Newton Aycliffe could move into one of the ENL First Division promotion places if they can win at Billingham Town on Saturday.

Under manager Colin Stromsoy, Aycliffe have steadily climbed the table with four wins out of their last five matches, and they are now in fourth place, level on points with Consett in third.

“Billingham Town will be an extremely tough game for us, they have a great squad and manager and unsurprisingly have had a fantastic start to the season,” said Stromsoy.

“Whilst we are very pleased with our performances and results in recent games, we still have a big need of improvement in key parts of our approach and need to make them quickly.”

Alex Barnes and Gez Richardson will both be missing because of injury.

Shildon will climb into the top four if they beat Consett at Dean Street.

Midfielder Chay Liddle is unavailable and striker Nathan Steel will have a fitness test, and manager Danny Moore said; “We’re going into the game in good form, we’ve done well in our last five league and cup games.”

Consett are currently in third place, just a point ahead of the Railwaymen, who won 6-2 at Tow Law in the League Cup in midweek.

Bishop Auckland will move into the top half of the table if they win at Whickham.

Bishops go into the game on the back of a good Vase win at Padiham last week, and manager Ian Chandler said; “We are still not playing as well as I want. There is something still missing from the team, but a big performance is needed as Whickham have beaten us in the league cup 2-1 just last month, so we know how strong they are.”

Chandler is hoping to include new signing Thomas Bott from Whitley Bay in his side, but defender Darryl Hall and striker Andrew Johnson are both ruled out.

Whickham have just signed former Darlington centre half Jonny Burn.

West Auckland, who played on Thursday night in the League Cup, are at Seaham Red Star, and manager Gary Forrest will probably make changes to that team for the game against the division’s second bottom side.

Bottom club Northallerton have a big away game at fourth Penrith – they have slipped to bottom spot because they have lost their last six league matches.

Northallerton are a point behind Thornaby and Seaham Red star, and two behind Penrith.

In the other first division games, league leaders Hebburn are at home to Sunderland RCA while second placed Stockton, who have six games in hand, are at Sunderland Ryhope CW.

In the second division, bottom club Durham City include several new signings in their squad for the home game with Tow Law.

Manager Andy Inness has signed several youngsters from Darlington – Harry Stansfield, Lewis Alderson, Harvey Woodhouse and Brandon Morrison – and they go straight into the side.

Inness said; “The squad is starting to take shape as car as us wanting to bring quality players in, which we’ve done.

“The performance in the League Cup against Hebburn on Tuesday had so many positives, but we have to kick on further to pick up points in the league.”

Second bottom Brandon have a tough away game at league leaders Redcar Athletic.

Manager Rob Bowron said; “We are under no illusion that Redcar are a top side and flying. We will go there, make it hard and see if we can nick something.”

Sean Tarling returns from suspension, as well as Craig Moody.

Esh Winning, who are third bottom, are at home to Newcastle University.

Manager Tony Boakes includes three new signings from junior football; Ethan Chatt, Jamie Davies and Kieron Kelly, while Sam Steele, Stephen Fisher and Scott Arnott also return. However, Nick Marley and Callum Boakes are ruled out.

Chester-le-Street, who are in ninth place are at Bedlington, and have injury doubts over Luke Ridley, Kevin Dixon, Ben Walker and Callum Greaves, but Owen Henderson and Owen Lancaster both return.

Manager Colin Wake said; “We are expecting a really tough game at a ground where we have really struggled in the last few years. But we go there on the back of improved league performances over the last few games.”