Shildon manager Danny Moore has set his players a 50-point target if they are to have a chance of winning the league.

The Railwaymen are at home to bottom club Billingham Synthonia this afternoon, lying third in the table after losing 5-3 at North Shields in midweek, and twelve points behind leaders Morpeth.

But Moore hasn’t written off his side’s chances of winning their second title in four years. “I’ve set the players a target of 50 points out of the last 60, which means that we can afford to drop ten points.

“If we get those 50 points, then that will give us a point less than the number we got to win the league.

“I believe that we’re capable of doing it, but we need to cut out the individual mistakes that are costing us goals. Not long ago, we didn’t look like conceding, but we’re conceding too many now. I’m seriously considering playing at centre half and move from midfield.”

Moore will give a home debut to midfielder Adam Gell, signed from Whitby, and defender Carl Jones, who has returned to the club.

West Auckland take on Newton Aycliffe in a local derby.

West are currently sixth in the table, and they will give top scorer Nathan Fisher a fitness test, while recent signing Mark Doninger is injured. Defender Ross Colquhoun is missing because of suspension. Manager Gary Forrest said; “This is a tough local derby, but we need to push on.”

Aycliffe are fifth from bottom with two away wins to their credit all season, and manager Deano Browne said; “We’re looking forward to the challenge against one of the better sides in the league and it will be interesting to see where the lads are after four weeks without a game. We have trained really hard and we’re looking forward to a competitive match.”

Aycliffe will be at full strength, except for midfielder Ben Trotter who is suspended.

Bishop Auckland include a new signing, Niall McGoldrick, a defender on loan from Whitby, in their squad at home to Seaham Red Star.

Bishops are currently seventh from bottom, twelve points above the relegation zone, and lost 2-0 at Seaham earlier in the season.

In the second division, leaders Northallerton have a top of the table clash at second placed Blyth AFC. Manager Darren Trotter said; "Supporters have called this game a must win game, whereas I would rather think of it as a mustn't lose game. That's not to say we won't be approaching the game with a negative attitude, we will go there in positive node and pick a team and try to win all three points as we always do, and just see where that takes us. One thing for certain win, lose or draw -- it won't decide the League. Being in pole position in December doesn't matter a jot, it's where you are in May that matters.”

Northallerton will be missing Elliott McGlade, Josh Knox, Mark Hemingway and Sam Grainger for various reasons, but defender Mattie Crossen will return.

Tow Law are in third, level with Blyth and three points behind Northallerton, and they’re at Easington. Manager Steve Murray expects to choose from a full squad.

Fourth bottom Crook Town can do their chances of survival a power of good if they win at bottom club Alnwick, and they include new signings Ethan graham and Kieran Day, but keeper Callum Liddicott and defender Ryan Coles are both missing.

“We’re expecting a tough game,” said Crook manager Chris Lax. “The league position means nothing.” Crook have won twice away from home this season.

Esh Winning, who are tenth are at home to Hebburn, four places above them. Striker Kai Hewitson is missing because of work commitments, but other than that manager Tony Mordue will choose from a full squad.

Second bottom Darlington RA are looking for only their second home win of the season against Durham City.

RA manager Peter Mulcaster hopes to have a full squad to choose from, and has signed James Conner.

Durham, who are seventh, have won their last three league matches, and manager Olly Hotchkiss said; “Hopefully the players can continue their good form and get a win to head into the Christmas period.”

Ste Malloy and Jeremy Allen are both back in contention.

Chester-le-Street, who are unbeaten in their last four league games, are at home to Ryton and Crawcrook.

Chester are missing six players for various reasons, but Tom Iley returns after a long-term injury. Manager Colin Wake said; “We still have a good strong squad to select from, and we hope to go into the Christmas period wit ha decent performance and hopefully the right result.”