Crook Town manager Jamie Tunstall says that his side will need to be at their best to pull off an FA Vase shock at Longridge today.

Crook are in 14th position in the ENL Second Division, and they’re taking on a club that is top of the North West Counties League Premier Division, one step above, in today’s first round.

“Playing a side who are top of the division above means that we will definitely be underdogs on the day,” said Tunstall. “Longridge are in great form, so we know we’ve got to be at our best if we’re going to get a result. I believe that this group of lads can mix it with any side if we play to our potential but of late that hasn’t happened. A break from the league has probably come at the right time and the boys are looking forward to it.”

Tunstall will have a full squad, with Dom Joynes returning.

Bishop Auckland go across to Padiham, another club from the NWCL Premier Division in Lancashire – they’re currently fourth from bottom.

Manager Ian Chandler, who guided Whitley Bay to three wins at Wembley, said; “We’ve been very poor in the last two games, but it’s the Vase and expectations are high and it could be the incentive we need.”

Darren Richardson is poised to return to the starting line-up, while Kyle Fryatt, Chris Winn and Liam Potter are all doubtful.

Bishops lost away by 3-0 at North Shields last Saturday and at home to Penrith in the league cup in midweek, but were unbeaten in their previous four away games.

Shildon are at home to West Didsbury and Chorlton, who are third in the NWCL First Division South Manager Danny Moore has watched their opponents in action and said; “They’re not a bad side, but at home we’ll give them a good game.”

Strikers Nathan Steel and Billy Greulich-Smith, as well as midfielder Chay Liddle will all have fitness tests.

In the other ties, 2018 finalists Stockton Town go to Knaresborough from the Northern Counties East League, and there’s a big derby match on Teesside between Thornaby and Billingham Town.

Consett go to Winterton Rangers on Humberside, and Guisborough go across to Greater Manchester to play Chadderton.

Jarrow are at home to Vauxhall Motors, and Seaham have a tricky tie against Yorkshire Amateurs. Sunderland Ryhope CW are at home to Ashton Athletic.

In the EBAC Northern League first division, West Auckland go to league leaders Hebburn.

West have lost only once in their last eight league and cup matches, and manager Gary Forrest said; “We’re in really good form, but we need to be more clinical in the final third. When you play such great football, but don’t capitalise on your dominance, frustration sets in and bad decisions are made. We are keeping teams in the game instead of killing them off and that will always make us vulnerable.”

Chris Hunter and Ross Colquhoun are both out because of injury.

Newton Aycliffe take on fourth bottom Penrith at Moore Lane, looking to strengthen their promotion hopes.

Aycliffe played on Thursday night at Easington in the League Cup and won 4-1, with Dean Thexton scoring a hat trick. They have signed defender Liam Jarvie, but Alex Barnes and Sam Read are both missing.

They are currently seventh in the table, just three points off a promotion place.

Bottom of the table Northallerton go to Newcastle Benfield, looking for a much-needed victory. They will be at full strength except for Andrew Shepherd, who is suspended. Gary Shaw and Jack Proctor will both have fitness tests.

Northallerton haven’t won in the league for five matches, and are a point below Thornaby and Seaham Red Star.

In the second division, Esh Winning are at Billingham Synthonia, hoping to recover from their 10-1 mauling by Ashington in the League Cup in midweek.

Brandon, who are joint bottom, are at home to Easington, Matty Lovegreen returns to the squad, but Brad Chisholm is missing.

Manager Rob Bowron said; "We need some points on the board,but we're much more positive after last week's display at Ryton. Easington have improved in recent weeks, but we'll give it a good go."

Bottom club Durham City are at Birtley, Tow Law face unbeaten league leaders Redcar Athletic at Ironworks Road, while Willington play league newcomers Sunderland West End at Hall Lane.