Marske United could have their first ever Northern League title in their grasp if they beat Bishop Auckland at Mount Pleasant on Saturday and other results go in their favour.

If Marske beat Bishops, and Shildon and North Shields both drop points, then Marske will need victory next week against Celtic Nation to win the league.

But if they lose or draw, then the door is open for the other two, as well as this morning’s leaders Guisborough, to overtake them.

Marske manager Carl Jarrett said; “It is another must-win game to keep pressure on the teams around us, but we won’t be taking Bishops for granted. They are a good team so we will have to be at our best to get a result.”

Darren Hollingsworth, Liam Sullivan and Austin Johnston are all missing, but Thomas Bott, Ryan Grier and Dom Gamble all step in.

Lewis Brown and Adam Sakr both return for Bishops after missing the midweek win over Dunston, while Olly Hotchkiss and Sean Tarling are both still injured.

Leaders Guisborough play their last game of the season at Morpeth, and they will be at full strength. Morpeth, who drew with Shildon in midweek, are without Michael Fenwick and James Novak.

Shildon, who are five points behind Marske with two games in hand, go across to Carlisle to play relegated Celtic Nation, needing to win their last four games to be champions. Veteran keeper Keith Finch will start the game, because Kyle Hayes is injured and Lewis Graham is unavailable, while defenders Darren Craddock, Jamie Harwood, John Brackstone, and Darren Richardson plus striker Micky Rae are all injured.

Manager Gary Forrest said; “We now know that we have to win every game and that simplifies things a bit. We will go to Celtic Nation with the right attitude and hope to pick up the three points needed and take it to the last three games of the season.

“The lads were excellent in midweek but very tired. We’ve been playing two games a week since Xmas whilst other teams have been able to rest mid week. That was our 61st game this season. ”

Andrew Casson returns to the Nation’s squad.

North Shields, who are in fourth place level on points with Shildon, need to win at Dunston UTS, and Chris Bannon comes in for injured keeper Michael Robinson. Midfielder Ryan Carr and defender John Grey are both added to the squad.

Dunston will give a fitness test to defender Dave Coulson.

West Auckland, whose chance of the title has gone, are at West Allotment, and they will probably have a squad of 14. They have made midfielder Jake Fowler available for transfer. Allotment have six players unavailable for different reasons.

Jarrow Roofing striker Paul Chow faces his old club Whitley Bay, for whom he starred in three Vase finals. Midfielder Corey Barnes is missing because of injury, while striker Malky Morien is suspended. Whitley are with Craig MacFarlane and Jake Richardson because of injury, but striker Robbie Bird returns.

Sunderland RCA, who have climbed nicely away from relegation, are at home to Consett and will give fitness tests to Kieran Megran, James Armstrong and Michael Charlton but keeper Josh Carmichael and Lewis Wood both return.

Consett are back to full strength, with midfielders Chris Moore and Steven Turnbull and striker Danny Craggs all returning.

Durham City are at home to Ashington, and they will be missing defender Chris Wallace because of a broken ankle. Ashington will give Craig Smith his debut, while Dylan Williamson, Paul Dunn, and Jonathan Giles return to the squad. James Taylor, Joe Moscrop and James Loughborough are all ruled out with injuries.

In the other game, Bedlington are at home to Penrith.

The second division promotion places could be decided today, but the race to join Seaham Red Star in the first division could go on another week.

If Washington win their penultimate game at sixth placed Thornaby, then they’ll be promoted with Seaham Red Star. Mark Grant is a big injury doubt for Washington, but otherwise manager Steve Hutchinson will choose from a full squad.

Washington play Willington in their last game next week.

Norton need to win their last two matches, starting with Esh Winning today and Tow Law next week, and they will be missing striker Anthony Hume, while another striker, Nicky Martin will have a fitness test. Esh are strengthened by the returns of Andy Field, Paul Clarke and Paul Richardson.

Hebburn, in fifth and a point behind Norton, must beat Heaton Stannington at home and then hope for the best. They need to win their last two, and hope that Norton trip up. First choice keeper Gary Rogers is doubtful because of illness. Heaton, who are in seventh place, are at full strength except for Lee Johnson and Garry Dixon.

At the bottom, Brandon look almost certain to be relegated, with Easington replacing them. They play Whickham in their last home game after 28 years’ membership. Brandon won the league in 2003.

In the other games, Northallerton are at Birtley, and will have an unchanged squad. Birtley have seven players missing for various reasons.

Darlington RA are at home to Billingham Town, and they will be missing several players because of injury. Town could have five players missing, and are taking no chances with the Ernest Armstrong Cup final on the horizon.

Ryhope CW face Stokesley, and they will be missing David Pounder, Jack Pounder, Craig Hughes and Phil Hall, but Nathan O’Neill and Martin Metcalfe both return.

South Shields are at home to Ryton and Crawcrook.

In the EvoStik League, Blyth keep their push for the play offs going with an away game at Witton Albion, while Whitby are at home to Ashton United.