skilltrainingltd Northern League

LEADERS Consett have a tough game at home to Shildon, and will be missing defenders Mark Gaffney and David Johnson. Shildon, who haven’t lost in the league since they played Consett in October, have a doubt about defender John Hutton, but Stuart Niven returns.

Sunderland Nissan could go third if they win at West Auckland. Nissan will be unchanged, while West, who haven’t won in 11, include new signing Martin Houlahan in midfield. Dale Jardine, Danny Richmond and Steve Flockett are injured.

Billingham Town hope to avenge for their 8-0 drubbing at Whitley Bay. Recent signing Shaun Clarke is suspended, while Martin Thompson and Jamie Dawson will have fitness tests. Depleted Towntook only 13 players to Penrith for the 2-2 draw in midweek.

Whitley, who are third, have added Phil Bell and Andy Hay to their injured list.

Bottom club Bishop Auckland go to Newcastle Benfield, who beat them 4-0 ten days ago. Manager Brian Honour is likely to choose the team that drew with Consett last week.

Midfielder Lewis Hardman will have a fitness test.

Tow Law go to Bedlington with a doubt over Kraig Willkinson, who has flu.

Chester-le-Street are at home to Billingham Synthonia, and have striker Wayne Gredziak suspended. Synners have an injury doubt over Jamie Magowan.

Second bottom South Shields can climb out of the bottom three if they beat West Allotment, and third bottom Seaham lose at Ryton.

Second division leaders Esh Winning welcome back midfielder Chris Smith and skipper Sean Gregory at home to Sunderland RCA.

The RCA include new signings from Chester-le-Street, Stephen Stewart and Paul Wardle, plus Scott Richards from Bishop Auckland and Sean Joseph from Northallerton.

Norton, who are a point behind Esh, are at home to troubled Washington, and they have a doubt over defender Jamie Middleton. Despite their off-the-field problems, Washington manager Keith Sheardown has still managed to recruit five new players.

Horden, in third place, are without injured Steve Thomas at home to Stokesley.

Marske, who are unbeaten in 14, are at home to Jarrow Roofing, and they add Craig Skelton, Andy Raw and Benn Thompson to the squad that drew at Norton in midweek.

Roofing are without defender Ryan Dunn and Dean Goodwin.

Fourth bottom Darlington RA face Guisborough at Brinkburn Road, without Lee Johnston. Guisborough are missing Paul Young.

Thornaby and Crook need the points for different reasons from their game. Second bottom Thornaby include new signing Danny Corbett, signed from Wearside League club Hartlepool, while Crook need to win to keep in touch with the promotion race and will be without Mark Johnson.

Brandon go across the Pennines to Whitehaven, and are missing Adam Laidlaw, Stephen Salter and Billy Greulich-Smith.

In the UniBond League, Whitby go to Cheshire to play Nantwich, while in the First Division North, Newcastle Blue Star, who have signed Shildon midfielder Danny Moore as a standby player, go to Warrington.

In the Blue Square North, Blyth, who are just above the relegation zone, go to King’s Lynn, while second-placed Gateshead are at home to Solihull Moors.

The draw for the semi-finals of the Durham Challenge Cup is: Billingham Synthonia v Shildon, Consett v Durham or Dunston.

Ties to be played on or before February 7.