Spennymoor are hoping to move closer to league leaders Consett when they entertain Bishop Auckland at the Brewery Field tonight.

Moors start the game in third place, a point behind second placed Shildon and eight behind leaders Consett, while Bishops need the points for their battle against relegation.

Moors boss Jason Ainsley said: “We’ve got to forget about the Vase now, and concentrate on picking up points in the league. We’ve got to be wary of Bishops, because they caused us problems last season.”

Keeper Craig Turns and midfielder Chris Emms will both have fitness tests, while Bishops will give new signing Phil Brumwell a fitness test. Midfielder Steve Salvin is still missing because of injury, while striker Adam Emson is unavailable.

In another big game tonight, sixth placed Whitley Bay face Bedlington, and will be missing Paul Robinson, Damon Robson and Darren Timmons, all because of injury.

Another team with Vase ambitions, Dunston, will be at full strength at home to Sunderland RCA, who have transfer listed striker John Ryan.

Second bottom Esh Winning have an injury doubt over striker Ian Ward ahead of their home game with South Shields, who give a debut to new signing Keith Hutchinson from Jarrow Roofing, while Barrie Smith is doubtful because of an ankle injury, West Auckland welcome back midfielder Tom Berj after suspension for their home game with bottom club Ryton.

In the second division, North Shields, who have climbed into third on the back of a long unbeaten run, have four players missing because of injury at home to Washington. Keeper Dan Molyneux and defender Wayne Henderson will both have fitness tests for Washington, while defender Graham Liddle returns.

Promotion chasing Marske will be without Rob Jones for their away game at Whitehaven, who can still force themselves into the promotion picture.

Horden, who are at home to Birtley, are missing five players for various reasons, while Mick Latimer and David Hopper both return for Birtley.

STL Northern League Division One.

Dunston v Sunderland RCA, Esh Winning v South Shields, Spennymoor v Bishop Auckland, West Auckland v Ryton, Whitley Bay v Bedlington.

Division Two.

Gillford Park v Morpeth, Horden v Birtley, North Shields v Washington, Whitehaven v Marske United.