Tow Law manager Geoff Young has told his players not to rely on home games to get them out of trouble as they prepare for the relegation six-pointer at Thornaby this afternoon.

The recent upsurge in the fortunes of Brandon and Guisborough has meant that the Lawyers are now in the bottom three, and still playing their games away from home because of pitch subsidence problems.

Young said: "We can't wait for our home games to come along, we need to get out of the relegation zone now.

"It might be a bit early in the season to call this a six-pointer, but it is in my eyes and those of the players. Aiming to get out of the bottom three is motivation in itself."

Midfielder Andrew Thompson, signed from Consett, will probably be handed his debut as Lawyers go with a full squad. Thornaby could make changes after losing 3-0 to Northallerton in the North Riding Senior Cup in midweek.

Brandon, who are unbeaten in nine league and cup games, have lost 23-goal top-scorer Scott Bell to UniBond League club Blyth ahead of their home game with title-chasing Billingham Synthonia.

Defender Danny O'Brien is unavailable, while manager Vince Kirkup has signed midfielder Aaron Scott from North Shields. Synners are without four forwards because of injury - even more worrying with an FA Vase tie next week - and are hoping to sign a striker before the game.

League leaders Dunston are at home to Guisborough, who haven't lost in five matches.

Billy Irwin and Mark Taylor return for Dunston, who are five points clear at the top of the table.

Guisborough, who have won four successive away games, welcome back several players who missed the midweek win at Ashington.

Benfield Saints, who are second, are at home to Peterlee and could be at full strength. Saints are five points behind Dunston and have played three games more.

Durham City, who are at Whitley Bay, include new signing, midfielder Kevin Dixon from Seaham Red Star, in their squad, but they are still missing injured striker Glen Robson.

Whitley are without their leading scorer Andy Johnston because of injury.

Shildon welcome back striker Garry Barnes to their squad for the home game with Morpeth after missing the last month because of injury, but midfielder Adam Reid is missing with a broken toe.

West Auckland will give skipper Brian Fairhurst a fitness test before their home game with Jarrow Roofing, but they are missing suspended midfielder Dion Raitt. Roofing are without unavailable trio John Rattle, Scott Garrett and Andy Reay.

Billingham Town are still without suspended keeper Darren Collier at home to second-bottom Consett, but skipper Jason Ainsley returns to the midfield.

Consett include new signing Mark Turner from Tow Law, while midfielder Neil Hood has a back injury.

Esh Winning are at home to Bedlington and are missing striker Tony Healer because of injury, while Bedlington have several injury worries.

Horden include new signing Graham Kime, a midfielder from Sheffield Wednesday, in their squad at home to Ashington, and he will probably replace Rob Huntley, who has gone to Gateshead.

In the second division, Crook are hoping for an improvement at Norton, and they include new keeper Andy Hoggeth, signed from Marske, in their squad. Norton welcome back midfielder John Wainwright.

Northallerton, who are fifth, are at home to Kennek Ryhope CA and welcome back midfielder Craig Winter. Ryhope have six players injured.

Washington Nissan, who are second, face improving North Shields, and should be at full strength, while Shields are without Ray Gordon and Anthony Robson.

Newcastle Blue Star, who are level with Nissan, expect to be unchanged at home to full-strength Evenwood.

West Allotment take on Penrith and expect to have a full squad with Mark Rasmussen, Geoff Allison and Andy Purvis returning.

Bottom club Willington are hoping for a much-needed change in fortune when they go to Whickham, and manager Stan Cummins hopes that several players can return. He had to use a keeper as an outfield player at North Shields on Tuesday.

Seaham Red Star include new striker Jamie Malarkey, signed from Blyth, in their squad at home to Marske, who have lost their last three matches. Marske are without keeper Graham Willey, so manager Darren Trotter is trying to find a replacement.