Newton Aycliffe are trying to reach the reach the first qualifying round for the first time ever when they face Morpeth at Moore Lane this afternoon.

Aycliffe have only got to today’s stage, the preliminary round, on just one occasion before when they lost in a replay at Spennymoor.

Manager Peter Dixon, who will choose from a full squad today, said; “The club is buzzing, because hey know that there is a little bit of prestige at stake in getting through to the next round. Everybody is looking forward to the game.”

Morpeth, who are near the top of the league, have injury doubts over Chris Jewels and Shaun Bell.

Consett have an attractive home game against Scarborough Athletic from the EvoStik First Division North. Manager Colin Myers has several players missing though – defender Dan Madden is suspended, midfielder Dan Hawkins and defender Ryan Bell are both injured, while Ryan King is unavailable. Scarborough scored six on their travels at Harrogate RA in midweek.

Marske defeated three clubs from above the Northern League in their run of two seasons ago, and today they’re up against Lancaster City from the EvoStik First Division North. The Villagers will choose from a full squad.

Lancaster are managed by former Newcastle defender Darren Peacock, assisted by Trevor Sinclair.

North Shields face another EvoStik League club, Kendal Town, and they will be missing Gareth Bainbridge, Denver Morris, Michael McKeown and Stuart Donnison, while Curtis Coppen is suspended and new signing David Pounder is cuptied. They include new signing Dan Wilson and Jake Fenton.

In Shields last four matches, players have scored on their debuts – Jack Walker, David Pounder, Jordan Summerly and Dan Wilson.

Dunston go across the A66 to Barrow in order to play Holker Old Boys, and they will be without strikers Malky Morien and Micky Dixon.

Ashington are at home to Thackley from the Northern Counties East League, and they will give fitness tests to Kyle Downey and Paul Dunn, while Dylan Williamson, James Harmison and Scott Blandford.

In the all Northern League ties, Bishop face Jarrow Roofing at Heritage Park. Defenders Arjun Purewal and Jeff Smith, plus winger Adam Nicholls returns to the side. However, midfielder Stuart Thompson is doubtful. Roofing welcome back midfielder Shaun Vipond and striker Michael Riley, but Jamie Marshall and Kieron Wrightson are both missing.

West Auckland, who have only won in the Cup this season, are at home to Washington, but are missing several players – Michael Jameson, Ross Gardner, Shaun Hudson, Ryan Foster and Lee Farrington. Washington are the surprise package of the season so far, and in midweek ended the 100 per cent record of Dunston UTS. Manager Steve Hutchinson will give several players fitness tests, while Aaron Croft definitely returns.

Guisborough are at home to Newcastle Benfield, and they will be at full strength now that midfielder Chay Liddle has returned to the squad. Benfield player-manager Steve Bowey returns after missing the midweek draw with Morpeth, as do Steven Baptiste and Lewis Scorgie, but Chris Hardy and David Henderson are unavailable.

Whitley Bay take on the last remaining ENL Division Two side Heaton Stannington, and they will be at full strength. Heaton, who are one of the lowest ranked sides remaining in the competition, are missing four players, Sam Grieveson, Dean Imray, Ally Stoddart and Dean Deagle.