West Auckland have got second place in their sights when they go to Dunston UTS today.

West moved above Marske United into third place when they hammered Washington by 7-1 in midweek, and now they’re looking to overtake Consett, who are four points ahead of them but have played a game more.

Manager Gary Forrest said; “We need to keep our energy levels high just as we have done in the last couple of games. We’re looking to sneak into that second place.”

Midfielder Alex Francis and striker Ben Wood will both be missing today.

Newton Aycliffe are aiming to stretch their unbeaten run to ten matches when they go to Ryhope CW, and they will still be missing defender Liam Browne because of injury. Manager Deano Browne said; “It’s another tough game against a well-organised Ryhope team who haven’t been getting the rub of the green lately.”

Bishop Auckland have a tough game at home to league leaders Morpeth, and manager Colin Myers could keep the same team that won 4-1 at Washington last week.

Morpeth lost at Newton Aycliffe last Saturday, and during the week joint manager Dave Malone resigned because of work commitments. The teams drew 1-1 at Morpeth earlier in the season.

Shildon, who are still looking to finish second, are at home to fourth bottom Penrith but they have several injury problems to contend with, as player-manager Danny Moore, Marc Ellison, Sam Hodgson, Adam Gell, Anthony Peacock and Billy Greulich-Smith all struggling. Keeper Nick Liversedge is unavailable, so Moore is hoping to sign Michael Woud from Sunderland.

Second Division leaders Northallerton, who are at Chester-le-Street, include new midfielder Chris Emms, signed from Crook, in their squad. Emms won the league with Darlington five years ago.

Manager Darren Trotter said; "Chester Le Street will cause us some problems as they did in the reverse fixture earlier in the season and we look forward to the challenge.".

Chester are without Sam Moore, Danny Naylor, Aaron Reynolds, Danny Hepplewhite and Kevin Dixon, but Lee Mole, Michael Hepplewhite and Jack Wilson all return.

Manager Colin Wake said; “We gave a good account of ourselves down there earlier in the season but got punished for every mistake we made. We go into the game confident that if we perform to our max then we will be in with a good chance of upsetting them.”

Third bottom Brandon go to Easington, looking for a victory to open up some breathing space on the bottom two. “It’s just a matter of time before the team puts a run together, they’re working very hard at the moment. It’s a tough away game, but every game is tough for us from now to the end of the season, but we are confident that we can come away with something.”

Second bottom Darlington RA, who have lost their last five matches, go to Ashington where Blyth Town now play their home matches.

Keeper Phil Pentony and defender Andrew Lonsdale are still injured, while midfielder Michael Joseph is suspended. Assistant manager Mike Colman said; “We expect a tough game because Blyth are a good footballing side.”

Esh Winning, who had a good win in midweek, are at Ryton and Crawcrook, and they welcome back Connor Halpin, Gavin Brown, Callum Boakes and Shaun Reay. Manager Tony Boakes said; “Both teams are fighting for the points to pull away from the relegation scrap.”

Durham City are at third placed Whickham, and they welcome back Callum Smith, but Josh Thompson is unavailable. Manager Olly Hotchkiss said; “It will be a very tough game against a strong side who are doing well. We must be at our very best to get a result. But after a great performance and result against Crook, we are full of confidence.”

The draw for the quarter finals of the Northern League Cup is: Morpeth or Willington v Stockton Town, Newcastle Benfield v Ryhope CW, Penrith v Bishop Auckland, Seaham Red Star v Dunston UTS.