Bishop Auckland manager Ian Chandler says that his team needs to start grinding our results, starting with Saturday’s home game against Ryhope CW.

Bishops haven’t really got going yet this season and have lost their last three league games, but they were within seconds of a point against league leaders Hebburn on Wednesday night.

“The next 3 games we need to be grinding out positive results, the season is still in the early stages, teams will have good and bad spells, so we need to keep in touch as best we can,” said Chandler, who hopes to sign midfielder Kieran Parnaby from Whitley Bay before the game.

“Kieran is a central midfielder who has a strong work ethic and likes to pass the ball at every opportunity, he controls games and will be a big player for us going forward,” he said.

Striker Kyle Fryatt will also return to the squad, while another recent signing, Bailey Judson, continues in the side.

Shildon are aiming to recover from their midweek defeat at North Shields when Penrith come to Dean Street.

Keeper Shaun Newbrook, Jordan Lavery, Billy Greulich-Smith, Kurt Matthews and Jack Vaulks are all missing, and manager Danny Moore said; “We have to put Wednesday behind us and move on. We need to be better in both boxes and compete all over the pitch.”

Newton Aycliffe face West Auckland in a local derby at Moore Lane.

Aycliffe had a good win in midweek at Thornaby, and they will probably choose from a full squad.

“We want to build on a good performance in midweek but we need to improve over 90 minutes,” said manager Colin Stromsoy. “West Auckland are always a very tough game which we’re looking forward to.”

West, who have yet to win a league game so far, are badly hit by injuries with Nathan Fisher, Anthony Bell, Chris Hunter, Marc Ellison and Lewis Dodds all injured, and David Dowson suspended.

Manager Gary Forrest said; “We need to find a way to get through this early problem and get a win.”

In the second division, Crook Town face second bottom Easington, hoping to bounce back from their 4-0 home defeat at the hands of Heaton Stannington in midweek.

Manager Jamie Tunstall said; “After winning our first three games, we’ve had back-to-back defeats and we need a response from the lads to get back on track. We’ve not become a bad side overnight, but it’s important to get back to winning ways. That will be tough against an Easington side who are better than their league position suggests.”

Arthur Connelly returns to the squad, while Daniel Kent could start the game.

Chester-le-Street, who lost in midweek, are at third in the table Redcar Athletic and have fitness doubts over Alex Walker, Conor Lyons and Jack Brown, while Michael Graver, David Surrey, Andrew Clarkson and Luke Collins are all missing.

Manager Colin Wake said; “We are trying to get some players in to freshen things up, as performances have had too many errors causing most of the goals conceded. Redcar will really test us as I feel they will be challenging towards the end of the season for the top spots.”

Esh Winning are at home to new club Carlisle City, who have won their last two matches.

Esh are without seven players for various reasons, but Matty Allison returns from holiday.

Manager Tony Boakes said; “We’re looking forward to playing a new team in Carlisle. We’re not sure what to expect from them, they have had some very good results lately though.”

Tow Law welcome Washington to Ironworks Road, and they will give striker Matty Moffat a fitness test before the game. Manager Micky Vasey, who adds two players to his squad that missed the midweek draw at Jarrow, said; “It’s another hard game, as they all are at the moment.”

Willington have a local derby at home to Brandon, and expect to be at full strength. Manager Ibby Hassan said; “We’re back to full strength, so hopefully we’ll utilise that. I expect Brandon to be raring to go and get some points on the board.”

Brandon, who have now had two games abandoned this season following the floodlight failure at Esh Winning in midweek, are hoping that several players return, but Craig Moody is definitely out with a knee injury.

Manager Rob Bowron said; “Willington have got themselves off to a flier, but after our Tow Law performance we can have a good go.”

Bottom club Durham City are looking for their first win of the season at Newcastle University.