Shildon manager Gary Forrest is hoping that they don’t pick up any more injuries as they continue their treble quest with a home game against Whitley Bay on Saturday.

The Railwaymen have already won the Durham Challenge Cup and reached the final of the league cup in midweek, but those successes have come at a cost, with nearly a full team missing because of injury.

First choice keeper Kyle Hayes sustained a foot injury in the Challenge Cup final, and then Ben Wood limped off on Tuesday at Dunston, which meant that there are eight players on the injured list.

“The joke after the game on Tuesday was whether we would be able to field a team for the remaining games this season,” said Forrest.

“The commitment and attitude from the players has been first class over the last few weeks, especially the players who have come in at short notice, such as Danny Richmond and Lewis Graham.

“My worry is though that we might pick up more injuries, but on the other hand, the lads have plenty of confidence at the moment.”

Forrest is hoping that Paul Connor and Ben Wood will both pass fitness tests, but Kyle Hayes, John Brackstone, Darren Richardson, Lee Scroggins, Chris Emms and Michael Rae are all injured. Midfielder Marc Ellison and striker Jason Blackburn both return to the squad after being cuptied in midweek.

Whitley, meanwhile, are without midfielder Craig MacFarlane, who broke his ankle at West Allotment last Friday, while defender Scott Blandford will have a fitness test.

Leaders Guisborough, who lost their 20 game unbeaten league record against Marske on Monday, are at home to Dunston UTS, and they will be at full strength. Dunston, who lost in the league cup in midweek, welcome striker Micky Dixon and midfielder Dan Smith back into their squad.

Marske are at Consett, where they lost in the Vase earlier this season, and they will be missing midfielder Austin Johnston and defender Thomas Bott, but defender Ryan Grier and midfielder Dom Gamble both return to the squad. Consett have won seven out of their last nine matches, but conceded seven at Newcastle Benfield last Saturday.

West Auckland who are third but need every other result to go in their favour to win the league, are at Penrith, and manager Steve Skinner chooses from 14 players. Defender Darryl Hall has been told that he can find another club in the summer.

West only have two games left after today.

North Shields, who are in fifth place level on points with Shildon but with a worse goal difference, are at home to Durham City. They will be strengthened by the returns of Stuart Donnison and Adam Forster, but Michael McKeown is missing. Durham, who won 5-0 at West Allotment in midweek, are without Chris Wallace and Nathan Lawrence, but youngster Aidan Haley returns after several weeks out.

Two clubs in the battle to avoid relegation are playing their final games.

Newton Aycliffe are at Ashington, to whom they lost in the league cup semi final before it was discovered that Ashington had played an ineligible player. Ashington have now been kicked out of the competition, and so Aycliffe will play Shildon in the final at Bishop Auckland on Tuesday May 5th. Aycliffe will be at full strength, except for striker Dennis Knight. They need a win or draw to avoid the drop. Ashington include newcomer Craig Smith in their squad, while James Loughborough and Kyle Oliver will have fitness tests. James Taylor, Joe Moscrop and Paul Dunn are all ruled out.

Billingham Synthonia, who are fourth bottom, will escape relegation if they win at Morpeth and either West Allotment or Newton Aycliffe lose. Synners boss Conrad Hillerby has one or two fitness worries, while Morpeth will be at full strength.

West Allotment, who are third bottom, are at home to Bedlington, and manager Paul Stoneman could make changes after their heavy defeat by Durham in midweek. He will definitely be missing defender Marc Dummett because of suspension.

Sunderland RCA will be safe if they win at relegated Crook Town, but they will be missing keeper Josh Carmichael, striker Colin Larkin and midfielder Lewis Wood, but strikers Tony Coe and James Armstrong both return. Crook have a big injury doubt over striker Adam Emson, while Peter Brown will start up front.

Second bottom Celtic Nation, who are 13 points adrift of safety with six games remaining and are virtually written off, are at home to Jarrow Roofing, and they welcome back five players who missed the midweek trip to Bishop Auckland. Roofing, who are in seventh place, are without striker Malky Morien, keeper Andy Hunter and midfielder Corey Barnes.

Bishop Auckland are at Newcastle Benfield and they will include several youngsters, as Sean Tarling, Jordan Galloway, Elliott Woods and Olly Hotchkiss are all injured, leading scorer Johnny Butler is suspended and Stuart Thompson is unavailable. Benfield welcome back midfielder Gilberto Chapim, but Chris Youlden is doubtful.

The big game in the second division is between Washington and Hebburn. Washington are in third place, and Hebburn in fifth, five points behind them with one games in hand.. Washington welcome back 37 goal striker Mark Davison, defender Greg Swansbury and keeper Neal Atkinson. Hebburn are without midfielders Marc Costello and Chris Smith.

Champions Seaham Red Star, who wrapped the league up a fortnight ago, are at Esh Winning.

Team Northumbria need to win at Ryton and Crawcrook in their final game, and hope that Washington and Hebburn draw to have a chance of promotion.

Tow Law, who are second bottom, are at home to Alnwick, and they will be without Joe Grant and Chris Killeen because of suspension, but Shaun Ryder, Paul Greenwell and Adrian Bailey all return.

If Brandon lose at home to Ryhope CW, then they will finish bottom and crossing their fingers that no-one comes up from the Wearside League in order to escape relegation. Ryhope manager Gary Pearson stands by to play because five players are unavailable. Brandon will be without suspended striker Kieron Weekes.

Billingham Town are at home to Willington, and they have injury doubts over Stephen Jackson and Drew Lambert. Willington welcome back Matthew Mounter, Jason White and Mike Weston, but David Lee and Graham Lazonby are both missing.

Thornaby can consolidate sixth place if they win at Chester-le-Street, and manager Paul Edwards chooses from a full squad. Chester are missing five players for various reasons. Thornaby are unbeaten in their last six away games.

Darlington RA are at Heaton Stannington, and are without several players, including strikers Joe Peel and Freddie Huscroft. Heaton, who are seventh, are without striker Lee Johnson, Ben Telford and Adrian Watson, but Adam Rowntree returns after missing the midweek win at Northallerton.

South Shields face Birtley at Peterlee, and Birtley are missing their top scorer Kai Hewitson because of suspension and six other players for various reasons.

In the other game, Northallerton are at home to Whickham.

In the EvoStik League premier division, Blyth are at home to Nantwich, and Whitby are at Stamford.