Crook include new signing Leon Ryan in their squad to play Birtley after signing him from Spennymoor.

Ryan has won the vase with Whitley Bay and the league with Spennymoor, but has been unable to force his way recently into the Moors starting line up.

Birtley are unbeaten in their last nine matches, and they are without striker John Martin because of injury, but Scott Garrett and Dan Hepplewhite both return.

Easington begin life under their new administration at home to second placed Darlington RA. The league’s bottom club crashed out of existence briefly last Saturday night when it resigned from the league after a 14-0 thrashing at Team Northumbria, but they were revived in midweek by a new committee led by former manager Andy Colledge, who has now taken on as the general manager, with Paul Adamson returning to the club as manager.

The RA, who lost to Easington earlier in the season, expect to be at full strength.

The game between Gillford Park and Northallerton has been postponed.

Chester-le-Street hope to include at least two new signings in their squad at home to Whitehaven, who have climbed into midtable in recent weeks. Manager Anthony Smith has signed John Gibbon and Jack Lilley, with possibly a third before the game.

Hebburn have a big home game against leaders Team Northumbria, and manager Paul Bennett expects to choose from a squad of 18 players, although midfielder Dean Nicholson is suspended.

Esh Winning, who are seventh, are at Morpeth, add Chris Smith, Scott Richards, Steve Oakley and Luke Wilson to the squad that reached the DCC semi finals in midweek.. Defenders Alex Wilson and Gary Turton miss the trip.

North Shields, who lost their 16 month unbeaten away record last week, are at home to Horden, who were briefly bottom following Easington’s brief resignation at the weekend until it was withdrawn. Shields manager Anthony Woodhouse is forced into making changes, as five players are carrying knocks, but four others return after the win at Hebburn in midweek.

Horden manager Bobby Orton adds new signing Steve Carruthers to his squad, as well defender David Thompson. Midfielder Dan Davies returns after injury.

Seaham Red Star, who are third bottom, are without striker Tim Bowman and midfielder Michael Turnbull for their away game at Ryton.

Thornaby, who haven’t won in eleven league matches, are at home to Brandon, and welcome back midfielder Steve Cochrane and defender Rob Pearson. Brandon include new signing Owen Lancaster from Crook, while midfielder Lewis Wing returns.