Shildon are hoping to extend their lead at the top of the table when they go to Sunderland RCA.

The Railwaymen went top when they beat Guisborough in midweek, and with their nearest rivals on FA Cup duty, then they could be four points clear tonight.

However, defenders Jamie Harwood, Darren Richardson and Carl Jones are all missing, as are midfielder Bobby Moore and striker Ben Wood.

Sunderland RCA welcome back striker Liam Hatch, plus Tony Coe and James Armstrong, but Luke Richardson, Colin Larkin and Andy Brown.

Norton are hoping to win their first game of the season at home to Seaham following an encouraging performance in midweek at Ashington. Defender Dale Mulligan is out because of injury, while manager Deano Browne includes new signing Thibault Charmey and possibly another two.

Durham City will be missing defender Dan Dillon, who has a broken foot, for their home game with Penrith. Moussa Bakhti is included in the squad after returning from France, while Aidan Haley continues in midfield after recovering from injury.

In the other first division game, Bedlington are at home to West Allotment.

Darlington RA sit proudly at the top of the second division with five wins from six matches, and they are at home to Whickham. Manager Warren Moncur will have a full squad to choose from, apart from Liam Brown and Ste Cheeseman.

Chester-le-Street, who are in third place, take on Team Northumbria, who are a place below them. Chester are missing six players for various reasons, including brothers Michael and Danny Hepplewhite.

Crook are at home to Billingham Synthonia, and they include new signing Tito Davison and four other players who missed the midweek defeat at Darlington RA. However, they are missing suspended keeper Ryan Graham, while Thomas Watkinson and Callum Johnston are both unavailable. Synners, who are fourth bottom, welcome back keeper Barry Poskett and defender James Crossman.

South Shields, who are in second place, take on Ryhope CW. Shields will be without David Foley because of a hamstring injury, while Ryhope are without first choice keeper Chris Rookes, but defender Martin Metcalfe and midfielder Richard Hodgson both return from holidays. There will be fitness tests for striker Nathan O’Neill and midfielder Jack Pounder.

Willington are at Easington and manager Rob Lee has to contend with several players being injured or unavailable.

Thornaby, who are in sixth place, are at home to Hebburn and are without midfielder Theo Furness and defender Lee Bythway. Hebburn are badly hit by injuries, with ten players, including both registered keepers, struggling. Defender Kris Summers and striker Glen Hargrave both return.

Tow Law, who are sixth from bottom, are without new signing John Meadows at home to Northallerton, but defender Lewis Harrison and keeper Rob Anderson both return, while Gareth Ayres and Chris Mordue will both have fitness tests. Northallerton manager Danny Mellanby will have a full squad.

Brandon, who won in midweek, are at Ryton and Crawcrook, and are without Jason White and Ben Clarey, while James Ellis returns.

In the other games, Billingham Town are at home to Alnwick, and there’s a basement battle between the two teams at the bottom, Esh Winning and Stokesley.