West Auckland will have to knock another Northern League side out of the competition if they are to reach the last 16 of the FA Buildbase Vase today.

Even though the competition is now split roughly into north and south, West must overcome Stockton Town, one of the most improved sides in the Northern League this season, on their 3G pitch at Bishopton Road West.

“It’s going to be a very tough game,” said West manager Gary Forrest. “Stockton are a team in form at the moment, and the pace of the ball on their 4G pitch will take some getting used to.

“We’ve played them twice in the league and had them watched recently, and we’ve a good idea of what they’re about. But this will be like any cup tie, and whoever is best in the final third of the field at both ends. A team can dominate possession, but lose a game.”

West haven’t lost in their last seven matches, and Forrest said; “We’re going into the game with plenty of confidence. We must keep working hard, make sure that we have make good decisions, and not waste possession.”

Forrest will have a full squad at his disposal, including Nathan Fisher who scored a hat trick against Stockton earlier in the season in West’s 3-1 early season win. The reverse fixture was a 1-1 draw at West.

In the other Vase ties, Marske United face Hinckley from the Midland Alliance, while Newcastle Benfield take on Coleshill.

In the Northern League, Darlington RA are searching for a new manager as they try to climb away from the Second Division relegation zone.

Previous boss Peter Mulcaster, who has operated well on very limited resources for the last 18 months, decided to quit soon after their 4-1 defeat at Northallerton in midweek, a result that left them firmly in the second division drop zone ahead of their trip to Tow Law today.

Secretary Alan Hamilton said; “Despite the fact that results this season have been indifferent, Peter has retained the confidence of the Club's committee and there has been no internal pressure on him to go. Peter has felt however that the time is now right for a change and his decision to step down was made a few days ago.”

Coaches Michael Colman, Martin Mulcaster and Mark Wheldon will take charge of team affairs for Saturday’s tough away game at promotion chasing Tow Law, and in the meantime the club is open for applications for one of the toughest managerial jobs in the league.

Lawyers, who are third in the table, expect to have a full squad available for the first time in two months.

In the first division, Shildon need to beat Team Northumbria and keep their title hopes alive, and manager Danny Moore will probably choose from a full squad that his full of confidence after winning at Gateshead in midweek in the Durham Challenge Cup.

Newton Aycliffe need to beat Jarrow Roofing to stay away from the relegation zone. Aycliffe are currently fifth bottom, two places and eight points above Roofing who have two games in hand.

Aycliffe striker Nathan Stephenson has gone to Brandon, and manager Deano Browne said; “It’s a big game for both clubs, and we’re looking forward to the game. Jarrow ill be a tough test as they have signed some good players this week.”

Roofing include former Aycliffe striker John Campbell, who has returned to them from EvoStik League club Whitby Town, and midfielder Anthony Myers from Hebburn.

In the other second division matches, league leaders Northallerton, who are four points clear, are at seventh placed Hebburn and they will be missing Elliott McGlade, Mark Hemingway, Josh Knox and Sam Grainger, while Mattie Crossen and Richie Walker are both added to the squad.

Manager Darren Trotter said; "The midweek win means I have decisions to make -- stick with the same team or freshen it up a little with the introduction of a few fresh faces.”

Third bottom Brandon are at Hall Lane to take on sixth placed Durham City, and manager Steve Skinner is hoping to make at least one new signing before the game. He has already signed Craig Ruddy, Glenn Donaldson, Andrew Brown and Jack Patton since taking over. “The game is massive for us with Durham flying high at the moment. This is the start of a big month for us.” Former Durham defender Dan Madden is definitely out because of injury.

Durham manager Olly Hotchkiss said; “It will be a tough game against a good side but we are in good form and if we show the same effort and desire we will have every chance of collecting three points.” Striker Brad Hird returns to the side, along with Jeremy Allen and Ross Simpson

Sixth bottom Crook Town are hoping to stage their first home game for six weeks at home to Billingham Town, but they will be missing defender Michael Weston and striker Daniel Pigg.

Manager Chris Lax, who will still have a squad of 24 to choose from, said; “This is another winnable game for us, but it will be tough. It will be nice to play at home.”

Esh Winning are at home to West Allotment, and manager Tony Boakes, who will choose from a full squad, said; “Allotment have had some good results recently, so we won’t be taking them lightly.” Kai Hewitson and Alex Goundry should make their home debuts

Willington go to Ryton and Crawcrook, hoping to stretch their winning run to seven matches, and manager Rob Lee expects to have a full squad.