Shildon could go ten points clear at the top of the EBAC Northern League today if they beat Consett and other results go in their favour.

The Railwaymen face the Steelmen at Dean Street, where Shildon have lost only once in eight league matches this season. Second placed Morpeth are on Vase duty, while third placed Guisborough have a tough game at North Shields, while fourth placed Marske have an equally tough game at home to Dunston UTS.

Manager Gary Forrest is without defenders Dan Groves and Jamie Harwood, as well as midfielder Bobby Moore, while there are fitness tests for defender Carl Jones and midfielder Matty Robson.

Consett welcome back defenders Matty Slocombe and David Brown, but they are missing defenders Dan Madden and Ryan Bell, and midfielders Kieran Megran and Dan Hawkins. They include new signings Jordan Lavery and Stephen Little, signed from Bishop Auckland and Bedlington respectively.

Marske are at home to Dunston UTS, and they will give a return debut to defender Matty Crossen, who has returned to the club from West Auckland, while midfielder Austin Johnston returns after injury. Dunston, who have conceded only two away league goals this season, will give fitness tests to Dan Smith and Dan Halliday.

Guisborough are at North Shields, and they have a fitness doubt over striker Peter Bulmer, but midfielder Chay Liddle returns to the squad after missing the midweek win at Ashington. Shields are without skipper Kevin Hughes, while there are injury doubts over Dan Wilson and Ryan Carr. Striker Gareth Bainbridge may start the game after recovering from injury. Shields have released defender Dave Coulson.

In the second division, Northallerton are at Alnwick, and they will be at full strength, although striker Freddie Woodhouse has moved to Bishop Auckland.

Second bottom Esh Winning, who won only their second game of the season in midweek, are at Birtley, who are third from bottom and welcome back Rob Smith and Damon Ellis, but four other players are out because of injury.

Ryhope CW are at home to Billingham Town, and they will be missing keeper Chris Rookes, defender Martin Metcalfe, and strikers Craig Hughes and Josh Home-Jackson because of injury. However, defenders Phil Hall, Chris Trewick and striker Damien Stevens all return. Town, who came back from 2-0 down to win at Crook in midweek, have an injury doubt over defender Dan Rowbotham, while Drew Lambert is missing. Striker Lewis Murphy returns from injury.

Brandon are at home to Willington, and include former Willington player Dean Thexton, who has just signed from South Shields.

Thornaby are at Ryton and Crawcrook, and they include new signing Ben Hugill.