Whitley Bay appear at this stage of the FA Vase for the first time in eight years when they take on South Shields at Hillheads today.

Since they beat Morpeth at this second qualifying round stage in 2006, Whitley have won the competition three times and lost in the semi finals, but last season’s third round home defeat by Dunston UTS led to them losing their exemption.

Manager Leon Ryan, who lifted the Vase in 2010, said; “We’ve been spoilt for so many years, it’s strange being at this stage again. But we got ourselves in this position, we need to make sure it doesn’t happen again.” Whitley are without midfielder Alex Kempster and striker Peter Watling.

Shields’ chances of causing an upset are hit by suspensions, with Barrie Smith, Colin White, Stephen Ramsey and Chris Feasey all out, but they signed defender Daniel Hall, once of Darlington, from Cowdenbeath on Thursday.

Several clubs are travelling outside the north east for their ties.

Durham City, who are managed by former Whitley boss Ian Chandler, are at Holker Old Boys in Cumbria, and they include three new signings in their squad – French defender Moussa Bakhti and midfielders Matthew Smith and Aiden Haley.

Consett go down to Humberside in order to play Hall Road Rangers in Hull, and they will definitely be without defenders Ryan Bell and David Brown, while they have injury doubts over Josh gray, Adam Nicholls, Matty Slocombe and Mick Pearson.

Heaton Stannington go over the A59 to play Colne, and they will be without striker Jonathan Wright, who has returned to the club from Jarrow Roofing, but has played for Roofing already in the competition. They have also signed striker Brian Dodsworth from Newcastle Benfield.

Washington go across to Lancashire to play AFC Darwen, and they are without recent signing Stephen Halliday and striker James Fairley, while there will be fitness tests for striker Joe Walton and midfielder Anthony Lund. Another midfielder, Michael Coghlan returns to the squad.

Marske United are at home to Chester-le-Street, and they have injuries to strikers Reece Kelly, Austin Johnston and Fred Woodhouse, but defender Liam O’Sullivan comes back into the squad. Chester are without midfielder Craig Marron, while manager Colin Wake is hoping to make a new signing before the game.

North Shields, who have hopes of a good run in the competition, are at Stokesley, and they are missing midfielder Adam Forster because of injury, but Ben Richardson will probably replace him. Defenders John Parker and John Grey will have fitness tests.

Stokesley who are second bottom of the second division, add Ste Roberts and Matty Dunford to their squad, but they are missing striker Greg Peel and defender Kris Kamara.

Ryhope CW are at home to Barnoldswick from the North West Counties League, and they include new keeper Barry Poskett, signed on loan from Bishop Auckland because first choice Chris Rookes is injured. Striker Craig Hughes and midfielder Max Stoker both return, but Steve Oakley and James Cook are both doubtful.

Billingham Synthonia are at home to Celtic Nation in an all ENL tie, and will have several players missing for various reasons. The Nation include new signings Adam MacMath from Gretna and David Hewson from Workington in their squad. However, Mark Boyd and Jonny Allen are both injured.

Esh Winning face Seaham in an all ENL Second division tie, and they include four new signings, Richard Addison, Ben Turnbull, Luke Stephens and Callum Cook. Also returning are Luke Thompson and Allen Robson.

Sunderland RCA and Crook can both forget about their relegation battle and play for a first round place instead. RCA’s recent signing Michael Charlton is cuptied, but two other new signings, Richie Jordons and Dan Wilson are eligible. Keeper Josh Carmichael will have a fitness test, while striker Gavin Barton is suspended.

Crook include new signing John Alexander from Marske, but defender Wayne Clarke is doubtful, and Louis Whensley, Garry Guyan and Adrian Webster are all cuptied.

The two clubs play each other again in the league next week.

Billingham Town face Yorkshire Amateurs at Bedford Terrace, and manager Darren Trotter expects to choose from a full squad. Town have only won once at home this season, and that was against Ryton in the last round. They have signed midfielder Aiden Cattermole from neighbours Billingham Synthonia.

Bedlington host Liversedge at Welfare Park, and they are without six players for various reasons, including their first choice keeper Sean McCafferty.

West Allotment – who have only won twice at home so far this season -- are at home to Nelson, and they will be without Liam Hudson, Graeme Cairns and Michael Hall, while player-manager Paul Stoneman will have a fitness test.

Nelson lost to West Auckland in the FA Cup earlier in the season.

In the other tie, Alnwick are at home to Pickering