The game of the day is between Birtley, who are in third place, against leaders Team Northumbria. Birtley manager Scott Oliver prefers not to include himself after being forced to play in midweek at Guisborough, as he hopes that some players can return. Reece Darwent and Rick Fenwick are both doubtful. Team Northumbria recall midfielder Dan Riley, who was rested for their 8-5 midweek win at Esh Winning, while Dean Critchlow, Liam Clough, Graeme Cairns and John Sherlock all return.

There is another eye catching game between second placed Whickham and fourth placed North Shields. Whickham are badly hit by injuries with seven players struggling, while Craig Cavanagh, Sean Best, Ali Henderson and Callum Benson are all definitely out. Shields manager Darlington RA, who have stopped their recent slide, are at West Allotment and will still be without strikers Freddie Huscroft and John McKie, as well as midfielder Dave Webster and Karl Hewitt all because of injury. Allotment are without four players for various reasons, but Mark Minto returns.

Chester-le-Street are at home to Hebburn. Chester, who are third bottom but are improving, will be without defender Dan Smith because of injury, but otherwise they will be at full strength. Hebburn are without midfielder Jamie McClen because of injury.

Crook Town, who gave Bedlington a big scare in midweek, are at home to Ryton and they recall Elliott Woods, Robbie Bird, Luke Proctor and Chris Pearson to their squad. Ryton had a good win last week over promotion chasing West Allotment.

Esh Winning are at home to steadily improving Seaham Red Star, and they will give a debut to new signing Luke Wilson, who has arrived from Easington, while Graham Irving and Alex Wilson both return. Midfielder Chris Smith is suspended.

Seaham, who are unbeaten in their last five matches – the best run in the division at the moment -- welcome back midfielder Michael McKeown and defender James Parkinson, but Marc Moon (thigh), Lee Peachey (groin) and Tim Bowman (ankle & foot) are all struggling with injuries.

Thornaby can edge closer to the leading pack if they can beat Easington at Teesdale Park, and they welcome back defender Rob Pearson and midfielder Liam Woodhouse to their squad. Easington, who haven’t won in eight league and cup matches, hope to sign at least one new player before the game.

Northallerton, who became the first team to lose to Stokesley this season in midweek in the North Riding Senior Cup, are at home to Morpeth and will give Gary Cook and Stuart Hardy fitness tests.

Horden can lift themselves off the bottom if they beat Brandon at Welfare Park, , and they include new signings Andy and Aaron Ramsbottom from Northallerton, while Dan Reeves, Kev Price and Michael Joseph all return. Brandon , who have won their last three matches, add keeper Ryan Hindhaugh and midfielder Nich Allen to their squad, but midfielder Michael Nicholl is missing.

Washington, who haven’t won in ten games, face second bottom Whitehaven and are missing Michael Rush because of injury.

In the Cumbria Cup, Gillford Park are at Silloth , and are missing James Earl because of suspension, and Wayne Robertson because of work commitments. Four players return to the squad after missing the midweek win at Marske, but four others are missing because of injury.