Marske United just need a point to win their second title in four seasons when Newcastle Benfield visit on Saturday.

The Seasiders have faced the most testing of schedules, and have played ten games in less than three weeks, which has seen them claw back what was a 20 point deficit on Morpeth. They have dropped just two points in that period, which has also helped them win promotion to the EvoStik North.

They go into today’s game three points ahead of the Northumbrians, with three games in hand. Morpeth have only game remaining, against Seaham Red Star next week.

Manager Carl Jarrett said; “It has been a magnificent achievement by the players, some of whom have gone to work straight after playing games. We had three midweek games recently, and two lads went straight on to nightshift each time. The schedule has taken a lot of them, it’s been impossible for them to give 100 per cent at times.

“We still have some work to do, because Benfield are a good side, but it will be a massive day for the club.”

Not surprisingly, one or two players are carrying knocks, but Jarrett hopes to have a 16 man squad to choose from.

Vase finalists Stockton Town have suffered a blow to their Wembley hopes, with midfielder Max Craggs suffering from a knee injury that could keep him out of the big day against Thatcham in a fortnight’s time.

Craggs received the injury in midweek against Dunston, and has been to a specialist.

Stockton are at relegated Jarrow Roofing this afternoon, and they will be missing defender Jamie Ward plus strikers Jamie Owens and Freddie Woodhouse, but midfielder Nathan Mulligan returns.

Shildon can clinch third place if they can beat Ryhope CW for the second time in 48 hours at Dean Street, having beaten them 3-1 on Thursday night.

The Railwaymen are also hoping that finishing third might win them promotion in the forthcoming FA reshuffle. The league is still waiting to learn officially what the FA has in mind in terms of automatic promotion, relegation and lateral movement.

Manager Danny Moore said; “It’s been a tough last couple of weeks with all the games we’ve played, and a win on Saturday will for me top a good first season in charge, with the FA Cup run and finishing third.”

Strikers Brad Hird and Matty Waters will both have fitness tests.

In the second division, Darlington RA and Brandon play their last games and are both tussling to avoid second bottom, which could mean relegation.

The RA, who climbed to third bottom courtesy of a home win over Ryton in midweek, have a really tough game at home to Hebburn, who are third top and need to win to stay above Northallerton.

RA assistant manager Mike Colman said; “It’s a massive game, and hopefully we can spoil the Hebburn party and carry on our recent form with a big win.”

Chris Tarn, Joe Peel and Paul Griffith are all missing, but Dan Flounders returns.

Brandon, who are a point behind the RA, are at home to Bedlington. Several players are missing because of injury, and they could be down to the bare eleven.

Manager Steve Skinner said; “It’s very simple as far as we’re concerned, we need to do better than the RA today to have a chance of staying up. It will be very tough with Bedlington improving over the last few games but we will see what happens.”

At the top end of the table, Northallerton are at home to Willington, and need to win after dropping down to fourth in midweek. However, they will be without suspended pair Shaun Hudson and Aaron Ramsbottom, while midfielder Chris Emms has a foot injury.

Willington manager Rob Lee said; “Four games in six days are taking their toll on us.” Matty Moffat, Damon Ellis, Evan Graham and Tom Lazonby are all back in their squad. Willington are sixth in the table.

Anyone going to the game is advised to avoid the town centre because of the May Fair and the Tour De Yorkshire.

Esh Winning finish their fixtures with a local derby against Crook Town, and they will be missing striker Shaun Reay. “Hopefully we can sign off with a win,” said manager Tony Boakes.

Crook are missing six players because of injury, and manager Chris Lax said; “The last few weeks have taken their toll with the number of games played and the amount of injuries we’ve picked up. Hopefully we’ll end on a high.”

Adam Lee-Shields, Alex Wilson and Curtis Robertson return to the squad that lost to Heaton Stannington on Thursday night.

Chester-le-Street, who have three games remaining, are at home to Heaton Stannington, and they will definitely be missing five players, while another six will have fitness tests. Manager Colin Wake said; “Heaton are just on the outskirts of the promotion battle so they will be giving it everything in case those above slip up. We were well and truly beaten at Heaton earlier in the season, so we’re looking to claw back some credibility.”

Durham City play their penultimate home game against Easington at Hall Lane, before they switch to Brandon next season, and they will be missing Steve Malloy because of injury. “We want to finish the season on a high, so we’re hoping for a great performance and a positive result.”

In the other game, Tow Law are at home to league leaders Blyth AFC.