Bishop Auckland manager Brian Honour is set to give seven new signings an outing at Witton Albion today.

Honour waited until the outcome of last Saturday's FA Trophy tie at Lincoln United before entering the transfer market, and he has wielded the axe ahead of today's game.

Almost certain to make their debuts today are defenders Paul Moss (Seaham Red Star), Sean Hope (Whitby) and Liam Smith (Billingham Synthonia), midfielders Steve Leadbitter (Chester-le-Street) and Chris Rutter (Newcastle), and strikers Andrew Shingleton (North Shields) and Henry Hopper (Newcastle).

Out go Kevin Shoulder, Steve Jones and Brian Nelson, with the possibility of more to follow.

Honour said: "There are more changes to come, because I am targeting more players.

"We have needed new blood, so there are seven to start us off. We have to start winning games as soon as possible.

"We're not marooned yet at the bottom, but if we win one or two, then we can climb four or five places. I want us to be well up the table by Christmas."

In the Premier Division, Whitby, who are at Frickley, have injury doubts over Michael Laws and Stephen Swailes.

Derek Bell takes charge of his first home game for Gateshead against Burscough and has appointed former player Kenny Cramman as his assistant. He has also signed striker Willie Moat from Tow Law.

* In the Wearside League, Ferryhill manager Mark Fanning is eagerly awaiting today's home fixture with North Shields despite struggling at present.

Fanning was delighted with his side's display last week against high flyers Wolviston and believes the club is improving with every match. "The club is moving forward and it's taking time to rebuild. Despite losing 3-0 last week the performance restored a little pride," said Fanning, whose hopes are bolstered by the return of Stephen Salisbury, Liam Parsons, Mark Foster and Kirt Burleigh.

North Shields are hoping striker Eddie Miller will be fit to resume along with Barry Gibson. However, Lee Campbell who hobbled off last week is out.

Leaders Birtley Town, who entertain Whitehaven are minus midfield player Paul Bryson. However, Trevor Hawthorne looks set to resume. Stokesley hope to be at full strength for their home game with Annfield Plain. There is, however, a slight doubt about Ricky Farrell who has a thigh injury.

Plain are missing Mark Davison and David Newstead, but Andrew Potter comes back into the squad.

After an impressive debut for Wolviston last week, Darrell Paul looks set to partner the returning John Patterson in the centre of defence gainst New Marks. Striker John Symon, who has shaken off a knee injury, is also in the team.

Ryhope CW welcome back goalkeeper Stephen Udale, but defender Christopher Lindstaedt has returned to college and misses the game against Stanley United.

Cleadon SC, needing points to move away from the bottom, entertain newcomers Barnard Castle Glaxo. Mark Johnson joins Danny Nixon on the injury list but Cleadon have added Jonathan Green and Chris Bailey to their squad.

Third-placed Boldon CA entertain Darlington RA, who are just two points behind. Graham Nesbitt hopes to return to the squad along with midfield players Kevin Lloyd and Craig Botcherby.