Consett are defending their unbeaten home record when they face Sunderland RCA at Belle Vue pn Saturday.

The Steelmen have dropped just two points in their 13 home games so far, a record which has helped to put them five points clear at he top.

Apart from striker Lewis Teasdale, manager Kenny Lindoe expects to choose from a full squad. The RCA will give midfielder Keith Graydon a fitness test, while they include new signing Michael Dalton, a midfielder from Marske, in their squad.

Spennymoor, who are second, go to third bottom Stokesley, and have a doubt over keeper Craig Turns, so Simon Bishop stands by. Midfielder Chris Emms returns after injury. Stokesley have signed midfielder Liam McPhillips from Billingham Synthonia, and otherwise they are at full strength.

Shildon, who are third and breathing down the necks of the leaders, are at home to Penrith and will be at full strength, except for injured defender Mark Foster.

West Auckland, who climbed to fifth place in midweek, are at Ashington, and manager Peter Dixon expects to choose from a full squad. Ashington, who were stunned to lose in the Vase last Saturday after being two goals up, welcome back midfielder Chris Scott and striker Johnny Wightman.

Whitley Bay, who go to Jarrow Roofing, will be without suspended defender Steve Gibson, while striker Paul Robinson and midfielder Damon Robson are both out injured. Roofing, who have brought in several new players recently, are without one of them, former Darlington defender David Duke, while Craig Nelson and Kris Hughes are both injured.

Bishop Auckland are looking for three points for their relegation battle at home to Dunston. Bishops, who have just transfer listed strikers Adam Emson and Dan Olusoga, will be without midfielder Steve Salvin because of injury. Dunston, whose promotion campaign took a hit against Sunderland RCA in midweek, welcome back Lee Bell, Kane Young and Steve Goddard Second bottom Esh Winning are at home to Billingham Synthonia, and welcome back Paul Henderson-Reay and Marc Nixon to an attack that has failed to score in 14 league matches this season. Synners are without Mark Scott and Glenn Donaldson, who are both with England Colleges, plus striker Colin Iley, but defender Tommy Marron could return.

Billingham Town, who had a good win at West Allotment last week, are at home to Tow Law, and welcome back striker Andy Jennings and defender Richie Dacombe.

Lawyers are without recent signing Andrew Thompson, who has scored three times since he signed, while defender Lewis Harrison is injured.

Norton go to South Shields, who are just below them in the table. Shields are without striker Barrie Smith because of injury, while recent signing Keith Hutchinson is unavailable. Norton welcome back striker Gavin Parkin, who missed the Vase game last week returns, but Craig Bishop is struggling through injury.

In the other games, Newcastle Benfield are at home to Bedlington, and bottom club Ryton, who have now conceded over 100 goals for the season, are at home to West Allotment.