Crook Town will hand a return debut to striker Andy Appleby in the league cup at Seaham Red Star tonight.

Appleby was the club’s top scorer last season, and has just returned to the club after a brief spell at First Division Newton Aycliffe Striker Kevin Devine and midfielder John Toft are both out because of injury. Seaham manager Steve Cook will probably rest several players who are carrying knocks, but Jonny Monaghan, Calvin Gowland and Paul McSween should all return.

In the first division, Shildon manager Gary Forrest is without regular keeper Keith Finch at Penrith, so he is hoping to sign a replacement before the game. Chris McCabe and Lee Chapman are both unavailable.

In the second division, Birtley are hoping to extend their unbeaten league record to six matches at home to Whitehaven. They will give a debut to new signing Kyle Houlsby from South Shields, while there will be a fitness test for leading scorer Dan Smart.

In the other Brooks Mileson Northern League cup ties, FA Cup heroes Ashington are at home to Chester-le-Street, and they will still be missing injured trio Darren Lough, Gareth Bainbridge and Stephen Young. Chester-le-Street, who haven’t won in six matches, will probably be unchanged.

Dunston, who lost their first league game of the season on Saturday, are at home to Tow Law, and they will be missing Jack Burns and Steve Goddard.

Tow Law manager Ian Davison will probably include new signings Mark Jameson and Simon McGuinness in his squad, but Derek Waters and Micky Hall are both injured. Lee Hamilton and Scott Thompson have both been made available for transfer.

Jarrow Roofing are at home to West Allotment, whose manager Paul Stoneman will be resting a few players, while Gary Day is injured.