Newton Aycliffe manager Alan Oliver has warned his players not take anything for granted as they prepare for Saturday’s home game with Washington.

Aycliffe are top of the Second Division table and on course for promotion, but a cautious Oliver warns that nothing is going to be easy.

“Washington lost 7-1 in midweek, but that doesn’t mean it will be easy for us,” he said. “No team lies down in this division, all points have to be fought for.”

Ben Wood and Josh Knox will both be missing from the Aycliffe squad because of injury, while Washington welcome back seven players, including keeper Dan Molyneux, who missed the midweek game at North Shields.

Second placed Guisborough are at home to second bottom Brandon, and have injury worries over Nathan Steel and Joel Guy, while Lee Farrington is missing.

North Shields, who have scored 28 goals in their last six matches and are just a point behind Guisborough with two games in hand, are at home to Seaham Red Star. Former Seaham player Mark Pattison will play against his old team, while there will be fitness tests for Rob Livermore and Stephen Robinson.

Marske United, who are fourth, are at home to Team Northumbria, who are level with them on goal difference. Marske have four players missing because of injury – Andy Swalwell, Josh Myers, Lewis Wood and Rob Jones.

Whickham are at home to Chester-le-Street, and are missing striker Andy Snaith, while Craig Rook and Scott Palmer are both doubtful. Chester will give keeper Kyle Barlow a fitness test after he went off injured early in last week’s game, so youngster Alex McKenzie stands by. Defender Kyle Bird is also a doubt.

Darlington RA, who conceded five last week against North Shields, are at Crook Town, and will be missing defender Jamie Smith, but James Howlett and Jordan Tomlinson both return. Crook, who lost at Northallerton in midweek, Horden face one of the most improved teams in the division, Hebburn. Horden are without five players, including promising defender Ash Corker, while Tom Gavin returns. Hebburn are looking for their fifth straight win, and will be without keeper Jak Wells and midfielder Ben Miley, both because of injury. Paul Catto and Colin McKenzie both return to the squad.

Thornaby head over to the Cumberland SA, where Gillford Park are playing their matches, and they include new signings Danny Evans and Jamie Blyth.

Birtley, who had a good win at Horden in midweek, are at home to Whitehaven, and will be missing seven players, including their top scorer Marty Roper.

Northallerton head to Morpeth, but the game is doubtful because of this week’s bad weather. Northallerton, who are steadily climbing away from the bottom two, have a fitness doubt over striker Matthew Coad, while Craig Winter and Martin Butterworth are both unavailable. Morpeth, who haven’t won yet in the league this season, hope to include three new players.