Newton Aycliffe manager Peter Dixon says that his team faces one of the toughest possible ties when they go to Colne in the second round of the FA Vase today.

Colne are top of the North West Counties League, having lost just once in 16 league games this season, and Dixon said; “Usually I like to go and watch opponents before we play them, but they’ve had games called off recently. This will be a tough one for sure, because they’re doing really well in their league at the moment.

“It’s probably one of the toughest possible ties, but that’s normal for me!”

Dixon will have a full squad to choose from, except for striker John Campbell, who cannot play in the Vase as he is a loan player.

North Shields begin their defence of the Vase, and they possibly could have done without a local derby against Ashington.

Defender Adam Forster and striker Dean Holmes will both be missing because of injury, while midfielder Ben Richardson and defender John Grey both face fitness tests. Midfielder James Luccock returns, but new signing Brad Brooking is cuptied having played for Durham in the competition.

Ashington are without five players because of injury; James Taylor, Scott Blandford, Ben Christensen, Dylan Williamson and James Harmison because of injury whilst Paul Weldon and 'keeper Ben Dudzinski face fitness tests.

South Shields, who have won their last 17 matches in league and cup, are at Consett one division above them, and they will be at full strength except for top scorer Lewis Teasdale.

Shields beat another ENL First Division side, Bishop Auckland, in the last round.

Consett are hit by the absence of several players, with midfielders Dan Hawkins and Kieran Megran plus defender Ryan Bell all out because of injury, while top scorer Michael Mackay will have a fitness test on a hamstring injury. There are three other players cuptied.

Consett manager Colin Myers said; “It’s disappointing going into a game like this with a threadbare squad. Everyone will have to stand up and be counted against a very strong Shields side who are one of the favourites for this years Vase and rightfully so. They have a very strong squad full of experience and every player has played at a higher level. This is going to be the toughest game we have had since I came to the club.”

Two former Vase winners, Whitley Bay and Dunston UTS, face each other at Hillheads. This will be the third successive season they have gone head to head in the Vase, with Dunston winning the previous two.

Whitley, whose last Vase final win was in 2011, will give fitness tests to midfielder Phil Lumsden and defender Chris Reid.

Whitley manager Paddy Atkinson said; “It’s going to be a difficult game as they are a good, well-financed organised outfit.”

Dunston, who won the Vase in 2012 will be at full strength except for suspended centre half Adam Wilkinson. Their manager Billy Irwin said; “This is the third year in a row we’ve been there, so we know what it’s like playing them in the Vase. We’ll be ready.”

Marske United are at home to Runcorn Linnets, who are third in the North West Counties League, and manager Carl Jarrett chooses from a full squad.

“I think it will be a tough test for us, but if we carry our form of late I think we will be hard to beat ourselves.”

ENL First Division side Guisborough take on Team Northumbria from a division below them. Midfielder Chay Liddle returns to the squad after missing the midweek game with Dunston, but midfielders Jonny Helm and Jordan Jowers are both missing.

Sunderland RCA travel to Hemsworth, who beat West Auckland in the last round.

The RCA, who are unbeaten in their last 14 league and cup matches, will have Jordan Harkess in goal, but Glen Lane and Jack Pounder are both cuptied. Joe Hughes and Clayton Davies are both out injured, while James Armstrong will have a fitness test.

Morpeth are at home to 1874 Northwich, who are second in the NWCL, and they will be missing defender Chris Jewels and midfielder Jordan Fry because of injury.

Seaham Red Star host Maltby Main from the Northern Counties East League, and they will be without top scorer Liam McBryde because of injury, as well as defenders Dave Scorer and Harrison Scott.