Bishop Auckland are aiming to stretch their unbeaten league run to fifteen matches when they go to Sunderland RCA on Saturday.

Bishops head northwards in second place in the table and looking for revenge after losing 2-1 at home in the reverse fixtures on 6th October.

Manager Ian Chandler said; “It’s a revenge mission as far as we’re concerned, and it’s a game that we must win to keep the pressure on Dunston at the top of the table.”

Defender Darren Richardson and midfielder Chris Salmon are both doubtful because of injury.

Sunderland RCA are managed by former Bishops boss Martin Swailes and are eighth in the table.

In the other first division games, league leaders Dunston UTS are at home to neighbours Whickham. Guisborough face Ryhope CW, while Stockton Town go to bottom club Penrith.

North Shields face Newcastle Benfield, Hebburn visit Whitley Bay and North Shields take on Newcastle Benfield.

In the second division, fifth placed Northallerton have a big six-pointer against Heaton Stannington, who are on the same points as them, but have a slightly better goal difference.

Northallerton have lost their last three matches to drop out of the top three, and they are missing Kieran McWaters, Andy Shepherd, Karl Hewitt, Elliot McGlade and Dan Jones for various reasons. However, Richie Walker returns.

Manager Darren Trotter said; “With the team, confidence and morale are of the greatest concern and the greatest challenge will be to lift the spirits of the team. It’s not about the players who are missing, but rather the ones who are here at the weekend. We have strength in depth in the squad and as always we will be trying to win a game of football.”

Tow Law have a difficult game at league leaders Billingham Town, who have lost their last two matches, and manager Steve Murray could choose an unchanged side.

Chester-le-Street, who are third, need to win again in-form Crook Town, who have won their last five league matches.

Chester manager Colin Wake, who welcomes back Harry Wood and Michael Graver, said; “Our away performance at Crook was possibly our worst performance of the year so we need to make amends and show them what type of side we really are. They are in good form so it will be tough, but we go into the confident after the win in midweek.”

Crook are missing Joe Peel and Dan Maddison, but Phil Caley returns, and manager Jamie Tunstall said; “The lads are in a really good mood at the moment and confidence is high. Chester had a good win in midweek which will have given them a lift, so I’m looking forward to playing a team towards the top of the league to see how far we’ve come of late.”

Third bottom Esh Winning need something from their home game against Easington at Waterhouses. They are nine points above Brandon, who have a game in hand.

Manager Tony Boakes said; “We missed out on points last week at Heaton after playing well, and we’re looking to get a home win.”

Sam Steele, Scott Arnott and Stephen Fisher all return, but Mykel Summerson and Matty Allison are missing.

Willington’s away game at Bedlington, and Durham City’s home game with Billingham Synthonia have both been postponed as a mark of respect for Richard Tremewan, who was taken seriously ill during Willington’s game at Chester-le-Street on Tuesday night, and is in hospital.

Of the other games, Brandon go to Redcar Athletic, while second in the table Thornaby are at West Allotment.