Chandler takes charge of Whitley again

Chandler left the Bay two seasons ago, and was asked to return following the departure of Paddy Atkinson last week.

In his first spell at the club as manager, he led them to the league title and a famous hat trick of FA Vase wins at Wembley, but his immediate task this time round is to steer the club away from the relegation zone.

Whitley are fifth from bottom of the table, just one point above the relegation zone, but they have at least six games in hand on the teams below them.

North Shields, who won the Vase last season, have injury doubts over John Parker and Kevin Hughes, while Brad Brooking and Ryan Carr are both added to the squad.

League leaders Shildon, who are unbeaten in their last six league games, face Dunston UTS at Dean Street, and they will be missing injured strikers Paul Connor and Billy Greulich-Smith.

Dunston, who lost in the Vase last week, are strengthened by the returns of Matty Fisher, Gary Shaw and Steve Bowey. They still have a chance of winning the league – they are currently in fifth place, 15 points behind Shildon with two games in hand.

Sixth bottom West Auckland have a six pointer in the fight to avoid relegation at West Allotment, one place below them on goal difference. Manager Andy Campbell will be without several players for various reasons – Mark Hudson, Matthew Bell, Lee Farrington and Michael Jameson – but Jack Proctor returns. They also include defender Matty Crossen, who returned to the club last week from Marske.

Allotment have only won twice at home in 12 league games this season.

Bishop Auckland are home to bottom club Norton, and they will give full back Michael Hoganson, signed last week from Spennymoor, his home debut, while first choice keeper Mark Bell will return. Striker Ian Ward and defender David Mitchell are both doubtful.

Norton are weakened by the absence of Adam Cocks, Phil Caley, Dale Elgie and Stephen Jackson. Norton lost in midweek at Newton Aycliffe, but are just four points away from safety Newton Aycliffe, who are in seventh place, but not even halfway through their fixtures yet are at Sunderland RCA and manager Peter Dixon will choose from a full squad.

The RCA welcome back Liam Hatch, Michael Charlton and James Cook, but Ross McNab and James Armstrong will have fitness tests. They have also signed winger Kieran Graham on loan from Sunderland.

Washington, who are fourth, are at home to Seaham Red Star, and they will give fitness tests to James Cassidy and Steven Stewart, but midfielder Michael Tait is unavailable. Defender Paul Wardle returns.

Vase quarter finalists Morpeth, who are in sixth are at home to second in the table Guisborough. Defender Chris Reid will make his debut after signing from Whitley Bay, but out injured are David Hiftle, Ben Sayer, Chris Jewels, Matty Halambeic and Jordan Fry.

Guisborough, who have won seven times away from home this season, will have a full squad to choose from.

Marske United, who are in sixth place go to Belle View in order to face Durham City, and they will be at full strength.

Durham, who have now slipped into the relegation zone following midweek results, have a doubt over defender Dave Coulson, while Ross Stead hopes to return.

Durham haven’t won in nine league matches Consett go across to Penrith, and manager Colin Myers has a couple of injury worries.

Ashington go to second bottom Bedlington for their local derby, and they will be missing Scott Blandford, Dylan Williamson and Kyle Oliver.

Newcastle Benfield, who are hovering above the relegation zone, are at home to Jarrow Roofing, and they have several players out injured.

Roofing have a fitness doubt over their top scorer, Paul Chow, while Corey Barnes and Lee Hamilton both return.

In the second division, leaders South Shields are at home to Brandon, and they include striker Mechack Kanda, who has moved from Gateshead. Defender Lewis Galpin is still missing because of injury.

Brandon include three new signings – Dan Pearson, Lewis Turnbull and Anthony Phillipson – but captain Kyle Wren is suspended, while there is an injury doubt over 13 goal top scorer James Ellis. Jack Wilson and Reece Marshall both return.

Ryhope CW, in second, are at Darlington RA, who are without broken leg victim Mike Colman as well as Joe Peel, Liam Brown, Karl Hewitt, Jacob Wood and Darren Kokes, while Ste Cheeseman will have a fitness test.

Billingham Synthonia, who are third, make the trip up to Alnwick, and they will be at full strength now that Mattie Osmond and Jamie Barton have both returned to the squad.

Chester-le-Street, who are in fourth have a local derby at Esh Winning, and they welcome back striker Craig Mickle, but another striker Lee Mole, and midfielder Danny Hepplewhite are both missing.

Dan Mann and Nathan Graham both return for Esh, while they have also signed Max Stoker from Easington.

Tow Law are at home to Hebburn, and Dean Thexton plays his second game since signing last week from Brandon. Hebburn have a doubt over their leading scorer Channon North, but midfielder Chris Smith returns.

Northallerton manager Darren Trotter takes his side back to his previous club, Billingham Town, and he hopes to welcome back Danny Ballantyne.

Billingham, who have won their last four matches, will be at full strength.

Easington, who are seventh, are at home to bottom of the table Stokesley and could make a new signing before the game.

In the other games, Birtley are at Ryton and Crawcrook, and Team Northumbria go to Thornaby.