Whitley Bay manager Ian Chandler believes that his players will be at their best when they begin their defence of the FA Vase again at home to Tadcaster Albion on Saturday afternoon.

Whitley, who haven’t lost in 26 Vase ties, go into the game more vulnerable in terms of their league form than they have for some time – they have lost seven league games this season -- and Chandler said: “In the past we’ve had a couple of bad patches, but they’ve come later in the season. Today is all about getting the best out of us, and not giving any easy goals away. But I’m sure the lads will be up for the game, after all, it is the Vase, and we want to continue our run in it. There’s a real buzz about the club at the moment.”

Midfielder Lee-Paul Scroggins and striker Robbie Dale are both expected to return to the Whitley squad.

Two other Northern League clubs go into today’s games concerned that they’re not at their best.

Spennymoor go to Barnoldswick from the North West Counties League after losing at Guisborough in midweek, their first away league defeat of the season. Manager Jason Ainsley said: “We started badly in midweek. We still haven't had the level of performance we expect and have had on a Saturday.” Striker Sonny Andrews is struggling with an ankle injury, while new signing Kieron Edwards is cuptied.

West Auckland are at home to Bacup Borough, another NWCL outfit. West went top of the league in midweek with a draw at Norton, and manager Peter Dixon said: “It’s a concern, because the poor level of performance came as a shock to me, especially against ten men.”

Key midfielder Alex Francis will have a fitness test, as well as defender Neil Pattison and striker Matthew Coad. Defender Andrew Green is definitely out.

Consett are at home to Ramsbottom, who are going well in the NWCL.

Recent signing Dave Molloy is cuptied having already played for Jarrow Roofing in the competition, while midfielder Jonjo Dickman is missing because of injury.

Ryan Bell, Craig Robson, Gavin Ross and Michael Pearson will all have fitness tests.

Dunston at home to Blackwell from the East Midlands Counties League, expect to be at full strength. Dunston reached the quarter finals last season, where they lost to Whitley Bay.

Billingham Town are at home to Glossop, who lost to Whitley in the final in 2009. Manager Carl Jarrett could make changes to his line up after they lost 5-2 at Newcastle Benfield in midweek.

There are two all Northern League ties. Ashington face Norton at Woodhorn Lane, and they will be missing suspended midfielder Andy Dugdale, as well as injured trio Darren Lough, Stephen Young and Gareth Bainbridge. Norton will be close to full strength, with both their recent signings, John Alexander and James Magowan, free to play.

Billingham Synthonia tackle Crook, from a division below them, at Central Avenue.

Synners have several injury worries, with keeper Josh Moody and outfield players David Able, Nathan Jameson and Michael Jameson all facing fitness tests, but are expected to pass them. Crook are without striker Andy Appleby and midfielder Chris Pearson, who have both played for Newton Aycliffe and Easington in the competition so far.

In the other Vase ties involving north east clubs, Newcastle Benfield are at home to Barton Town, Bedlington go to Parkgate and Gillford Park make the long journey across country to the east coast to play Bridlington Town. Gillford will be missing player-manager Steve Skinner because of injury.