Esh Winning, who climbed into second in midweek, are at Brandon, and are without suspended midfielder Chris Smith, while midfielder David Duke and defender Graham Irving are both injured. They have also signed defender Chris Beckett from Newton Aycliffe. Esh are currently nine points behind leaders Team Northumbria. Brandon are missing Richard Mundell, John Meehan and Michael Nichol.

Chester-le-Street, who have lost just once in their last four league games, are at Morpeth, and will be missing midfielder Robbie Draper because of suspension, but defender Jordan Fraser and striker Glenn Reay will return.

Darlington RA, who came from four goals down to draw at Hebburn in midweek, are at seventh placed Birtley and player-manager Nick Harrison could put himself on the bench because Dale Elgie returns, as could Jamie Smith and Tom Ptak if they pass fitness tests. Birtley give striker Tony Healer his debut, but Scott Garrett is missing.

Thornaby, who scored seven last Saturday, are at Hebburn, and manager Ray Morton recalls several players who missed the midweek cup defeat by Grangetown Boys Club. Leading scorer Craig Skelton is amongst those returning. Hebburn boss Paul Bennett is sure to make changes after they threw away a four goal lead in midweek against Darlington RA.

Bottom club Horden have a big game at second bottom Whitehaven, who are two points ahead of them, and manager Brian Honour will give fitness tests to Stephen Jackson, Jack Proctor and Jordan Lavery, while Lloyd Evans is away on county duty.

Whickham, who have slipped from second place to fifth recently, are at Alnwick and could have up to eight players missing because of injury, stretching Neil Saxton’s squad to the limit.

West Allotment are at Washington and are badly hit by injuries and suspensions. Player-manager Paul Stoneman, Liam McIvor and Chris Rue are all suspended, while three others are missing because of injury. Washington are in a bad run of form, having failed to win a league game since September 24th.

Northallerton, who are just five points off the promotion places, are at North Shields.

Gary Shardha, Grant Hickman, Stuart Hardy and Stephen Butterworth are all struggling with injuries, but Stephen Craggs and Gary Cook return. Shields, who are third, could keep the same team that won at Whickham last week.

Easington, who haven’t won in nine matches, are at home to Ryton , include former Spennymoor keeper Niki Lawson in their squad, while six other players return who missed the 7-1 defeat at Thornaby last Saturday. Manager Mark Proudlock has made another new signing, full back Jamie Arthur who has played for several Northern League teams.

In the other game, Seaham Red star are at home to leaders Team Northumbria.