West Auckland manager Peter Dixon says that his side must produce a “massive improvement” at Sunderland RCA on Saturday.

West have lost just twice in their last eight league and cup matches, but Dixon is unhappy with the level of performance. “We’ve been playing poorly lately,” he said.

“We lost 3-1 at South Shields last Tuesday night, and only two players could say that they played well. I don’t mind losing if the players give everything or if a controversial decision goes against us, but I can’t stomach players not giving me a shift. They didn’t work hard enough, so I’m looking for a response today.” Midfielder Stephen Brown and striker Danny Hindmarsh are both missing today.

The RCA are without former Sunderland midfielder Martin Smith and striker Chris Smith who are both injured, while striker John Ryan is unavailable.

Consett play only their seventh away game of the season when they go to bottom of the table Ryton. Midfielder Jonjo Dickman is missing because of injury, while there are doubts over Scott Martindale, Ryan Bell and Lewis Teasdale. Ryton lost 10-0 in midweek at Shildon, but have pledged to keep battling away through the season.

Spennymoor, who had a convincing away win at Jarrow Roofing in midweek to maintain their unbeaten away record, are at Tow Law, and will be without defender Kallum Griffiths because of suspension, while striker Craig Hubbard is missing because of injury. New midfielder Alex Francis will have a fitness test. Tow Law manager Ian Davison, whose side lost 5-0 to Moors in the Durham Challenge Cup last week, will probably start the game, because centre back Steve Tobin is missing. Striker Carl Pottinger is out because of suspension.

Shildon face Ashington, who have steadily climbed the table in the last few weeks. The Railwaymen, who are two points off the lead, are without Danny Moore, who scored five in midweek, while striker Andy Johnson is unavailable. Ashington, who are in midtable, will give defender Iain Nickalls and midfielders Steve Shaw and Andrew Johnson fitness tests.

Whitley Bay, who are in fifth place, are at home to Billingham Town, and will be without Craig McFarland and Chris Fawcett, while Steve Gibson is doubtful. Town are missing midfielder Steve Flockett and Glen Butterworth, but defender Richie Dacombe and midfielder Craig Norman both return.

Some Whitley Bay fans travelled to Teesside in midweek to support Billingham Town in their court battle against Hartlepool United.

Billingham Synthonia, who are fourth bottom despite a good point at Consett in midweek, face Dunston at Central Avenue. Keeper Josh Moody could miss the game because of injury, but striker Jamie Magowan will probably return. Dunston recall Fergal Harkin, Steve Goddard and Kane Young to the squad that lost at Whitley Bay in midweek.

Jarrow Roofing include new defender Ian Dixon, signed from Bedlington, in their squad at home to Newcastle Benfield, while striker Matthew Welch comes back into the squad. Benfield, who are fourth and with games in hand on the teams above them, are without suspended centre half Kevin Leighton, but midfielder Phil Lumsden and striker Scott Fenwick both return. Full back Kieron MacDonald has a fitness test, Norton are at Bedlington, and could make changes to the side that lost at Newcastle Benfield in midweek. Bedlington have lost their last two matches.

Second bottom Esh Winning have a tough home game against Penrith, who have won six of their eight away games. Keeper Andrew Spence is missing because of injury, while Andy Lennon and Andy Carr are both missing. Esh have transferred midfielder Craig Marron to Chester-le-Street.

Stokesley, who are third bottom, are at West Allotment, and are missing recent signing Anthony Hume because of suspension. West Allotment have lost only one won of their last five league and cup matches.