The match of the day in the STL Northern League is between title contenders Spennymoor and West Auckland at the Brewery Field. Moors are currently third in the table, five points behind leaders West with a game in hand, with Sunderland RCA sandwiched in between.

West are flying high after beating Whitley Bay in the Vase and Ashington in the league in the last seven days, and manager Peter Dixon said: “Every game is a big game now, and our scalp is the one everybody wants. But we will still enjoy all our games.”

West are without injured midfielder Alex Francis for some time, while midfielder Stuart Banks and defender Darryl Hall will both have fitness tests.

Moors, who hope to announce a new assistant manager very soon, will be at full strength except for injured keeper Craig Turns.

There will be a collection at the game for Francis, who was badly injured at Whitley Bay last Saturday in an incident that has caused much debate since.

Whitley Bay, who have lost in the Vase and the league in the past week, are at second bottom Tow Law. Midfielder Lee Paul Scroggins is doubtful, while defender David Coulson and midfielder Damon Robson are both injured.

Lawyers, who came from behind and beat South Shields on Tuesday, are missing defender Stephen Banks and midfielder Jamie Turnbull because of injury, but defender Johnny Hewitson and striker Lee Dial both return.

Bishop Auckland are one of the in-form teams in the league at the moment having won their last five matches, and they’re away to Consett. Midfielder Phil Shead and 13 goal striker Dan Hawkins both return to the squad after missing the midweek win at Jarrow Roofing.

Consett give a return debut to striker Lewis Teasdale, who has returned from a brief spell at Newcastle Benfield, but defender David Brown and midfielder Craig Robson are both still missing.

Bedlington and Dunston play each other for the second time this week, having drawn earlier in the week in the reverse fixture. Dunston, who are fifth, could make changes as Steve Goddard, Kane Young and Micky Robson are all back in the squad. Bedlington include new striker Glen Robson, signed from Sunderland RCA.

Newton Aycliffe who are sixth, are at home to Marske United and hoping to extend their unbeaten run to ten matches. Striker Warren Byrne and defender Mark Peck are both still missing because of injury, while defender John Close will have a late fitness test.

The options of Marske manager Paul Burton are limited, with defender Mark Taylor, midfielder Rob Jones and striker Benn Thompson all struggling because of injuries.

Guisborough can put some daylight between themselves and the relegation battle if they beat fourth bottom Penrith at the King George. Striker Chris I’Anson is missing because of injury, while there are doubts over midfielder Willie Boland and defender Tommy Marron.

Norton are at home to Newcastle Benfield, and they will be missing midfielders Andy Harbron and Shaun Clarke because of injury, as well as defender Steve Huggins.

Jarrow Roofing can’t afford to lose their local derby against South Shields, as they’re three points adrift of safety with nine games remaining. Defender Dave Anderson is missing because of injury. Shields, who are three places and seven points above the relegation zone themselves, add David Colvin and Gilberto Chapim to their squad.

Billingham Town, who are fourth bottom, are hoping to stretch their unbeaten run to four league and cup matches when they go to Shildon, and manager Carl Jarrett will choose from a squad of 19 players. Shildon manager Gary Forrest could field the same team that won at Whitley Bay in midweek.

Stokesley collected only their second league point of the season in midweek, and they’ll be hoping to surprise Ashington, who have lost their last two matches. Striker Jonny Godsmark is missing because of injury for Ashington, while defender Darren Lough could return.