West Auckland manager Andy Campbell returns to his previous club Norton looking for three much-needed points today.

Campbell guided Norton to promotion last season but left during the summer, and now he faces his old club in a relegation battle. West are bottom of the table, three points behind Norton who are two places above them.

“It’s a massive game for us,” he said. “Three points will take us off the bottom which is a must, but it will be a very tough game against a good side who have a good record at home this season.”

West give a debut to on loan full back from Shildon Jon Brackstone, but they will be missing midfielder John Seaton and striker Shaun Hudson because of injury, Norton, who have lost their last six league games, include new signing Lewis Brown, but they are missing Ryan Braithwaite and Bradley Staunch.

“It’s a big game for both clubs, but I’m really looking forward to it," said Norton manager Deano Browne. “West have strengthened recently which makes the game more interesting.”

Shildon, who are second in the table, can reduce the gap on leaders Morpeth to two points if they win at Penrith, although the game is very doubtful, as Penrith’s ground is next to the flooded River Eamont.

Striker Billy Greulich-Smith and midfielder Kyle Fryatt are both out injured, but another striker, Ben wood, comes back into the squad.

Durham City are at fifth bottom Newcastle Benfield, and are hoping to strengthen their squad by bringing in a couple of players on loan. Paul Richardson and Jason Scotter remain in temporary charge, although the club might announce a new manger soon.

Washington, without a league win in five, are at second bottom Bedlington, and they are boosted by the returns of striker Johnny Butler and Joe Walton after suspension, as well as defender Greg Swansbury and midfielder Steven Stewart. Conor Okus is missing because of work commitments.

Bedlington have signed four new players recently – Paul King, Liam Hudson, Tony Stephenson and Jack Errington The game of the day in the second division is between third placed Darlington RA and Billingham Synthonia, who are two places below them.

The RA will be missing Joe Peel and Liam Brown, but Nathan Wilson returns. Manager Warren Moncur has a big squad to choose from.

Synners have only conceded eight goals away from home this season, and they will be without Mattie Osmond, Jack McLaren and Jamie Barton.

Chester-le-Street can reduce South Shields’ lead at the top to five points if they beat Alnwick, and they expect to be at full strength. Their striker, Scott Heslop, has scored 18 league goals this season.

Easington, who are in sixth place, are at Tow Law, and will be missing Luke Page and Liam Hodgson, while manager Paul Frame could make changes to the side, with five players coming into the reckoning.

Striker Kai Hewitson has returned to Lawyers after a brief spell with Dunston UTS, and goes straight back into the side.

Ryhope CW are at home to Birtley, and they are missing striker Craig Hughes and defender Martin Metcalfe because of injury. Defender Dave Gordon and midfielder Steve Francis are both doubtful.

Crook, who are at home to Thornaby, will include new signing Matty Soulsby from Birtley in their squad, but Jonny Kemp, Lee Newby, Andrew Wright and John Wright all missing. Peter Brown could return after injury.

Thornaby are strengthened by the returns of striker Nathan Steel and midfielders Kieran Edwards and Danny Lofts, but another midfielder Curtis Edwards is missing because of injury Second bottom Esh Winning are at Billingham Town, and hope to include new signing David Laight from Easington, plus one other. Nathan Graham will be missing for them, but Brian Harrison returns.

Town are boosted by the returns of striker Craig Hutchinson and Chris Dickinson. Harry Taylor returns after injury.

Hebburn , who are eighth from bottom, are at home to Willington, and they welcome back defender Lee McMahon after injury, but midfielder Ian Bickerstaff is out for six weeks.

Willington will give a debut to Lewis Martin, signed from West Auckland, but Graham Lazonby and James Seymour both return.

Bottom club Stokesley are hoping to finally pick up their first league win at home to Northallerton, while Brandon are at home to Whickham.