Dunston are set to give former Sunderland left back Dan Smith his debut when they continue their defence of the FA Carlsberg Vase at Norton United in Staffordshire today.

Smith was freed by Darlington a week ago, just days after they had signed Dunston’s previous left back, highly rated Terry Galbraith.

26 year old Smith appeared three times for Sunderland in the Premier League, before moving on to Aberdeen, Gateshead, and last season, Chester-le-Street.

Smith’s inclusion now means that manager Billy Irwin will have a full squad to choose from.

All of today’s matches are in the hands of the weather gods, and we could see some games postponed and re-arranged for midweek or next Saturday.

Shildon's game with Parkgate has been postponed.

At least one club from the ENL is through to the next round, courtesy of the clash between competition favourites Spennymoor Town and Billingham Synthonia.

Moors, who have only lost one game all in the season so far in five competitions, will be at full strength except for midfielder Lewis Dodds, who is suspended.

Synners, who reached the semis four seasons ago, are without defender Steve Huggins and midfielder Aiden Cattermole.

Whitley Bay are determined to lift the Vase for a fifth time, and they’re at home to Causeway United from the Midland Alliance. Central defender Chris Reid is unavailable, but full back Ian Watson is added to the squad after recovering from injury.

Just up the road, Ashington are at home to AFC Rushden and Diamonds, the phoenix club that arose from the old Football League club that collapsed two seasons ago.

Midfielder Mark O’Dea is expected to return, but strikers Glen Taylor and David Molloy are both cuptied.

In the EBAC Northern League, third placed West Auckland are at home to Sunderland RCA, and they will be without defender Jonny Gibson, otherwise manager Peter Dixon chooses from a full squad. RCA could include a new signing in their side.

Bishop Auckland are looking for a hat trick of wins over Bedlington, whom they beat in the league and FA Cup earlier in the season. Midfielder Kieran Megran is missing because of injury, but striker Dan Hawkins returns.

Durham City, who are sixth bottom, are at home to Celtic Nation, and they have several injury worries. Defender Dan Madden is out for a month because of injury, while Gary Shaw, Steve Jones and Craig Ellison will all have fitness tests. CN will be close to full strength, but haven’t played for a fortnight.

Guisborough face Penrith at the King George, and they will be without top scorer Austin Johnston because of suspension, while defender Jamie Poole is unavailable. Paul Roddam and Darryl Evans will both have fitness tests.

Marske are looking for a double over Newcastle Benfield, whom they beat 2-1 just a fortnight ago, and manager Ted Watts will choose from an unchanged squad. Benfield are hoping to complete the signing of Jordan Marshall from Sunderland RCA before the game, but centre half Dave Coulson is ruled out for the season.

Billingham Town, who have won just once away in ten attempts this season, are at Hebburn, but they have doubts over three centre halves, Jamie Middleton, Danny Wray and James Crossman. Striker Craig Norman returns to the squad.

Norton, who are third bottom, need to win at home to Consett, and they will be without key midfielder Shaun Clarke, who is struggling with a knee injury. Midfielder Callum Brown and defender Steve Oakley both return from injury. Consett are missing defender Carl Piecha for the next month because of injury, while Scott Martindale and Ryan Bell are also missing.

Bottom club South Shields are at Team Northumbria, and they include former Darlington striker Paul Robinson, signed from Jarrow Roofing, and defender Wayne Clarke, signed from Bishop Auckland.

In the second division, leaders Ryhope CW are at Darlington RA, who need to win to stay in touch with the top three. Rece nt signing Craig Marron is missing because of suspension for Ryhope, but they are boosted by the returns of five players. Nathan Wilson and Kenny Linton are both missing. The RA give striker Steve Allison his return debut after coming back from South Shields, and they also include new full back Lee Farrington, signed from Thornaby. Striker Steve Cheeseman is unavailable.

Crook, who are second after a run of eight games without defeat, are at home to Thornaby, and will be at full strength except for injured striker Alex Marshall.

Northallerton, who are third, are at Morpeth, and are missing striker Peter Bulmer and defender David Alderson, but another defender, Stephen Banks, returns.

Morpeth have just returned from a trip to Dubai, and could be suffering from the effects of jet lag.

Jarrow Roofing are at home to Brandon, and they welcome back keeper Josh Carmichael after missing a couple of matches, but striker Andy Appleby is struggling because of injury.

North Shields are hoping to continue their climb up the table against Chester-le-Street, and they will be missing top scorer Rob Nolan who is out through suspension.

Chester are missing Kieron McDonald and Michael Hepplewhite because of suspension, while Michael Robson and Stephen Buzzeo are both injured.

Birtley are at home to Tow Law, and they include Alex Downey, signed from Newcastle Benfield, while striker Wyn Fremlyn returns after injury. Tow Law, who have won six times away from home this season, include Shaun Ryder and Michael Stothard, signed from Esh Winning.

Horden, who are second bottom, have a tough home game against Whitehaven. Grant McIvor starts in goal, but Steven Huberry and John Pyle are both unavailable.

Esh Winning’s new manager, Brian Maitland, takes charge of his first home game against West Allotment, and he includes several new signings. Allotment are missing eight players either through suspension or injury .

Stokesley, who are third bottom, include new signings phil King and Danny Ballatyne in their squad at home to Whickham, but first choice keeper Graham Willey is missing, so he is replaced by Justin Hutchinson.

In the other game, Seaham Red Star are at home to Ryton.

In the Evostik League, Blyth are away to Marine, and Whitby are at home to AFC Fylde.