Durham manager Brian Honour is hoping his players can overcome the fear factor at home to Tow Law today.

City go into the game having lost their last two matches after overcoming champions Bedlington a fortnight ago, leaving them four points clear of nearest challengers Billingham Synthonia.

"We seem to have played with a little bit of fear and nervousness since we beat Bedlington," said Honour.

"Last year, the team was near the bottom of the table and were whipping boys. This year they are title contenders, so that is a testament to the players and something to be proud of.

"The title race is changing by the week. We have lost our last two matches but it might be one of the other title contenders next, and it will all change again."

City will be without David Hunt, Micky Taylor and Steve Hutchinson, while Argentinian Gus Di Lella will have a fitness test.

Tow Law are hoping Peter Maughan, David Bellamy and Paul Hague can return to the squad after missing the midweek defeat at Peterlee.

Second placed Billingham Synthonia have a tough clash at Guisborough, who are eighth.

Synners, who have lost just once in 12 games, welcome back striker Dave Connor and midfielder Brendan Lowes to their squad.

Guisborough have signed former Bishop Auckland and Whitby defender Micky Waller on league forms, but he is still registered with Gretna in the UniBond League. Micky Driscoll and Darren Raulston will both miss today's game.

Peterlee can force themselves further into the reckoning if they win at Hebburn. Defender Alan Martin and midfielder Stephen Routledge are added to the squad which beat Tow law in midweek.

Hebburn, who are second from bottom, expect to be at full strength.

Fifth-placed Dunston, who hit a record 13 last week against Crook, have doubts over Paul Brown, Nicky Scaife and Billy Irwin away to Jarrow Roofing, who will give a debut to striker Tony Woodhouse, signed from Dunston three days ago. Lee Compton and Lee Daly will both be missing for Jarrow.

Crook Town could be unchanged for their home game with Chester-le-Street after giving five new players their debuts in midweek against West Auckland. One of them, Mark Crame, is a keeper to replace the injured Anthony Robinson. Chester are without midfielders Chad Bone and Peter Symm because of injury, while Ross Lumsden has returned to America.

Easington are boosted by the return of striker Andy Allen from Spennymoor for their game at Newcastle Blue Star, while Paul Geraldie could also return after a three-month absence.

Whitley Bay expect to be at full strength for the visit of Brandon, who are without suspended pair Andy Purvis and Andy Cunningham, but Micky Cunningham and Graham Carter both return.

West Auckland, who won at Crook in midweek, expect to be at full strength for their visit to Morpeth.

In the second division, leaders Thornaby welcome back keeper Nick Bates to their line up at South Shields after suspension.

Shildon could make changes to their side at Murton after a midweek defeat but they will be without Charlie Walton and Neil Corking.

Willington include former Shildon player Lee Roxby in their line up at home to Prudhoe.

Marske United enter new territory when they take on Porthleven in the fourth round of the FA Carlsberg Vase today.

Marske have never reached this stage of the competition before, but manager Charlie Bell is confident their run won't end against the Cornish side today.

"We've been playing well recently. It's a new experience for us today and everybody's looking forward to it.

"Their manager made the long trip up from Cornwall and watched us play last Saturday, but we haven't been to watch them.

Bell will give fitness tests to Mark James, Gary Knight, Ben Thompson and Neil Hodgson.

Billingham Town take their excellent away record with them to Brigg Town from the Northern Counties East League.

Town have lost just twice away from home in league and cup this season, and manager Alan Robinson said: "They've already beaten three Northern League clubs this season and they're not a bad side. "

Defender Mark Casey is definitely out because of injury, while Wayne Osborne will have a fitness test on a foot injury.

Consett will have an early-morning pitch inspection before deciding whether their home tie against St Helens can go ahead.

St Helens are top of the North West Counties League.

Defender Johnny Brown will be missing because of injury, while striker Colin McLeod and midfielder Alan Batey will have fitness tests.

Bedlington take on another side from the south west, Falmouth.

Striker John Milner faces a fitness test