Shildon manager Gary Forrest warns that victory isn’t a foregone conclusion when they face Atherton Collieries in the fourth round of the FA Vase at Dean Street on Saturday.

According to the bookmakers, the Railwaymen start favourites against Atherton, who are third in the North West Counties League, but Forrest has told his players that they need to be at their best today.

“I am conscious that the players understand how tough this game will be,” he said. “They are third in league with games in hand and have already beaten Jarrow Roofing and Penrith quite convincingly in the competition already. A lot of people ( not from inside my changing room) are under the impression that we will win comfortably, that's far from the case and people should remember that South Shields could have easily lost out to Runcorn Linnets from the same league in a previous round had it not been for their keeper. Runcorn Linnets are not as strong as Atherton.

I have not had them watched although Richie McLaughlin, the Jarrow Roofing manager, kindly gave us some feedback.

“I went to watch Pickering in a previous round and set my team up to counter their 4/3/3 formation only to find they switched to a 3/5/2 on the day. I am a big believer of letting the opposition worry about us.”

Forrest only has one injury problem, with Matty Robson ruled out because of a knee injury.

Billingham Town from the ENL Second Division, have a very tough home game against Cleethorpes, the runaway leaders of the Northern Counties East League.

Town go into the game full of confidence having scored 30 goals in their last seven matches, and manager Barry Oliver said; “There is a massive togetherness about the players, and they’re full of confidence going into the game.

“I’ve been to watch Cleethorpes, and they’re a team just like ourselves who like to get the ball down and play. We will have to be clever in order to beat them.”

Oliver chooses from a full squad, except for injured centre half Steve Oakley.

Sunderland RCA are at AFC Mansfield, who are midtable in the NCEL Premier Division.

Manager Marty Swales, who is cutting short a holiday in Tenerife to be at the game, said; “I have watched them and they are very organised and experienced, but hopefully we will have too much pace for them. I think we will have too much for them if we play to our capabilities.”

Ross Preston and Adam McGuinness are both cup tied having already played for Washington, while defender Kevin Gordon and striker Liam McBryde will both have fitness tests. Striker Jonny Butler returns from suspension.

The tie of the round is between two of the favourites, South Shields and Morpeth.

Shields have won their last ten matches in all competitions, and assistant manager Lee Picton said; “This is a totally different game, and everyone steps up their level in the Vase, so we're expecting a really difficult one.

"It will be a big occasion for South Shields and I'm sure there will be plenty of fans coming to the game. It will be tough, but it's one we know we can come through and win if we play to our potential.

"The Vase is excellent and everyone would like a long run in the competition and a Wembley trip at the end of it. It would be great if we could do it.

"Morpeth beat us last season on penalties on their way to winning it, so it would be good to get one over on them.”

Defender Anthony Callaghan is unable to play because he played for Washington earlier in the competition.