Tow Law manager Steve Smith is hoping for better defending from his team in their relegation battle against Washington today.

Lawyers scored twice in the last minute to grab a point in a 4-4 draw at Chester-le-Street in midweek, and Smith said: "Some of our defending has been very poor in recent weeks.

"We've been very naive at the back. You don't expect to score four goals away from home and still not win."

Defender Phil Graham returns, but Marcel Lundy, who was injured at Chester, is missing. Smith is hoping to bring in a new signing before the game.

Washington, who are fifth from bottom just a point behind Tow Law, have several players injured or suspended.

Leaders Durham City are at home to Guisborough, who are third bottom.

City are without midfielder Robbie Herbert, who picked up a hamstring injury in midweek, but defender John Hutton returns to the squad. Striker Glenn Robson will have a late fitness test.

Bedlington, who are in second place seven points behind, expect to be at full strength for their derby with Whitley Bay.

The visitors have strengthened their squad by signing midfielders Nicky Evans from Prudhoe and Steve Leadbitter from Jarrow Roofing.

Shildon take on Brandon for the fourth time this season at Dean Street, and include new signing, 17-year-old midfielder John McKie, who has been at York and lately with Darlington Spraire Lads.

Skipper Danny Key and defender Graham Liddle will probably both be missing. Brandon have injury doubts over defenders David Johnson and Elliott Milburn, while another defender, Chris Neil, is doubtful.

Dunston, who are fourth with games in hand on everybody above them, have a couple of injury doubts for their home game with Thornaby.

Jarrow Roofing manager Richie McLoughlin could put himself on the bench at home to Billingham Town because of their injury situation. Andy Smith and Chris Leonard are out, while keeper Gary Hoggeth and midfielder Steve Leadbitter have gone to Gateshead and Whitley Bay respectively. Town expect to have a full squad, except for midfielder Graeme Baverstock.

Chester-le-Street, who haven't won in five matches, need something from their game at West Auckland. Midfielders Kraig Wilkinson and Andy Blower return, but striker Martin Bowes is suspended. West will give striker Phil Maguire a fitness test, but midfielder Dion Raitt returns.

Billingham Synthonia, who haven't lost in the league since November, are without midfielder Neil Radigan because of suspension and striker Lee Flanagan because of injury away to Peterlee, but Dave Connor and Dave O'Gorman return.

Peterlee are without striker Anthony Dobell because of injury, but central defenders Danny Cobain and Calvin Foley both return.

Esh Winning, in eighth place, go to Morpeth without suspended centre half Marc Irwin, but Michael Dawson returns after injury.

Penrith and Marske, the two bottom clubs, meet in Cumbria, and both desperately need the points. Marske, who have drawn their last three matches, are without full back Craig Gibbins because of suspension.

Second Division leaders Consett, who are nine points clear, are without striker Paul Terrell because of suspension at South Shields, while midfielder Paul Bryson is injured.

Ashington, in second place, are at third-bottom Norton, who include local youngsters Bradley Smith and Lee Thomas. Washington Nissan, who are third, recall six players who missed their midweek game when they go to Whickham.

Crook Town are hoping to move further away from trouble at home to Kennek Ryhope CA, and they will give recent signings John Webster and Lee Suddes their debuts.

Evenwood, who are on the fringe of the promotion race, are without suspended trio Stephen Houlahan, Troy Race and John-Charles Gott away to Murton.

Benfield Saints are without midfielder Sean Nesbitt because of injury for the trip to Alnwick.

Newcastle Blue Star have a full squad at home to Seaham, who welcome back striker Chris Feasey after injury.

Northallerton have Eddie Hebron and Ross Diamond suspended at home to Hebburn.

Shotton, who are bottom, welcome back striker Ian Bickerstaffe at home to Easington, who are a place above them.