Spennymoor manager Ken Houlahan will give former Durham and West Auckland midfielder Dion Raitt his debut at bottom-club Guisborough as he tries to give his promotion chasers a boost.

A 2-0 home defeat by Northallerton in midweek saw them drop out of the second division top three, so Houlahan is hoping that Raitt can help. He will join another signing, Wayne Edgcumbe, in the starting line up.

"We're trying to strengthen as much as possible and Dion is just the sort of player we're looking for," said Houlahan.

"We're having a lean time - everybody has runs like that - but we need to start winning games soon."

Midfielder Stephen Houlahan is out because of suspension, while Martin Houlahan hopes to recover from flu.

Guisborough, who are stranded at the bottom, will give former Hartlepool and Fulham defender Ian McGuckin his debut.

In the top division, second bottom Esh Winning, face a difficult task at leaders Newcastle Blue Star. Esh are without defenders Jamie Arthur and Rob Southern, while there are doubts over Lee Suddes, Peter Maughan and Geoff Young.

Blue Star welcome back striker Ray Booth to a full strength squad.

Durham City, without a win in nine, are at West Auckland and will be unchanged from the team that drew 1-1 with Dunston in midweek. West are without suspended Chris Renshaw and Andy Cole because of injury, so Kevin Bromley is added to the squad.

Fourth-bottom Shildon, who have placed striker Scott Richards on the transfer list at his own request, are full strength for their game at Morpeth.

Billingham Synthonia, who are third, need the points at Dunston and will be without striker Micky Dunwell because of suspension. Gary Riches continues in goal.

Dunston will give fitness tests to Danny Shore and Kane Young, while they are hoping to sign keeper Dan Molineux from Esh Winning. Bedlington are at Whitley Bay.

Billingham Town take on Thornaby and Town could be unchanged from the team that drew at Jarrow on Monday. Thornaby will be without suspended striker Richie Storr.

Inconsistent Chester-le-Street are at home to Jarrow Roofing and hope defender Elliott Milburn and midfielder John Ewart will both be available.

Sunderland Nissan, who are fifth bottom, play bottom club Brandon, and they could make changes to the team that lost to Thornaby in midweek.

Crook are at home to Prudhoe, and Seaham Red Star, who are second, play North Shields.

Northallerton, who are third after their midweek win, are at home to Norton, and they will give a fitness test to defender Stuart Jackson, who has a foot injury. Norton, who have lost just once in five games, welcome back defender Lee Bythway.

Darlington RA, two points behind the top three, are without striker Steve Johnson at Hebburn. Washington include new signing Guyla Prada, a Hungarian midfielder, in their squad at home to Peterlee. Whickham play Kennek Ryhope CA.

Ryton manager Warren Teasdale includes himself in the squad for their home game with Alnwick.

Marske go across the Pennines to eighth placed Penrith, and have doubts over Garry Hinchley and John Stott.