FERRYHILL Athletic manager Jimmy O'Sullivan is confident of giving fifth-placed Harton and Westoe a good game this afternoon as he attempts to propel his side into the top half of the table.

"I am pleased with our form so far and with a number of matches in hand on the sides above us, we are well-placed to continue our climb up the league but we need to beat Harton," said O'Sullivan who is looking to bring in at least three players to strengthen his squad.

Ian Wlodarczak and Gary Rowell both return but Peter Robson and Neil Bell are ruled out.

North Shields, four points adrift of Nissan who have played one additional fixture, host Thornaby on Tees and manager Terry Paddison has a near full-strength squad at his disposal.

Defender Martin Lamb, who missed his first game of the season last week, returns together with another defender, Paul Hogg and the former Newcastle United striker David Burt. The only absentee is the suspended Joe Moore.

Wolviston make their third journey into Cumbria in five weeks and face a stiff test at Windscale. Just six points separate the clubs and Windscale have a game in hand.

Both will be hoping to close in on the top two sides Nissan and North Shields.

Wolviston will again be unable to call upon injured skipper Martin Oakley and Brian Wake will be playing for either Grimsby Town Reserves or their youth side following recent trials.

At the bottom, Jarrow need to defeat Birtley Town, who are only three places above them. Leading scorer David Kilford, Andy Riley and Alan Scott are back.

After conceding ten goals in the last two games, Birtley Town manager Gordon Green has moved to strengthen his defence. After watching centre back Del Swift play last Sunday, he has signed the former Birtley player and is expected to include him in his side alongside full back Keith Cummings, who has recovered from injury.

Annfield Plain will be out to maintain their improvement with a near full-strength squad at Ryhope CW. Their only absentee is Stephen Thomas who is working away.

Ryhope's young star Willie Crew is playing for Durham County Schoolboys and Kevin Bennison is suffering with a bad back. Ryan McKenna has returned to the club from South Shields and a fitness test will be given to Peter Benson.