Newton Aycliffe will clinch the second division title today regardless of what happens elsewhere.

In only their second season in the league after being promoted from the Wearside League, Alan Oliver’s side won promotion last week at Seaham, and they can win the title in front of their own fans if they are triumphant over Chester-le-Street.

Oliver said: “It will cap a great season off if we can win the league. It’s been a great last four years at the club.” Defenders Mark Peck and Chris Beckett are both struggling because of injury, while Darren Ablewhite replaces the unavailable Scott Pocklington in goal.

Chester, meanwhile, scored five away from home at Gillford Park in midweek, and youngster Callum Patton who scored two of them, comes into contention. However, Lee Chapman and Kyle Bird are both missing because of injury, but five others return who missed the midweek win. Chester are hoping to announce their new manager very soon.

North Shields’ failure to win any of their last four games has thrown the rest of the promotion race wide open.

The big game in the division is between second placed Guisborough and neighbours Marske United. The two clubs played on Wednesday in the North Riding Senior Cup final, with Guisborough coming out on top. Striker Chris I’Anson is missing for them, but midfielder Luke Bythway returns.

Fifth placed Marske are without their former Guisborough forward Karl Charlton, otherwise they’ll be at full strength.

Shields now need to beat Crook Town, and they will be close to full strength, although striker James Luccock is missing because of injury.

Crook will be without striker Kevin Devine, as well as the Sanders brothers, Adrian and Dan, as well as Mark Nicholson.

The team that has come up on the rails on the back of a ten game winning run to go third, Team Northumbria, are away to Whitehaven Whickham, who are on the fringe of the promotion race but need several results to go in their favour, are away to bottom club Morpeth, who have won just once this season.

Third bottom Horden go across to Gillford Park, and they will be missing Simon Ord, Andrew Richardson and Lee Armes, but Tom Gavin and Michael Joseph return.

Northallerton, who had a good draw at North Shields in midweek, are at home to fourth bottom Seaham Red Star, and they add keeper Stephen Craggs and outfield players Gary Mitchell and Martin Butterworth to the squad. Stuart Hardy and Gary Sharda are both missing though. Seaham, who have conceded ten goals in their lat two matches, Darlington RA are badly hit by injuries for their home game with Brandon, with several players missing, although manager Nick Harrison is hoping that striker Garry Barnes will return, as well as midfielder Dave Young.

Brandon are playing their second game inside three days.

Fifth bottom Washington, who have still to withdraw their resignation from the league, are at home to Thornaby and will be missing striker John Sherlock, but defender Graham Liddle and midfielder Will Caris hope to return. Striker Phil Poulton and defender Adam Livingstone should return for Thornaby. Washington haven’t won for 14 matches.