Willington manager Alan Shoulder is looking for another good performance from his bottom of the table side at Northallerton. One of the league's oldest clubs has been in the relegation zone for some months, but two wins in the last three matches has raised their hopes of survival.

Willington are currently within touching distance of a group of four clubs above them, Alnwick, Crook, Norton and Eppleton.

Shoulder is without striker Brett Cummings today, while Northallerton are missing midfielder Lee Trainer.

In the First Division, leaders Brandon, who won 5-0 in midweek, are at Tow Law. Striker Andy Purvis returns after missing the midweek game, but Kris Leighton, Rob Bowman and Chris Neil are all injured.

Tow Law have several injuries, the latest being defenders Carl Beasley and David Bellamy, and midfielder Dean Fuller.

Brandon are now three points ahead of Bedlington, who go to in-form Chester-le-Street.

Striker John Milner could return after a stomach problem, but midfielder Ian Bogie is still suspended, while midfielder Robbie Cockburn has an ankle injury.

Chester, who have won six out of the last seven, have fitness doubts over striker Steve Cuggy and midfielder Gary Andison.

At the bottom, Consett can move closer to fourth bottom Prudhoe if they can win their game in hand over Marske United. Manager Colin Carr was without 11 players for various reasons in midweek, but Rod Butler, Tony Halliday and Mark Lee should all return.

Marske welcome back Neil Hodgson and Mark James, while full back Micky Ward has turned down a move to Bedlington.

Second bottom Peterlee are at West Auckland and are without four players because of injury, one of them being player-manager Andy Toman who has a hamstring injury. West are without midfielder Steve Agnew.

Billingham Town go to bottom club Newcastle Blue Star, and are without midfielder Richie Ward because of injury, but defender Stuart Jackson returns.

Durham City, who are now out of the title contention, are without several players at home to Washington, including Micky Dunwell, who has a broken ankle. Washington, who have lost just once in nine, have doubts over Stuart Greig, James Curtis and Paul Robinson.

Shildon are at Morpeth and welcome back Danny Key. Morpeth have signed Gary Middleton.

Dunston are at Guisborough, and are without former Guisborough player Steve Holmes because of injury. In the Second Division, Horden include new defender Andy Davies from Easington in their squad at home to Whickham.

l In the Wearside League Stokesley SC could move to the top if they defeat Whitehaven and Boldon CA slip up against Annfield Plain. The Teessiders have five games in hand on their rivals but they need to see off Whitehaven because several other sides are breathing down their necks.

Although Matthew Homan has returned to training, he is still not fit to start, Neil Southall is also out and Michael Wilson is struggling with a groin injury.

Annfield Plain face a daunting task attempting to halt Boldon's championship challenge.

The Plain are stronger with the availability of Philip Raisbeck and Chris Soulsby while Gary Clarke could play after an ankle injury. There is a local-derby at Redcar Town who entertain New Marske. Lee Dodson will line-up for Redcar after switching from the opposition who bring in Craig Mendum and Stephen Hodgson.

Wolviston will hoping for a quick double when meet Stanley United at Hill Top for the second week in a row. Stanley led last week by two goals only for Wolviston to finish winners and manager Graham Howard sticks with the same side, adding Guy Whatmore and Craig Watson to the squad. Midfielder Paul Edwards has joined Northallerton Town.

Stanley manager Vince Kirkup cannot consider Gary Lonsdale but Alan Humble and Michael Dixon are included. Third-from-bottom Barnard Castle Glaxo visit basement side Jarrow. The Tynesiders name defender

Darlington RA will be fighting for a place in the final of Monkwearmouth Charity Cup when they entertain Harton and Westoe at Brinkburn Road. Martin Brown and Mark Keenan, who have missed few games, both resume after been unable to play last Saturday.

In a third-round tie North Shields are at home to Birtley Town. The Robins miss Anthony Robson, Dominic Graham and Ian Dugdale. Following their unexpected defeat last week, Birtley hope to be considerably stronger with the inclusion of skipper Paul Bryson, Derek Ord, Gareth Davison and Paul Terrell.