Newton Aycliffe manager Colin Stromsoy wants an improved home performance if they are going to keep their promotion hopes alive when they face Bishop Auckland in their local derby on Saturday.

Aycliffe lost their last home game by 4-1 against Hebburn but recovered with a 4-1 win at Penrith last Saturday to leave them fifth in the table, nine points behind third placed Hebburn with two games in hand.

“We will need to be much improved since our last game at home if we are to beat Bishop,” said Stromsoy. “They are a strong team that will be very physically powerful. Bishop have had some cracking results this season and even when they lose it is generally by the odd goal so as with all local derbies it’s going to be tough but we’re looking forwards to the challenge.”

Sam Read is still unavailable, while Andrei Ardelean and Lewis Walton are still very doubtful.

Bishops, meanwhile, are just below midtable, and will be missing Liam Potter, Kyle Morris and Darren Richardson through injury while Kyle Fryatt is unavailable.

Bishops manager Ian Chandler said; “Aycliffe are doing very well this season and will be a strong test for our young side but after our display down at Thornaby we are looking forward to the game and leaving with a positive result.”

Shildon, who are in second, are looking for their fifth consecutive league win at Sunderland RCA. They are currently ten points clear of fourth placed North Shields, having played two games more.

Manager Danny Moore said; “We have two tough away games coming up, so we need to reset the button after the Hebburn game, and start again with a mentality of having to win every game.”

Striker Dean Thexton and midfielder Kurt Matthews are both missing.

League leaders Stockton Town are at home to Ryhope CW, the only club to have beaten them so far in the league this season back in October.

Manager Micky Dunwell said; “We are on a great run in the league and we are very good at home. Hopefully we’ll take another step closer to promotion.” Stockton need six points to clinch a top three promotion place.

Striker Mikey Roberts and keeper Callum Roberts are both missing.

Billingham Town can do all the others a favour by beating fourth placed North Shields at Bedford Terrace, and they will be missing Elliott Beddow. Billingham have lost their last three matches.

Bottom club Northallerton have a big away game at Whickham who are fourth bottom and six points ahead of them, and manager Darren Trotter will have a full squad available to choose from.

Third bottom Thornaby could also do their chances of avoiding the drop a boost by picking something up at Ashington. Manager Craig Haley said; “Confidence as high as we hope to continue our unbeaten run.” Thornaby are unbeaten in their last four matches.

West Auckland are at home to Seaham Red Star, and they welcome back midfielder Leon Scott and defender Adam Mitchell to their squad.

In the second division, Tow Law take on bottom club Durham City at Ironworks Road, needing the win to keep them in touch with the top four. Manager Micky Vasey chooses from a full squad, and said; “This will be a hard game against an improving Durham side.”

Durham, who have slipped seven points behind second bottom Brandon but have only played once in four weeks, are without Paul Bryson, Tehvan Tyrell, Callum Reay and James Byrne for various reasons.

Second bottom Brandon, who had an excellent win at Billingham Synthonia in midweek, are at home to second placed Redcar.

Manager Anth Lee said; “It’s going to be another extremely tough match but we are hoping to ride the wave of the last two results and see if we can match Redcar up and try and pinch something.”

Redcar have won their last five league games, and manager Steve Connolly said; “Brandon have seen an upturn in results and picked up a great midweek win, so we’ll be wary and show them the respect they deserve.”

Lee Bythway returns to the Redcar squad.

Chester-le-Street face Bedlington on the back of a good win at Crook last weekend.

Manager Colin Wake will be missing Callum Greaves, Alfie Pearn, Andrew Clarkson and Jak Mitchell, and said; “After the spirited performance last week, we are looking for the same against Bedlington.”

Wake is hoping to make a new signing before the game.

Fourth placed Billingham Synthonia are hoping to bounce back at home to Jarrow, and they will be missing defender Alex Bruton because of suspension.