Shildon can go joint second in the Northern League table if they beat Seaham Red Star at Dean Street on Saturday.

The Railwaymen bounced back to form last week when they beat Stockton Town after a run of four defeats and then they beat team Northumbria away from home on Monday. Manager Danny Moore said; “We’ve had two wins on the bounce with two clean sheets, and with Marske playing in the Vase, then we’ve got a chance to put some points on the board and put pressure on them.”

Moore is also expecting to make at least one new signing soon to bolster their title push.

Bishop Auckland could climb three places if they win at Sunderland RCA, and they will be close to full strength, but midfielder Priestley Griffiths will be missing because of suspension.

Newton Aycliffe face Jarrow Roofing, who are in fourth bottom, three places below them, at Moore Lane.

Keeper James Winter, plus outfield players Alan Harrison, Liam Browne, Paul Weldon are all available after injury, while Jamie Davis has served his suspension.

“It’s a big game for us, almost a six pointer,” said manager Deano Browne, “We go into the game confident after a good performance at RCA last week, and at Darlington in a friendly in midweek.”

In the second division, fourth placed Tow Law have a tough away game at Hebburn, who are one place and two points below them, but they will be without suspended trio Lewis Brown, Glenn Caygill and Chris Storey.

League leaders Northallerton, who are three points ahead, are at home to Thornaby, who scored nine in their last outing.

Durham City, who have climbed to ninth in recent weeks, are at West Allotment and they are hoping that striker Brad Hird can return to the squad. “We need to keep working hard to get points on the board,” said manager Olly Hotchkiss.

Crook Town, who are fourth bottom but six points clear of the relegation zone, are at home to Easington. Their recent signing David Paul will be unable to play against his previous club because of injury. Defender Matty Stephenson and midfielder Chris Emms are both missing, while Callum Smith and Daniel Johnson both return.

“It’s a tough game again, but on recent form there is no reason why we can’t take all three points if we apply ourselves in the right way again,” said manager Chris Lax.

Esh Winning are hoping to bounce back from their 9-1 trouncing at Thornaby last week when they face Jarrow at Waterhouses.

Max Stoker and Mykel Summerson are both suspended, while Reece Brown, Scott Arnott, Carl Robinson and Connor Halpin are all injured. However, they are hoping to complete the signing of Matty Soulsby from Tow Law.

Willington, who are on a good run, are at home to Blyth, and manager Rob Lee expects to choose from a full squad.

Chester-le-Street, who are unbeaten in their last five league and cup matches are home to Billingham Town, and they welcome Danny Naylor, Kieran Megran and Aaron Reynolds back to their squad. Manager Colin Wale said; “We are looking to continue the good run of form against a good side, who always play good football and are hard to beat.”

Town manager Barry Oliver is resigning after the game because of work commitments, but he will be staying on as chairman.

Second bottom Darlington RA need a good result at Bedlington, and they welcome back keeper Phil Pentony, but Dan Flounders is missing because of suspension.