Willington are hoping they can start a revival when they go to Murton today.

Willington, one of the oldest clubs in the Northern League, are staring relegation in the face as they lie at the bottom of the second division, three points adrift of the next club.

They haven't won since October, and have conceded 17 goals in their last two matches.

Manager Alan Shoulder said: "We need a lift and a couple of results to get us out of the mire. I've signed ten players to try to improve things but they're not available all the time.

"On Tuesday, at Penrith, quite a few lads couldn't get off work, so we only had the bare 11. The players battled well, but Penrith were well organised. Hopefully we will keep battling and results will come."

Paul Gibbs, Chris Gillespie and Tony Colquhoun are among the players returning today.

Another famous club struggling at the wrong end of the division, Crook Town, have announced a management reshuffle.

Les Langley, previously joint manager, has taken sole responsibility of team management after David Taylor stood down.

Secretary Kieron Bennett said: "David asked to step down because of work commitments, but he will still be a valuable member of the playing staff."

Crook have a tough game at Easington today, and after the next management committee meting, could find themselves in the bottom three after playing an ineligible player in a 3-1 win over Willington - an offence which merits a three-point deduction and a replay.

In the first division, Tow Law, who are at home to Shildon, have been told that 13-goal striker Andy McKenna will be out for the rest of the season because of a stomach problem. Defender Micky Vasey could be back soon after a nose operation.

Shildon, who have lost their last four matches, are hoping to sign a new defender before the game.

Leaders Brandon are at home to Billingham Town and are without midfielder Steve Huggins, who is out for the rest of the season because of a broken leg. Defender Darryl Smith is also missing, but manager Kenny Lindoe could include two new signings.

Town last night signed full back Anthony Lee, who has been released by Spennymoor.

Bedlington, who are two points behind, are at Whitley Bay and have doubts over James Harmison and Ian Bogie.

Whitley Bay, the only team from the North-East left in the FA Vase, are at full strength, except for injured midfielder Gary Cooke.

Billingham Synthonia could go second if they beat Chester-le-Street and Bedlington slip up. Synners expect to be at full strength, while Chester expect Daniel O'Brien, Keith Sheardown and Martin Bowes to return. Recent signing Ian Dixon, signed only last month, is attracting interest from Blyth.

Durham City, who are fourth, have an injury doubt over striker Lee O'Donovan for their game against Prudhoe, who could include a new signing in their team. Mattie Foreman, Lee Wright and Paul Bannatyne all return for them.

West Auckland, the highest scorers in the division, go to unchanged Guisborough and will be without defender Simon Rogers.

Consett are at home to Peterlee in a relegation battle. Consett, who have lost just once in the last five games, welcome back Jeff Sugden and Steve Smith, but midfielder Chris Hodgson is doubtful and Mark Lee is unavailable.

Peterlee include former Sunderland youngster Mark Hand, signed from Thornaby, in their squad.

Washington, who have won four out of their last five, can move even further up the table if they beat bottom club Newcastle Blue Star. Manager John Oliver chooses from a full squad.

Esh Winning welcome back regular keeper Lenny French to their squad at home to Jarrow Roofing, who welcome back John Rattle and Bruce Foster, and could include a new signing.

Marske United, who have won just one Saturday league game this season, welcome back midfielder Neil Hodgson and striker Greg Booth for their home game with Dunston, whose centre half Steve Holmes could play his first game in three months after injury. Keeper Tom Phillips and midfielder Kane Young also return.

Easington are hoping to return to form at home to Crook. Keeper Paul Pringle returns, along with midfielders Chris McCabe and Dean Hannah. Crook are hoping to include a new signing.

Horden are without defender Alan Martin and striker Chris I'Anson for their game at Norton.

Evenwood are missing Kevin Shoulder because of suspension at home to Shotton.