Shildon manager Danny Moore is hoping that new signing Keith Graydon can provide them with some consistency as they prepare to face Newcastle Benfield at Dean Street today.

Graydon is a former Spennymoor team mate of Moore when they won the Northern League and FA Vase, and he has been signed on a month’s loan from EvoStik League side Morpeth. He made an instant impact, scoring in the win over Ryhope CW in midweek.

Moore, who has also signed Harry Thompson and Craig Ellison said; “It will be a tough test for us against a team whom I believe will finish in the top three. They have quality in the final third and in Paul Brayson have someone who can win a game out of nothing. We are improving game by game so hopefully we can get something from the game and maintain the consistency I’ve asked for.”

The Railwaymen are unbeaten in their three league games so far, as are Benfield in the two they’ve played.

West Auckland are hoping to bounce back from their midweek defeat at Blyth AFC when they head to Northumberland again for their away game at Whitley Bay, who were thumped 8-0 by Dunston in midweek.

Manager Gary Forrest could make changes, while he will be joined on the touchline by former Darlington assistant manager Brian Atkinson, who has joined as part of their management team.

Forrest said; "This will be a tough game as Whitley will want to put their defeat at Dunston in midweek behind them. We need to bounce back as we didn't deserve to get beat on Wednesday. We played some great stuff but got caught by making a few bad decisions and their winner was well offside."

Bishop Auckland, who have won both their league games so far, are at home to Ryhope CW, and will be without Lewis Gibbons and Kieran Galbraith because of suspension, while defender Niall McGoldrick returns. Midfielder Kyle Fryatt will have a fitness test.

Manager Ian Chandler said; “All games are tough at the moment and with Ryhope coming off what appears to be a good performance against Shildon, we’ll need to be on top of our game to get anything.”

Newton Aycliffe, who lost to Guisborough in the FA Cup in midweek after being so close to going through last Saturday, are at home to Seaham Red Star.

Manager Deano Browne said; “After the disappointment of going out of the FA Cup in midweek, it’s important we show the right reaction on Saturday and take the game to Seaham.”

Ian Ward, Liam Browne and Marc Costello all come into contention, while Kurt Matthews will have a fitness test.

Seaham had different FA cup fortunes in midweek, they won their replay against Heaton Stannington.

In the second division, Northallerton are at Chester-le-Street, and they welcome back Jack Proctor and Chris Dickinson.

Manager Darren Trotter said; “Chester have had a good start to the season and I am looking forward to going there as it is always a competitive game, it’s an early chance to take some revenge for them beating us in the semi-final of the EA cup at the end of last season.

“We have had an indifferent start looking at the results; however, we are pleased with the early performances that look promising.”

Chester are in unbeaten in their three matches so far, but are missing top scorer Andrew Clarkson, Michael Hepplewhite and Mark Peck. However, manager Colin Wake is hoping to make two new signings before the game and said; “We expect a really tough game against one of the promotion favourites.”

Crook Town face relegated Washington at the Millfield, and they add keeper Phil Pentony and striker Christian Holliday to the squad that drew last week at Jarrow, but they are still missing four players.

Crook manager Jamie Tunstall said; “Washington have recruited very well in the summer and whilst their first few results haven’t gone their way, I know they’ll be a strong force this season. We’ll have to be at our best to get anything from the game.”

Durham City, who are midtable, go to bottom of the table Redcar Athletic, and hope to include new signing Adam Lee-Shields in their squad, while five others return after missing last weekend’s game. David Gibson, Manuel Fantin and Stephen Telford are all struggling with injuries.

Willington, who won their first game of the season last Saturday against promoted Redcar, are at home to another promoted club, Birtley, and they add Jason White and Lewis Milner to their squad. Manager Rob Lee said; “It will be a hard game because Birtley are in form. We must start taking our chances.”

In the other game, Esh Winning, who are looking for their first victory of the season, are at West Allotment.

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