Alu Bangura has been appointed the new manager of Newcastle Benfield. Bangura, who has a wealth of playing experience behind him in the Northern League, was number two to departed manager Paul Baker, and last night he accepted the manager's position at a club meeting. A club statement said: "Newcastle Benfield can announce that Alu Bangura has been offered and he has accepted the manager's role at the club. The Chairman committee and players are 100% behind the appointment, and wish him every success in his new role." Bangura's first task will be to guide Benfield through tonight's re-arranged FA Cup preliminary round tie at South Shields -- the first attempt was abandoned at half time last week because of floodlight failure.

League leaders Sunderland RCA and Bishop Auckland play the first of their trilogy of games in the next eleven days, when they meet at RCA.

Bishops are without keeper Peter Jeffries, so Simon Bishop will replace him, while striker Dan Hawkins is unavailable. Defender Wayne Clarke is struggling with a thigh injury. The RCA could be unchanged from the team that beat Newcastle Benfield on Saturday.

West Auckland are at home to Consett, and striker Danny Hindmarsh, who has a back injury, is added to an injury list that already includes two more strikers, Mattie Moffat and Micky Rae. Consett, who have two successive goalless draws behind them, have fitness doubts over midfielder Jonjo Dickman and defender Ryan Bell.

Marske United face Penrith for the second time in three days, having lost at home to them on Saturday. Manager Paul Burton could make changes in defence, but midfielder Anthony Ormerod will probably return, but striker Benn Thompson is still missing.

Third bottom Tow Law are at home to Ashington – strong winds permitting – and they have doubts over Stewart Morris, Micky Hall and Michael Robson. Ashington will be at full strength.

In the second division, Esh Winning could go third depending on other results and if they beat Chester-le-Street at Waterhouses. Midfielder David Duke should return after injury. Anth Smith takes charge of his first game as Chester manager, and they have doubts over striker Sam Renwick and defender Scott Donaldson.

Crook have defensive problems for their trip to Alnwick, with Gary Pearson and Jordan Fraser both struggling because of injury.

Seaham, facing a long trip to Whitehaven, add defender Craig McManus and striker Anth Laidler to the squad, while striker Jonny Monaghan could start the game after coming on as sub and scoring on Saturday.

Horden are at home to Thornaby, and manager Brian Honour welcomes back four players – Michael Joseph, Liam Woodhouse, Jack Proctor and Stephen Jackson – while there are doubts over Shaun Ryder and Dan Reeves. For Thornaby, Darren Morton, Steve Hodgson, Paul Vickers and Anthony Abel all return after missing Saturday’s Vase game.

Birtley include new signing Ben Gawthorpe in their team at home to Gillford Park, and they are also boosted by the returns of midfielder Kevin Dixon and striker Owen Peterson.