Bishop Auckland manager Colin Myers says that he has a “huge rebuilding job” to do as he prepares for today’s home game against Guisborough.

After a fortnight as caretaker manager following the departure of Steve Riley, Myers has been handed the job for a second time, and he admits that he has a difficult task ahead with Bishops joint bottom of the table and pointless after four league games.

“There is a lot of work to be done, there is no doubt that it will be a rebuilding job in many ways. A few things need sorting out in the dressing room.

“We will be starting with a clean slate, and the players will be given a chance, but this will be different job to what I experienced last time round. I know what needs to be done.”

Myers admitted that he had no real wish to take the job on a permanent basis a fortnight ago, but he said; “I had certain conversations that made me change my mind about taking the job. A fortnight ago I expected to be told that the club had appointed someone else and I would be told thanks very much.”

Striker Matty Moffat will be missing because of suspension this afternoon.

West Auckland, who have scored 24 times in their five league games so far to go top of the table, are at home to Team Northumbria, and the striker who has scored half of those goals, Nathan Fisher, is unavailable as well as defender Michael McKeown. Midfielder Anthony Bell and striker Ben Wood will both have fitness tests.

Manager Gary Forrest said; “It’s important that we pick up three points today. The strength of our squad will be tested this weekend.”

West are at Shildon, Forrest’s old club, on Monday morning.

Shildon, who are unbeaten in four league games, are at Seaham Red Star, and they have fitness doubts over defenders Matty Robson, Dan Groves and Marc Ellison. Manager Danny Moore said; “It’s still early in the season, but we need three points to keep in touch with West Auckland and Morpeth.”

Newton Aycliffe are at home to Penrith still looking for their first league win of the season. Defender Dan Mitton and midfielder Stuart Banks are both missing for the clash against the Cumbrians, who themselves haven’t won in three league matches.

Aycliffe manager Deano Browne said; “The games keep coming thick and fast, and if the lads keep working as hard as they have done and we start to take some of the chances, we will start picking up points and hopefully that will start today.”

In the second division, the game of the day is between joint leaders Tow Law and fifth placed Billingham Town. Lawyers are without suspended pair Liam Whitworth and Lewis Brown.

Northallerton, who are top on goal difference, welcome Easington to Hall Lane. They will be missing seven players for various reasons including Aaron Ramsbottom who scored twice in midweek, but manager Darren Trotter said; “It's early days but I'm pleased with the application and attitude of the team as a whole. It pleases me no end to see players playing through the pain barrier for the team and working as a team in every game.”

Esh Winning are hoping to beat Darlington RA for the second time this season at Waterhouses, Esh having won the reverse fixture 3-2 on the opening day of the season, their only league win so far. Manager Tony Boakes is hoping that Kieran day, Bailey Hunter, Mark Fish and Scott Arnott will all return, but Joe Wilkinson and Callum Boakes will both return. “Coming out of some very hard fixtures we need to get back to picking up points, and after the RA’s great result on Tuesday, it will be a hard game on Saturday.”

The RA won their first game of the season in midweek at Durham City , and manager Peter Mulcaster expects to choose from an unchanged squad.

Crook, who are tenth are at home to Ryton and Crawcrook who are three places above them. Defender Dale Elgie will return to the Crook squad, and manager Wilf Constantine said; “Ryton will be a tough game, because they have found their best form for some time, so we must be prepared for a hard game.”

Chester-le-Street, who are seventh from bottom face Whickham who are sixth from top. Kieran Megran, Dylan Crook, Andy Clarkson and Danny Hepplewhite all return to the squad. Manager Colin Wake said; “We are struggling to score goals at the current time which is proving costly. We need to improve our play in the final third and if we started to take half of the chances created, we would be in a much healthier position.”

Brandon, who have slipped to fourth bottom, are at newcomers Jarrow, and hoping to improve on their defeat at Whickham in midweek.

Durham City are at home to Willington in the groundsharing derby at Hall Lane. City are without Sam Joyce, Jeremy Allen and Craig Hennis because of injury, and manager Olly Hotchkiss said; “We’re looking forward to the game. It will be competitive and hopefully we can do enough to get the three points.”

Willington are missing several players, including keeper Lewis Graham, but manager Rob Lee still has a squad of 16 to choose from.