoping that striker Rocky Andrews and midfielder Karl Charlton will both return after injury, but Dale Mulligan is out because of injury. Birtley will be missing six players because of injuries and work commitments.

Hebburn, who are fifth with enough games in hand to overtake the three clubs above them, are at home to Willington. Owen Peterson and Callum Smith are both out injured, but full back Lee McMahon returns. Willington, who have lost only once out of their last six matches, are without Reece Marshall because of injury, but Matthew Mounter returns to the squad.

Second bottom Tow Law have a must-win game at home to Ryton and Crawcrook, and manager Steve Murray will choose from a full squad. Lawyers lost in the last minute against Team North last week, and are twelve points away from safety if two clubs are going down.

Bottom club Brandon are at Team Northumbria, and they include new striker Kieran Weekes, signed from Bedlington, while Billy Snaith, Jonny Atkinson and Alex Wilson Third bottom Esh Winning are at Thornaby, who are without their top scorer Jamie Clarke because of suspension, while teenager Matthew Campbell will be in goal.

Two clubs on the fringe of trouble, Billingham Town and Stokesley, meet at Bedford Terrace. Danny Ballantyne and Harry Taylor both return after suspension, but Stephen Jackson is still suspended. Michael Dalton will have a fitness test before the game.

Stokesley are without Danny Jones, Ste Roberts and Greg Upton, but Matty Dunford returns to the squad.

Darlington RA face Ryhope CW at Brinkburn Road, and they add Jim Wilson and Alex Kell to their squad.

Ryhope welcome back defender Leon Ryan, while Conor Winter plays his second game after signing from Newton Aycliffe.

Heaton Stannington are at home to South Shields and have a doubt over first choice keeper Dan Rule, so Shaun Backhouse will deputise if necessary Whickham are at home to Alnwick, and they are missing Mark Pattison, Craig Rook and Scott Swanston all because of suspension.

In the EvoStik Premier, Blyth are at home to Stamford, and Whitby are at Marine.