Newton Aycliffe can go joint fourth in the table if they beat North Shields at Moore Lane.

Strikers Adam Burnicle and Johnson Ballan, who both scored in midweek, are missing, while Sam Read and Ryan Redford are out injured.

Manager Colin Stromsoy said; “It’s a shame after so such a positive few games to have so many out through injury. Shields are the toughest game yet in this mini run of fixtures and will be fresher as they didn’t play in midweek. We’re confident of our ability and if we improve on our win against Guisborough on Tuesday then we’re in with a good shout.”

League leaders Stockton Town can stretch their lead at the top to nine points if they win at Sunderland RCA. Midfielder Kevin Hayes returns to the squad after missing last week’s win over Ashington because of injury.

Manager Micky Dunwell said; “We know that it’s going to be a battle, but we are confident of going there and continuing the great run of form we are on.”

Bishop Auckland face seventh placed Guisborough at Heritage Park and could go eighth if they win.

Striker Chris Winn is injured, but Jackson Waller returns to the squad. Manager Ian Chandler said; “We had a good win away to Guisborough earlier in the season, a repeat of that would be very nice. However, I see Guisborough have made some good signings lately.”

Guisborough have injury doubts over recent signing Craig Hutchinson and striker Steve Roberts, and still have hopes of finishing in the top four.

Northallerton are involved in a six pointer against Penrith. They are currently second bottom of the table, four points behind fourth bottom Penrith with two games in hand.

Billingham Town are at home to Ryhope CW and will give striker Chris Dickinson and Dom Joynes their second debuts after returning to the club from Billingham Synthonia and Crook respectively.

They have also signed midfielder Cameron Wilson from Stockton Town.

Third bottom Thornaby are at Whitley Bay, and looking to build on their 1-1 draw at Ryhope CW in midweek.

Bottom club Whickham have appointed former Darlington midfielder Mark Convery as their new manager.

In the second division, Crook Town can keep the pressure on their other promotion rivals by beating bottom club Durham City at the Millfield. Crook are third, just two points behind Redcar.

Manager Jamie Tunstall said; “Even though they’re bottom, Durham will pose a test and we’ve got to be at the races if we want to win the game. We’re getting towards the business end of the season and every point matters so we’ve got to apply ourselves right.”

Keeper Ronan Makepeace is unavailable, while Joe Hillerby and Callum Johnston will both have fitness tests.

Durham have appointed former Darlington financial director John Woolnough as a board member, while secretary Fred Usher has returned to the club.

Redcar, who are second, are at home to Bedlington, and they welcome striker Kallum Hannah back into their squad. Manager Steve Connolly said; “Getting the first goal is key for us.”

Tow Law, who are in seventh place, go to Sunderland West End, and they have injury doubts over Matty Moffat, Stephen Ramsey and Michael Brown. Manager Micky Vasey said; “We’re expecting a hard game.”

Billingham Synthonia, who are in sixth place two points ahead of Lawyers, are at Newcastle University, and include new signing John Howard from Guisborough.

Chester-le-Street are at home to league leaders West Allotment for the second time in four days. They lost to their visitors in the Ernest Armstrong Cup on Tuesday night, and manager Colin Wake said; “They are an excellent side full of quality players on the front foot. We will utilise our full squad to freshen things up, but we’ll set the team up to hopefully stop them from playing and hurt them when we get the ball but again it will be a tough test.”

Second bottom Brandon head to Heaton Stannington, needing the points to reduce the gap on third bottom Washington. Manager Anth Lee might include a couple of new signings and said; “It’s going be a really tough game against a good side, but hopefully we can continue our form from the last three games.”

Brandon have picked up five points from their last three games.

Esh Winning are at Easington, and they will be missing Glenn Donaldson and Scott Arnott and will give Matty Allison late fitness test.

In the other game, Willington are at home to third bottom Washington.