Furious Horden chairman Norman Stephens yesterday launched a scathing attack on the club's former manager Jim McGrath for walking out on the Second Division club.

McGrath quit on Thursday saying that he wanted a 'fresh challenge', but Stephens is far from happy.

He said: "I'm annoyed that he's packed in as manager. I don't accept his reason for resigning. When he took over as manager in September, all the talk was of getting promotion to the First Division.

"I have given everything for Jim. I have helped him bring players to the club to improve the team. I feel as if he has let me, and the players, down badly."

Horden are without a game today, and they are expected to appoint a new coach soon.

Moreover, Peterlee manager Eddie Freeman yesterday told his players: 'Keep your feet on the ground.'

Peterlee emerged as strong title contenders in midweek, when they narrowed the gap on leaders Durham City to five points when they came from behind to beat Seaham Red Star 4-1.

And with five games in hand on the leaders, Peterlee could win the title if they keep their nerve over the last two months of the season. But Freeman isn't looking that far ahead, and is concentrating on today's away game at Tow Law.

He said: "We're playing down talk of the title. Whenever it's mentioned, I remind people about what happened to Seaham when they were caught by Bedlington."

Tow Law have several injury problems. Andy McKenna and David Bellamy are definitely missing, while Scott Nicholson, Micky Bailey and Jeff Hall are all struggling with injuries.

Dunston, who are third five points behind Peterlee, are at third-bottom Easington.

Midfielder Gary Forbes is struggling with a back injury, but defender Paul Brown could return.

Easington, who have won just once in the league this year, have several players missing: Paul Geraldie, Darren Watkins, Paul Pitman and Wayne Van Hughf.

Billingham Synthonia are looking for swift revenge for last week's defeat at Newcastle Blue Star when the two sides meet again at Central Avenue. Striker Dave Connor is suspended, while defender Drew Coverdale is injured.

Guisborough, who are at home to Hebburn, will give a home debut to Steve Hampton, signed from Marske, but Steve Corden and Gary Hinchley are both missing because of injury.

Consett, who are at home to Brandon, will probably have an unchanged squad following their midweek win over Tow Law. Colin McLeod played his first game in two months after injury in midweek, while they have signed Geoff Stephenson from Whitley Bay. Brandon are without Andy Cunningham, Gary Clark and David Robson.

West Auckland striker Roy Allen finally makes his home debut against Chester-le-Street after arriving a month ago. Jarrow Roofing welcome back Lee Daly and Joe Donaghie at home to Whitley Bay.

Billingham Town are severely weakened for their away game at Crook, with eight players missing.

Seaham Red Star are missing ten players for their home game with Morpeth, although midfielder Chris McCabe returns after missing the midweek defeat at Peterlee.

In the second division, South Shields , who are at Ashington, are looking for new management again following the midweek resignations of John Gamble and Willie Ferry.

Thornaby, who have lost three out of the last four to drop off the lead, could make changes for their home game with Shotton.

Shildon, who are at home to second-placed Washington, will probably be unchanged following their midweek win over Esh Winning.

Willington's squad for their away game at Whickham will see the return of Steve Bromley and Paul Hopps while Northallerton, who are at Norton, have doubts over several defenders, including the experienced Lee Wasden.