Billingham Synthonia’s hopes of beating competition favourites Spennymoor Town in the FA Vase today have suffered a blow with the departure of star striker Andy Jennings to Blyth Spartans.

Jennings has been one of Synners’ star players this season, and assistant manager Lee Tucker said: “He goes with our blessing. He has been brilliant for us and we wish him all the best. He wants to give it a go at a higher level which you cannot blame him as he may not get too many chances in the future.”

Moors, meanwhile, will be at full strength, except for midfielder Lewis Dodds, who is suspended.

Today’s winners are at home to Lordswood from Kent.

Shildon manager Gary Forrest will give defender Richard Flynn a fitness test before their home tie against Parkgate, but he will still be without defender Justin Keegan and midfielder Lee Chapman. Parkgate, from the Northern Counties East League, defeated Esh Winning in the last round.

If Shildon win, then they will face a long journey down to Gloucestershire to face Bitton.

In the EBAC Northern League, third placed West Auckland go to Celtic Nation for the first of two games in four days against their opponents. Since keeper Mark Bell has departed for Darlington, manager Peter Dixon will probably sign Billy Hanson, and it will be between him and Chris Mullin for the keeper’s jersey. Defender Jonny Gibson is suspended.

CN have big doubts over striker Michael Reed and defender Paul Arnison, but they could include two new signings.

Dunston, who haven’t conceded a goal in their last nine matches, are at Newcastle Benfield whom they beat 2-0 in midweek. Manager Billy Irwin chooses from a full squad, that includes former Sunderland full back Dan Smith. Benfield welcome back Jake Cunningham, but will give a fitness test to midfielder Steven Brown, but John Grey and Dave Coulson are both injured.

Sunderland RCA and Bishop Auckland meet for the third time this season, having already played in the Vase and the league. The RCA will include new signings Neal Bussey, Paul Buzzeo and Nicky Kane, while they have released recent signing James Magowan just a month after signing him. Keepers Neal Atkinson and Craig Shields both return. Fifth placed Bishops, who won the league game, will give fitness tests to midfielders Adrian Webster and Kieran Megran.

Hebburn, who have one of the best away records in the division, are at Ashington, but they are missing several players because of injury. Ashington will give a fitness test to defender Darren Lough, but Jonny Godsmark, Phil Bell and Josh Gray are all out still because of injury.

Consett are at home to Team Northumbria, and they welcome back five players after recovering from injury, keeper Chris Elliott, plus outfield players Davey Scorer, Ryan King, Luke Sullivan and Andrew Thompson. However, Carl Piecha, Ryan Bell and Scott Martindale are all missing.

In the fight to avoid relegation, Newton Aycliffe have a six pointer against Penrith, and manager Allan Oliver will be missing first choice keeper Scott Pocklington, but otherwise they will be at full strength.

Marske United are at home to Bedlington, and they welcome back striker Lev Yalcin into their squad. Marske have won three out of their last four matches.

Norton have a very tough game against in-form Whitley Bay, who beat them 8-1 in the league cup. Keeper Jim Provett and outfield players Steve Oakley, Jack Proctor and Callum Brown all return, but midfielder Shaun Clarke is out because of injury.

Whitley, who are in sixth place, are without defender Brian Smith, who is on a scouting mission (presumably in the Brantham area), but defenders Chris Reid and Ian Watson both return. Midfielder Brad Brooking will have a fitness test.

Bottom club South Shields are at home to Guisborough, and they include new keeper James Winter, signed from Durham City, in their squad, as well as defender Chris Renshaw from Esh Winning and midfielder Danni Lay from Ryhope CW. Guisborough are strengthened by the return of top scorer Austin Johnston after suspension, while Paul Roddam, Jamie Poole and Jordan Rowe all return.

The game of the day in the second division is between leaders Ryhope CW and second placed Crook Town. Ryhope, who have scored 26 goals more than anybody else in the league, are missing Nathan O’Neill and Dean Arkley because of injury, while Craig Marron is suspended. Greg Swansbury and James Dunn will both have fitness tests. Crook, who are five points behind, are without striker Alex Marshall and defender Chris Wallace.

Northallerton, in third place, are at home to Tow Law, and they will give fitness tests to defenders Danny Shoulder and Craig Winter , but they should be ok to join a full squad. Lawyers, with one of the best away records in the division, will be at full strength, except for Thomas Watkinson, who is injured.

Seaham Red Star, who are fourth, are at Chester-le-Street.

Chester will give debuts to Craig Mickle and Michael Graver, signed from Esh Winning, and Adam Ward, signed from Ryhope CW, but Scott Donaldson, Michael Hepplewhite and Michael Robson are all missing.

Jarrow Roofing, who are up to fifth after six straight wins ,are at home to Esh Winning, and include new striker Liam McBryde, who was top scorer for Hebburn last season. Keith Oliver also returns to the midfield. Esh manager Brian Maitland has steadily rebuilt the team in the last fortnight, and includes eight new signings, Darlington RA need to win at West Allotment after dropping down to eighth in recent weeks, and manager Nick Harrison expects to choose from a full squad. Allotment are missing five players, but they’re hoping that keeper Aiden Ames will return.

North Shields, who have dropped just two points in their last seven matches to go 7th, are at Whitehaven, a place and two points above them. Leading scorer Rob Nolan is missing because of suspension, while defender Kieran Wrightson is missing.

There’s a local derby between Birtley and Whickham. Fourth bottom Birtley welcome back striker Chris Smith, but Gary Bailes is missing.

At the bottom, there’s a big game between sixth bottom Thornaby and bottom club Alnwick. Thornaby, who had a good win on midweek over Birtley, will be at full strength.

Second bottom Horden need to win at Washington, and they welcome back keeper Steve Huberry as well as five other players. Washington, who are in 10th, will be at full strength with the returns of Nicky Evans and Mark Covell.

Fifth bottom Stokesley, who scored seven last Saturday, are at Ryton, and they add keeper Graeme Willey, who has recovered from injury, to their squad.

In the other game, Brandon are at home to Morpeth, who haven’t lost yet in nine away league games.

In the Evostik League, Blyth are at home to Witton Albion, and Whitby are at Rushall Olympic.