West Auckland manager Steve Skinner is hoping that his team’s confidence will be boosted with a good performance at Consett on Saturday afternoon.

West have slipped back into the relegation battle because of a run of four games without a win, that led to Skinner being appointed as manager in his own right following the departure of previous joint manager Darren Williams.

“We are up and down at the moment, with the lads’ confidence struggling at times,” he said. “ Hopefully with new experienced players coming into the squad we will settle down. We have enough in our squad for Consett when our players are on top of their game and players who can win games on their own. Hopefully with a little bit of luck we can away with three much-needed points.”

New signing Andrew Brown from Washington is added to the squad, but another signing, Lewis Galpin, is suspended. Lewis Graham, Brian Close, Mark Hudson and Grant Hickman are all added to the squad after missing the midweek cup defeat by Shildon.

Consett, who are unbeaten in their last 13 league and cup matches, are close to full strength and include full back Alex Kitchen, signed just before Christmas from Newton Aycliffe.

Bishop Auckland are hoping to end a run of three straight away defeats when they go to third bottom Guisborough, and manager Steve Riley will choose from a full squad except for injured defender Ross Colquhoun. Guisborough include former Darlington keeper Jordan Nixon in their side, while striker Connor Smith returns, but veteran David Onions is missing because of suspension, while Paul Roddam and Jonny Helm are both missing.

Newton Aycliffe are at home to bottom club Chester-le-Street, and they will give a debut to former Hartlepool defender Darren Craddock, but defender Liam Browne is out because of injury while keeper James Winter is struggling with an injury. Chester have collected ten of their twelve points away from home this season.

Marske United face fourth bottom Jarrow Roofing at Mount Pleasant, and manager Carl Jarrett expects to choose from a full strength squad.

Roofing, who are five points clear of the bottom three, are without defender Dan Kirkup because of suspension but another defender, Arjun Purewal, returns after a ban. Shaun Vipond and Adam Smith both return.

League leaders North Shields, who are five points clear at the top, are at Washington, and they expect to be at full strength now that Curtis Coppen has returned from suspension.

Washington have signed full back Harrison Scott from Guisborough, while they could also make another new signing before the game.

Dunston UTS are at home to Penrith, and they include striker Warren Byrne, signed from South Shields.

Ryhope CW are at home to Ashington who are one place above them, and they are strengthened by the return of Kyle Davis after a three match suspension, while striker Josh Home-Jackson has returned to the club after an absence for family commitments. Joe Melvin and Adam Sakr also return to the squad. Ashington are without Ben Harmison and Lee McAndrew, while Kyle Downey and Jon Tiffoney are both doubtful.

Second bottom West Allotment need the points from their local derby against Newcastle Benfield, but they could be missing three players for various reasons, so manager Paul Stoneman chooses from a squad of fifteen.

The game of the day in the second division is between third placed Billingham Synthonia and leaders Stockton Town. Synners are missing striker Conor Winter because of suspension, while Stockton, who won the reverse game earlier in the season, will be at full strength.

Durham City, who are in fifth place, are at Northallerton, and they will be at full strength except for Matty Smith.

Easington, who are sixth, are at Thornaby, and they include new signing Bradley Varga from Newton Aycliffe, while five players who missed the midweek cup defeat at Consett are added to the squad.

Thornaby will be missing Jon Burton because of work and midfielder Michael Joseph because of suspension, but otherwise they will have a full squad available.

Hebburn, who haven’t won in four league games, are at Alnwick and they will be missing James Davidson and Mick Watson, but Chris Smith returns.

Bottom club Esh Winning are at home to Crook Town, and they will give striker Kai Hewitson, signed from Tow Law, his debut while Ben Addison and Scott Arnott should both return. Crook, who are third bottom, recently parted company with manager Colin Myers so chairman Vince Kirkup takes temporary charge. They have signed former player Callum Johnston as well as Jordan Lee.

Second bottom Darlington RA have a big away game at Ryton and Crawcrook, who are four points above them. Manager Peter Mulcaster is hoping to have two new signings.

Tow Law have a local derby at home to Brandon, who are without Dan Pearson who has a dislocated shoulder, but skipper Kyle Wren and Daniel Quine both return.

Willington go to Whickham, and they are missing Lewis Milner, but Damon Ellis and Graham Lazonby both return.

League leaders Team Northumbria are at home to Heaton Stannington, who include new striker Michael Riley, signed from Newton Aycliffe.

The abandoned game between Blyth Town and Team Northumbria on Wednesday night that was standing at 1-1 when the lights went out, has been ordered by the league to be replayed.