Bishop Auckland are seeking their first win of the season when they go to Northallerton in the ANL first division today.

Bishops lost their first two league games and went out of the FA Cup in midweek.

Manager Peter Mulcaster could be without striker Dave Wilson and midfielder Bryan Stewart, who both face fitness tests.

Northallerton, managed by former Bishops player Andy Toman, welcome back striker Paul Hinton, but defender Chris Walker is unavailable.

Joint leaders Billingham Synthonia, who have a 100 per cent record from their three games, are at home to Sunderland Nissan, and welcome back former Darlington defender Brian Close, but keeper John Jackson, Lee Flanagan and Craig Perry all have ankle injuries. Nissan, who lost the league title on the last day of last season because of a home defeat by Synners, are missing Jon Cullen and Stuart Dixon.

Durham City are at Newcastle Benfield and could include full back Stephen Richardson, but Shaun Bell will miss the game against his old club because of injury.

Spennymoor have doubts over striker Andy Johnston, midfielders Nicky Scaife and Ian Dixon and defender Carl Beasley for their home game with Chester-le-Street, but David Manson has returned from the States and is included. Chester will give a fitness test to striker Scott Emmerson and Jonny Wightman. Luke Gilhespy and Elliott Milburn return.

Shildon, who have lost both league games and are bottom, take on Morpeth at Dean Street and welcome back defender John Hutton back.

West Auckland go to Washington still missing Danny Key and Lee Ellison, while midfielder Darren Kokes has asked for a transfer.

Last season's runners up, Billingham Town, take on champions Whitley Bay at Bedford Terrace without top scorer Jamie Magowan, while defender Robbie Hutchinson is injured. Whitley are without midfielder Andy Dugdale, but Rob Livermore returns. Striker Phil Bell moved to Blue Star in midweek.

Tow Law, who have been inconsistent so far, head for Bedlington without suspended striker Andy McKenna, while there are fitness tests for Gavin Mudd and Mark Eccles. Chris Renshaw and Danny Craggs are unavailable.

Dunston, who have kept three clean sheets, will give striker Steve Preen a fitness test at home to West Allotment, but they are without defender Michael Robson.

Consett face Seaham Red Star without midfielders Jonjo Dickman and Craig Robson, and striker David Pounder. Seaham give three players fitness tests.

Jarrow Roofing, at home to Ashington, welcome back striker Craig Nelson, but defenders Martin Thompson and Gary Brown are suspended. Ashington have four players out, while three, including keeper Paul Simpson, are doubtful.

In the second division, Darlington RA could be without their first-choice back four, as well as keeper Paul Gilmore, for their game at Stokesley, who are hoping to make a new signing before the game. Striker Andy Fletcher returns for the home side.

Early leaders Birtley are without Scott Garrett, Wayne Booth and Shaun McAvoy at Guisborough, but Barry Smith returns. Guisborough are missing midfielder Steve Cochrane.

Esh Winning welcome back Robbie Blemmings and Kieran Megran for their trip to Marske, who are without suspended keeper Adrian Swann and injured striker Darren Sankey.

Thornaby expect to be at full strength at home to unchanged Norton.

Bottom club Brandon welcome back Craig Hindmarch at home to Penrith.

In the UniBond League, Whitby Town could make a new signing before their game at Matlock in the premier division.