Ferryhill Athletic manager Jimmy O'Sullivan has been busy strengthening his squad ahead of today's visit to Windscale.

Not only has he re-signed three former players but he has also snapped up another trio from local football.

Alan Robson, who has had a spell with Shildon, Kristien Dinsley and Mark Watson have all returned and O'Sullivan has also moved to sign Barry Brown, Stephen Lynch and Scott Phillips.

"The six are all in my plans for the match at Windscale," said O'Sullivan, who is confident his side can finish in the top half of the table in their first season in the top flight.

Wolviston, in second position behind Nissan, will be out to avenge a recent 4-3 defeat when they take on Redcar Town.

Manager Graham Howard expects to name a full -strength team with Paul Roberts and Ian McQueeney returning.

The kick-off has been brought forward to 12.30 pm because of the England game.

New Marske travel to Birtley Town without the suspended Kevin Wood but Darren Mitchell is back from holiday and Tommy Williams is free from an ankle injury.

Birtley boss Gordon Green reports the signing from Hebburn of Neil Green but that Gareth Davidson was injured in the mid-week defeat against Stanley United.

Moreover, North Shields host Simonside SC with midfielder Barry Gibson and defender Martin Lamb resuming.

A further boost is the availability of skipper Anthony Robson.

Ryhope CW's only doubt at home to Jarrow is Peter Robinson, scorer of his side's only goal in the mid-week defeat by Thornaby-on-Tees and Boldon CA boss David Jones has a full squad to choose from for the visit of basement side Whitburn.

Cleadon SC face a stiff test when they host Whitehaven, especially as they could be without Brian Mulvain and Shaun Frazer, who will both have late fitness tests.

Stanley United manager Vince Kirkup reports that Shaun Gregory, Stephen Pigg and Ivan Moxon are all rated doubtful and Greg Chapman is suspended for the Sunderland Shipowners' Cup-tie against Harton and Westoe at Hill Top.

In contrast, the visitors only doubt surrounds Craig Peel and they have Steve Golightly and Carl Short coming into contention. The winners will meet Wolviston in the final.