Crook Town manager Jamie Tunstall says that the three points against Ryton and Crawcrook on Saturday afternoon will be massive for their promotion hopes.

Crook go into the game in fifth place in the table, seven points behind their opponents with three games in hand.

Manager Jamie Tunstall, who has a full squad to choose from, said; “We haven’t played for ten days and everybody is aching for a game. We’ve got some very tough decision as a management team as the lads have reacted well in training and everyone is fighting for places.

“Ryton are an excellent side who ae going really well this year. We’re under no illusions that it will be a really tough game but we know what to expect, and we hope that we’ll be able to put right the Tow Law defeat, and pick up three points which will be really massive.”

In the First Division, third placed Shildon include new winger Joe Posthill for their away game at Billingham Town.

Manager Danny Moore said; “He’s a good young lad who can play wide, he’s something tat we haven’t got in the squad. We need some depth in the squad because we have some tough games coming up. We must keep plugging away.”

The Railwaymen have lost only once in their last ten matches.

Town parted company with manager Paul Edwards last weekend, and re-appointed Barry Oliver, who stood down after he guided them to promotion from the second division last season.

Oliver has appointed Stephen Oakley as his number two. The game kicks off at 2pm.

Bishop Auckland go to league leaders Stockton Town, who are four points clear of the rest.

Defender Thomas Bott has left the club, while Liam Potter is injured, so the door is open for youngsters Regan Nixon and Ben Chandler to impress.

Manager Ian Chandler said; “They don't come any more difficult than Stockton who gave us a good hiding in the league cup early this season winning 7-0. Lots of hard work needed this weekend.”

Stockton, who are unbeaten in 14 league games, expect to be at full strength. Posthill was at Stockton before he moved to Thornaby.

West Auckland, who are in tenth place, are at home to Ashington.

Defender Jamie Harwood is missing because of injury, while midfielder Adam Mitchell returns after suspension.

Manager Gary Forrest said; “We need the three points.”

Northallerton, who are bottom of the table, have a big six pointer at home to Seaham Red Star, and will be encouraged by a battling performance in midweek against league leaders Stockton.

Midfielder Andrew Shepherd is missing because of suspension, but they might sign at least one new player before the game.

Manager Darren Trotter said; “It’s a very important game after two very good performances against top opposition. We are playing a team around the bottom. We must turn out the same standard out against Seaham as we have against Stockton and Consett. Seaham will be feeling the same, so it should be an interesting watch.”

Thornaby have also appointed a new manager in Craig Haley as they look for their first win in ten league matches at home to Consett, who hammered Whickham 9-2 in midweek. Haley has appointed Jamie Poole as his player-coach.

Guisborough could climb into the top six if they beat Hebburn at the King George and are looking for their sixth successive league win.

In the other second division games, bottom club Durham City are away to Billingham Synthonia.

City include new signings Stephen Moody, Harry Wood and Chris Pattison in their squad, while they could sign a new striker before the game. Anth McArdle should also return after injury.

Synners are currently eighth in the table and are without suspended centre half Matty Lovatt.

Willington have a tough home game against league leaders West Allotment, and manager Ibby Hassan said; “We’re at full strength, which is vital if we are to get something.

“It will be another opportunity for us to show how far we’ve come as a tea, and I expect it to be a competitive game.

“We had our last game at Tow Law abandoned, but that just makes us more keen to get out there and play.”

Chester-le-Street are at home to Easington, and have injury doubts over James Connor, Michael Hepplewhite, and Jak Mitchell, while Lee Turner and Keir MacDougall are definitely missing.

Manager Colin Wake said; “It’s another tough game against a free scoring Easington side who are having a good season. All we are looking to do is keep our recent good performances going whilst trying to stop the same mistakes happening which are costing us points.”

Tow Law have a local derby at home to bottom club Brandon, and they could include two new signings in their squad. Defender Mark Patterson is suspended. Brandon, who desperately need a victory, include new signing Reece Brown from Esh Winning.

Brandon manager Rob Bowron said; “Times are hard for everyone here, but we shall continue to work hard to get some breakthrough.”

In the other game, Esh Winning are at home to Sunderland West End.