Birtley will give former Premiership player Stuart Nicholson an outing against league leaders Guisborough today.

Nicholson, 23, made six appearances as a teenager for West Brom in the Premiership as a teenager, including one against Sunderland, but he was released in September 2008. He also had loan spells at Bristol Rovers, Shrewsbury and Wrexham.

Guisborough welcome back Lee Bythway, Joel Guy and Lee Farrington, but Richard Walker is doubtful because of injury.

Second placed Newton Aycliffe are at home to third bottom Northallerton and they will be without keeper Scott Pocklington, so manager Alan Oliver is recruiting a replacement. Striker Danny Mellanby and defender Paul Stout are amongst those also missing. Northallerton welcome back striker Neil Tarrant and midfielder Darren Mowbray, who both missed the midweek game.

Crook Town keeper Josh Myers returns for them away to Chester-le-Street after missing last week’s game, when outfield player John Jury went in goal. Striker Darren Kokes is added to the squad, while defender Paul Moss will have a fitness test. Chester, who have won only one in their last seven, welcome back Robbie Draper, Kyle Bird and Jordan Fraser, and have transferred striker Craig Coates to Washington.

Sixth placed Marske United face Gillford Park, whose future in the league is uncertain. Five players return for Marske who were rested in midweek, while striker Anthony Ormerod will have a fitness test.

Darlington RA will pass last season’s points tally if they win or draw at Horden. Player-manager Nick Harrison is missing because of injury, while keeper Phil Pentone is unavailable and defender Marc Radmore has retired. Horden manager Brian Honour expects to choose from a full squad.

Thornaby include new striker Dean Fox, who has returned to the club from Washington, in their squad at home to North Shields, while they include another newcomer, Billy Gatenby from Norton. Shields, who are fifth, have seven players missing because of injury, but manager Tony Woodhouse still has 18 players to choose from.

Hebburn, who have lost their last five league and cup games, are at home to Team Northumbria and will give recent signing Dan Olusoga a fitness test, and a debut to midfielder Darryl Lucas from Ossett. Striker Gary McCartney is still missing because of injury.

Seaham Red Star can open up some daylight between them and the bottom three if they beat bottom club Morpeth, and they add new keeper Kyle Donaldson from Belford House to their squad, while Liam Hodgson and Neil Gough both have fitness tests.

In the other game, fourth placed Whickham are at Whitehaven, who have yet to lose at home this season.