Shildon stage one of the biggest games in their recent history when Durham City visit Dean Street on Saturday.

The Railwaymen have held big FA Cup ties, such as those in 2003 when they reached the first round proper, and a Vase semi final against Tunbridge Wells two seasons ago, but arguably they haven’t held a league game as important as this since they last won the league back in 1940, which was their fifth time.

If Shildon win today against the Citizens and then on Wednesday at Bedlington, then they will pip Marske to the title by a point, a more than appropriate way to celebrate their 125th year.

Manager Gary Forrest said; “The lads will be fired up for this game no matter who plays, but we know that Durham want to be the team that spoils the party. We played Sunderland RCA the night, and they never stopped fighting even when they went 4-0 down.

“Durham aren’t going to lie down and let us win, so our players have got to step up. If we can get an early goal, then that will take a little bit weight off the shoulders.

“The lads are going into the game feeling confident. Until the RCA game, they’d kept five successive clean sheets. The team spirit is excellent, and there’s a lot of belief in the dressing room that we can do this.”

However, Forrest won’t be able to name his team until just before kick off.

“I haven’t got a clue what the team is going to be though,” said Forrest. “We’ve got several players missing and others will have fitness tests before the game.”

Definitely out are keeper Kyle Hayes, defender Darren Craddock and striker Micky Rae, while eight others will have fitness tests.

This is the second part of the Railwaymen’s treble quest. They’ve already retained the Durham Challenge Cup, and on Tuesday week they play Newton Aycliffe in the League Cup final at Bishop Auckland.

Durham, who have won seven times away this season including victory at Guisborough, are at full strength except for defender Chris Wallace who has a broken ankle, West Auckland, who are fifth, are at Consett, and manager Steve Skinner chooses from a thin squad of 13 players. Consett, who have scored at least six goals in three of their last seven matches, are missing midfielder Steven Turnbull, but defender Joel Dixon comes back into the squad.

Vase finalists North Shields are at Sunderland RCA, and they will put third choice keeper David Morton in goal, as the other two, Michael Robinson and Chris Bannon are both injured. James Luccock and Stuart Donnison are both missing because of injury.

The RCA welcome back first choice keeper John Carmichael plus Clayton Davies and Stephen Bogie, while Kieran Megran, John Jury and Ross Preston will all have fitness tests.

Crook Town play their last game before relegation to the second division when they go to Whitley Bay, and afterwards manager Peter Mulcaster is expected to quit the manager’s job following the resignation of chairman Ian Hirst. The club’s members are due to discuss the situation on Thursday at a hastily-convened EGM.

Whitley are hoping that keeper Sean McCafferty, striker Robbie Bird and defender Scott Blandford will all be fit.

Bedlington, who haven’t won in ten matches, are at home to relegated Celtic Nation and will be missing Steve Little, Scott Thompson and Paul Watson. Callam Donohue is doubtful, while Michael Calvert and Andrew Keenan both return. The Nation, who conceded eight at Marske in midweek, are without injured keeper James Greenhall, but five players who missed the midweek game all return. Jonny Allan might also recover from a virus in time.

Newcastle Benfield go to Penrith, and they include player-manager Steve Bowey on his return from injury. Mark Convery, Gilberto Chapim and Mark Turnbull are all missing because of work.

In the second division, Norton will become the third team to win promotion if they win at second bottom Tow Law. Norton beat Esh Winning 6-0 last week, and add striker Anthony Hume to the squad, but they have a fitness doubt over another striker Nicky Martin. Midfielder Jack Proctor is definitely out because of injury.

Lawyers, who are second bottom, are without Chris Killeen because of suspension, but midfielder Ryan Cummings returns to the squad.

The game has already been played once but abandoned because of fog with 15 minutes remaining when Norton were leading 3-0.

Brandon play their last game as a Northern League club after 32 years – unless something happens above them that produces a reprieve – when they go to Alnwick.

Second division champions Seaham Red Star go to Darlington RA, and will be missing Darryl Donnelly and skipper Chris Scott because of suspension.

Runners up Washington are at home to Willington, and they will be at full strength. Willington are hoping that five players will return after missing last week’s game, while they have a fitness doubt over top scorer Adam Burnicle. Daniel Lee and Mark Bell are both injured.

Thornaby, who are aiming to finish sixth, are at home to Whickham, and manager Paul Edwards will choose from a full squad.

Ernest Armstrong Trophy finalists Billingham Town are at home to Hebburn, and they could rest players with the final in mind. Josh Keogh and Joel Callender will both have fitness tests, while striker Ben Bonner is unavailable.

Hebburn, who will finish fifth, are without Craig Malley, Marc Costello and Adam Ingram who are all injured.

Ryhope CW are at Chester-le-Street and will finish sixth if they win and Thornaby lose.

Chester welcome back Glen Hargrave, Robbie Draper and Derek Waters but Ben Johnson and Kevin Dixon are both unavailable.

In the other game, Northallerton are at home to Ryton and Crawcrook.

In the EvoStik League, Blyth can clinch a play off spot if they beat third bottom Marine, and either Ilkeston or Curzon Ashton lose their games.

Whitby go down to Norfolk in order to play Kings Lynn.