Bishop Auckland manager Ian Chandler will make a sentimental return to his old club Whitley Bay on Saturday.

Chandler helped to turn Whitley into Vase giants, scoring the winner for them in one final, and then leading them as manager to three more triumphs at Wembley, as well as a Northern League title.

And now he’s got his eyes on another title with Bishops as they battle it out near the top of the table with several other clubs. They’re in sixth place, but just one point off the leading quintet, with games in hand on three of them.

“It’s just another game for me!” he joked. “I’ve got lots of memories, and lots of friends there before and after the game. But during the game, they won’t be friends.

“Everyone in the Bishops team is mad keen to correct Wednesday’s poor display at Benfield, and get back to winning ways.”

Chandler’s squad is strengthened by the return of Lewis Gibbons, Michael Hoganson, Kyle Patton and Chris Salmon, but defender Niall McGoldrick is still out injured.

Whitley are managed by Andy Gowens, just as they were when Chandler scored the winner in the 2002 Vase final.

Five clubs are tied on points on top of the table, and two of them, West Auckland and Hebburn, meet at Darlington Road.

West have picked up just two points from their last three matches, and manager Gary Forrest said; “It’s another tough game, and we’re looking for the lads to put in a solid 90 minutes.”

Defender Dan Parker returns to the squad, but midfielders Anthony Bell, Tom Portas and Alex Francis are all injured, while striker Amar Purewal will have a late fitness test. Midfielder Mark Doninger has gone to Whickham.

Shildon, who have played more games than anyone else in the five-way tie at the top, are at Sunderland RCA, and looking for their first win in five league games.

Shildon manager Danny Moore is hoping to sign defender Leon Carling from Marske in time for the game, with more players possibly to come next week.

“I want to put the last month to bed, and start again,” said Moore. “The first month of the season was very pleasing - -we need to be more consistent.

“Some players have been found wanting, it’s a matter now of finding a happy medium.”

Striker Billy Greulich-Smith is unavailable, while midfielder Keith Graydon has returned to Morpeth, and striker Matty Waters has gone to Marske.

In the other games, Consett defend their 100 per cent record away to Dunston, who are also going well, and have a big FA Cup tie against Chester to look forward to next week. Stockton Town have a local derby at Guisborough.

In the second division, Chester-le-Street are at home to their fellow joint leaders Thornaby, and they have Kieran Megran returning to the squad.

Manager Colin Wake said; “I sound like a broken record but we are expecting a really competitive game, but we go into the game full of confidence after a much improved display against Tow Law last time out.”

At Hall Lane, second bottom Durham City face third placed Billingham Town, who haven’t lost any of their eight league games so far.

Durham manager Wayne Gredziak has signed several new players since their last game, including former Blyth striker Rob Nolan.

“I couldn’t have asked for a tougher start since I took over! Billingham are a well-organised team and we will definitely go into the game as underdogs, but the lads will give it their all as they have done since I took charge, and that’s all I can ask for.”

Northallerton, who are seventh are at home to Crook, two places below them.

They will be missing keeper Tom Dawson because of injury, so Lewis McDonald, on loan from Marske, replaces him. Midfielder Stephen Cheeseman and striker Kerry Hedley will both have fitness tests.

Crook are without several players for different reasons, and manager Jamie Tunstall said; “It’s a massive test for us against promotion favourites Northallerton. We have lots of injuries and people away but we'll roll our sleeves up and have a good go. Not many will give us a chance down there and based on our form that's understandable but this group of players will give me everything and if we cut out the mistakes we might get something.”

Esh Winning, who are in fifth bottom, are at home to Heaton Stannington and will give a home debut to recent signing Glenn Hendrix, who scored twice last week at Crook, as well as Tom Orton. Nick Marley and Reece Brown both return to the squad.

Tow Law, who are sixth from bottom, have a tricky away game at West Allotment, and they will be without recent signing Matty Fisher, who is suspended for his dismissal in the Vase tie at Nelson. Lawyers are looking for their first away league win of the season.

Brandon, who are without a league win this season, are at home to Willington and they are strengthened by the return of Niall Fingleton, otherwise they will have a full squad.

Willington are on a high, having won on penalties at Shildon in the League Cup in midweek. Lewis Milner returns after suspension, while captain Graham Lazonby is missing with a broken ankle. Jason White is also missing.

Manager Rob Lee said; “It is always a close game against Brandon. We need to be at our best and take Wednesday night’s great performance into the game.”

The draw for the first round proper of the Durham Challenge Cup, to be played before October 27th, is; Durham City v Newton Aycliffe, Shildon v Boldon CA, West Auckland Tunns v South Shields, Consett v Silksworth, Ryton and Crawcrook v Easington, Jarrow v Bishop Auckland, Sunderland West End v Hartlepool United, Stockton Town v Spennymoor Town, Hebburn v Whickham, Billingham Synthonia v Dunston UTS, West Auckland v Sunderland Ryhope CW, Gateshead v Billingham Town, Darlington RA v Hartlepool Wearside, Sunderland v Sunderland RCA, Seaham Red Star v Chester-le-Street, Esh Winning v Darlington