Bishop Auckland are looking for revenge for their Vase defeat when they face neighbours West Auckland in the Northern League on Saturday.

Bishops felt aggrieved to lose to West by a late goal in the Vase three weeks ago, and now they want the points to keep in touch with the pack in the ENL First Division.

Manager Ian Chandler said; “When we played West recently we gave as good as we got, and produced a very good game, but came up a little short on the day. With this being a local derby and a chance to right a few wrongs this should be an entertaining game. Our recent form of WLWLWL says quite a bit about our season to be honest.”

Defender Callum Munro is missing because of suspension, but Daryl Hall, Tom Bott and Jamie Marshall all return to the squad.

West manager Gary Forrest is without several defenders because of injuries – Chris Hunter, Liam Heggarty, Craig Price, Jamie Harwood – as well as midfielder Lewis Dodds and striker David Dowson.

“It’s another derby game, and we need to find a way to win despite having the back four all out.”

West are two points ahead of Bishops in seventh place.

Newton Aycliffe, who are in fourth place, behind Hebburn, Stockton and Consett are at Ryhope CW, and manager Colin Stromsoy will probably have a full squad to choose from.

Aycliffe are eight points behind leaders Hebburn with two games in hand.

Shildon, who are in seventh place, are at Guisborough, and looking for back-to-back wins.

Midfielder Jordan Lavery is unavailable, and manager Danny Moore said; “We are looking for some consistent performances and to build on our win last time out at Ashington.”

Guisborough are currently in midtable, five points and two places behind Shildon.

Third bottom Northallerton have a six-pointer at home to bottom club Whickham, who are a point behind them.

Manager Darren Trotter hopes to include a new singing before the game, otherwise they will be at full strength as they try to climb away from the bottom three.

Whickham recently appointed former Sunderland midfielder John Oster as their assistant manager.

In the second division, Crook, who are in fifth place and six points behind the promotion places, have a local derby at home to Tow Law.

Manager Jamie Tunstall includes new signing Nathan Stephenson from Whitley Bay in his squad, while Lee Hume is unavailable and Tom Gavin and Calum Johnston will both have fitness tests.

“Both games against Tow Law last season were tight and tense affairs ending in draws,” he said. ”We’ll be expecting the best of Tow Law with it being a derby and are capable of beating anyone on their day. We’re in good form of late, picking up some valuable points and it’s important that we continue that form this weekend. Our season has been a bit stop-start of late, so hopefully the game will be on.”

Lawyers, who are in tenth place, will have a full squad to choose from, and manager Micky Vasey said; “It’s a local derby and a big game.

“Personally, I’m looking forward to going back to Crook where I played for a lot of years when Alan Shoulder was in charge.”

Esh Winning, who are third bottom, need to get something at home to Jarrow, to keep out of range of bottom two Brandon and Durham City.

They include new signing Kevin Dixon from Chester-le-Street, while Matty Allison returns from injury.

Manager Tony Boakes said; “They are always close games against Jarrow, who like to play good football, so it will be a good test for us.”

Willington, who haven’t played a league game for over a month, are at home to Easington. They won 5-0 in the EA Cup in midweek, and manager Iby Hassan said; “The win over Durham was a resounding one and I was happy with the ruthlessness shown.

“This will be another difficult task. Easington are capable of giving anyone in the division a game, and in Josh Home-Jackson thy have a striker who can be dangerous. We look forward to getting some league points on the board.”

Durham City go across to Carlisle City, looking for a response to that 5-0 defeat at Willington.

Manager Andy Inness said; “After Wednesday’s hugely disappointing performance we have set the players a challenge, so I’m looking forward to their response against a good Carlisle side.”

Inness recalls several players who missed the midweek game.

Chester-le-Street, who are at home to Brandon, include two new signings in their squad. Kallum Broadhead has signed from Birtley and Bailey Prudhoe from Bishop Auckland.

Manager Colin Wake said; “A much improved defensive performance last time out gives us a little more confidence so hoping to build on that and be a little better defensively.”

Owen Henderson and Michael Hepplewhite are doubtful, while Craig Marron and Andrew Clarkson are definitely out.