Durham City manager Billy Cruddas says that this afternoon's home game against title challengers Bedlington is "crucial"

City go into the game nine points behind leaders Billingham Synthonia with three games in hand, and six behind Bedlington and Brandon having played the same number of games.

"It is a big game for both clubs," admitted Cruddas. "From our point of view, it will be a good game to win. It's very tight at the top, and the top teams still have to play each other.

"There's still time for clubs to falter, but it's important that we win today."

Midfielder Paul Brown returns from suspension for Durham, while Bedlington hope that keeper Gareth Powell and defender Martin Kirkby can both return. Midfielder Christian Graham will have a fitness test.

Leaders Billingham Synthonia are at fourth-bottom Prudhoe, and expect to be at full strength.

Synners are unbeaten in their last eight league games. Prudhoe boss Steve Smith includes himself in the squad after their defeat at Chester-le-Street last week.

Brandon are hoping to bounce back from their midweek defeat when they take on Chester-le-Street at the Welfare Ground.

Midfielder Richie Pitt is suspended, but another midfielder, Chris Leighton, returns.

Chester recall striker Mark Adamson and midfielder Gary Andison. Billingham Town are at home to second-bottom Peterlee.

Town will be missing striker Carl Chillingsworth because of suspension, but regular keeper Darren Collier returns after a week's ban. Peterlee have a doubt over midfielder Andy Hill, who has a heavy cold.

Shildon , who are at Jarrow Roofing, will be facing their former centre-half, Gary Phelps, who recently signed for their opponents.

West Auckland welcome back midfielder Dion Raitt and defender Simon Rogers to their squad for the away trip to Dunston, who will give Ben Thompson and Micky Farrey fitness tests.

Tow Law, who are at home to Guisborough, are without suspended trio Dean Fuller, Graham Liddle and Jeff Hall, while striker Kraig Wilkinson has asked to go on the transfer list at his own request.

Guisborough are without Micky Waller and Sean Robins, who are both injured. Washington are at home to Esh Winning, without defender Paul Robinson and midfielder Neil Hood because of suspension.

Consett, who are third bottom, welcome back defender Johnny Brown for their home game with Whitley Bay, who are missing defenders Ian Dixon and Mark Taylor. Marske, at home to Morpeth, are without midfielder Andrew Brown because of suspension, but Micky Ward returns.

Second Division leaders Washington Nissan will be making changes for the home game with Norton following their defeat last week.

Easington will give fitness tests to four players ahead of their promotion clash with Ashington.

Horden could include two new signings at Alnwick, and they also include former Hartlepool midfielder Gus DiLella.

Evenwood are without Kristian Dinsley and Kevin Shoulder because of suspension at Hebburn.

Crook are looking for a keeper because regular Andy Robinson can't make the trip to Penrith.

Eppleton include two new signings, youngsters John Tiplady and Bobby Smith in their squad at home to full strength Northallerton.