Shildon will give new striker Nathan Steel his debut in their local derby against Bishop Auckland today.

Steel has signed from the Railwaymen from Guisborough, for whom he has scored twelve times this season, as they try to climb into the top three with a win today.

Manager Danny Moore said; “We’ve kept clean sheets in our last two games, which is encouraging and better than before.

“There’s a fair bit riding on this game, with both teams going well this season.”

Moore has also signed midfielder David Palmer from Seaham Red Star, but he is unavailable today, as are defender Mattie Robson and striker Billy Greulich-Smith. Another defender, Marc Ellison, will have a late fitness test.

Bishops, who have transfer-listed defender Niall McGoldrick and are one place and a point below Shildon, are boosted by the returns of defender Kieran Galbraith and striker Callum Patton, but midfielder Lewis Gibbons is doubtful.

Manager Ian Chandler, whose side were dumped out of the Vase last week, said; “It’s a good local derby to put last week behind us. It should be a great game.”

West Auckland will include two new signings in their squad when they go to Ashington.

Manager Gary Forrest has signed striker Adam Burnicle from EvoStik League club Morpeth – he has previously played for Shildon and Willington in the league – plus former Darlington defender Chris Hunter from South Shields.

West are currently ninth in the table, nine points behind leaders Consett.

Fifth bottom Newton Aycliffe have a tough away game at Hebburn, who are in third place two points off the lead.

Manager Deano Browne, whose side have lost their last three matches, said; “We are massive underdogs and people are expecting us to get beat, but we go to Hebburn with no pressure, and I know the lads will give everything they have.”

Aycliffe expect to be at full strength.

In the other games, leaders Consett have a tough home game against Sunderland RCA, while Tom Wade takes charge of Newcastle Benfield at home to Penrith.

In the second division, joint leaders Chester-le-Street are at Easington, hoping to win their second successive away game.

Manager Colin Wake said; “We go there in better fettle after an improved performance last time out and hope to build on that level of performance against Easington who are one of the better footballing sides in the division.”

Jai Grant and Joe Grant are both unavailable, while Kevin Dixon, Craig Marron, Josh King and Kieran Megran are all doubtful. Jack Oliver and Dan Candlish both return to the squad.

Tow Law go to the other joint leaders Thornaby, and they include new signing Charlie Watson from Birtley, while Paul Oxley and Kai Hewitson are both missing.

Northallerton go to Willington, whom they’ve already beaten in the Vase this season. They include Aaron Ramsbottom and Damon Reaks, who were signed last weekend, while Stephen Jackson will be back for Town and injured quartet Dan Jones, Neil Pattinson, Kerry Hedley and Stephen Cheeseman will all have fitness tests.

Willington are missing Jason White and Graham Lazonby, but everyone else is fit. Manager Rob Lee said; “Northallerton is always a hard game, and we must be at our best.”

Crook Town are at home to Billingham Town, who are third in the table with an unbeaten record so far. However, they have added defender Adam Comby to an injury list that already had seven players on it, so manager Jamie Tunstall is hoping to add a new signing to the squad.

Tunstall said; “Billingham represent the favourites for the league this season and have started well. They’ve got a very talented squad so we’ll have to be at our very best to get a result. Performances have been better of late which is encouraging.”

Crook defeated joint leaders Chester-le-Street three weeks ago.

Esh Winning, who are third bottom, face the club two places above them, Redcar. Manager Tony Boakes includes three new signings – Joe Mole, Daniel Kent and Stephen Forster as they look for their first win in five matches.

Second bottom Durham City are at Washington, two places and four points above them.

Durham manager Wayne Gredziak says that this is a “must-win” game and said; “There have been some really promising signs of improvement recently and they need to continue. We have a few players missing, and it’s time for the big squad we have to come into effect.”

Lewis Rees, Isam Mohammed, Andrew Brown and Andrew Hope ae all struggling with injury.

Brandon, who are bottom with just one league win this season, are at home to Jarrow. They welcome back Dan Quine and Jack Carr, and hope to complete the signing of Jack Bromley from Willington before the game.