Shildon manager Gary Forrest has told his players to remain focused for today’s away game at North Shields.

Shildon, who are unbeaten in their last ten league matches, go into the game with a 13 point lead from second placed Guisborough, and with their principal rivals Morpeth, who can still overtake them but are showing signs of faltering, in Vase action, then the Railwaymen could take further command at the top of the table.

“We’ve got two tough away games coming up in the next few days,” said Forrest. “North Shields have won their last few games so this is a big test, and the type of game in which we need to grind a result out. The players need to stay focused and not become complacent.”

Forrest will have a full squad to choose from, while Shields, who have won their last four league matches, and will be at full strength except for midfielder Gary Ormston, who is suspended.

Bishop Auckland did neighbours Shildon a favour last week by beating Morpeth, and Shildon will be hoping for the same again when Bishops go to Guisborough. Manager Steve Riley has no injury problems, while striker Andrew Johnson is hoping to add to his 23 league goals this season. Guisborough, who have had their last two matches postponed, expect to be at full strength.

Newton Aycliffe are at Newcastle Benfield, hoping to keep the pressure on the three clubs above them. Aycliffe, who are at full strength, are 18 points behind Shildon with four games in hand. Benfield also expect to be close to full strength.

Marske United, who are in third place, 18 points behind Shildon with five games in hand, are at bottom club Norton and Stockton, and manager Carl Jarrett includes new midfielder John Seaton, signed from West Auckland. Glen Butterworth and Danny Wheatley will both have fitness tests.

Norton will give late fitness tests to Curtis Collantine, Dale Mulligan, Dale Elgie and Phil Caley, while James Marley, Alex Nelson and Lewis Walton are all unavailable, West Auckland can climb further away from relegation danger if they win at fourth bottom Jarrow Roofing. Striker Michael Jameson is missing because of injury, while midfielder Mark Hudson will have a fitness test.

Roofing are without Jamie Marshall and Adam Rundle, but Anth Myers, Corey Barnes and Jordan Lartey all return.

Whitley Bay, who have dropped to third bottom but have at least four games in hand on the teams around them, are at home to Seaham Red Star and they welcome back defender Richard Flynn after illness, and midfielder Chris McDonald. Seaham are now eighth in the table after a run of only one defeat in eight league games.

Sixth placed Washington entertain Sunderland RCA in a local derby, and they welcome full back Adam McGuinness back into the squad after suspension, but midfielder Chris Wallace is banned.

The RCA will be without keeper Andy Hunter so Jordan Harkess will replace him, Kieran Graham, Michael Charlton and Shane Jennings will all return. Ross McNab will have a fitness test.

Consett, in the temporary charge of Kenny Lindoe and Marc Eccles following the resignation of Colin Myers last weekend, are at home to Dunston UTS, and they will have a full squad to choose from.

Dunston include new signing Michael Liddle, while Adam Wilkinson and Scott Martindale both return to the squad.

Ashington, who have lost their last six league matches, are at home to West Allotment, and they will be missing Ben Christensen, Matty Grieve, James Taylor and Scott Gunn.

In the other game, Bedlington are at home to Penrith.

In the second division, leaders South Shields are at home to second bottom Esh Winning, and have an injury doubt over first choice keeper Scott Pocklington, while defender Lewis Galpin is definitely out. Esh, who have picked up more points away than at home this season, have doubts over Adam Smith and Peter Henderson.

Billingham Synthonia, who went second in midweek, are at Willington, and they are missing Matthew Dixon because of injury, while Josh Rowbotham, Jamie Barton and Andrew Burton all return to the squad. Willington had a good 5-0 away win at Alnwick last weekend.

Ryhope CW, who are third and with games in hand on Synners and Shields, are at home to Alnwick and they are missing Tom Bott because of an ankle injury, but midfielder Simon Ord returns after recovering from a hamstring injury.

Ryhope haven’t lost in five matches.

Chester-le-Street, in fourth, are at Tow Law, and manager Colin Wake could choose the same side that beat Whickham in midweek. Lawyers include new signings Joe Johnson and Josh Thompson in their squad, while striker Dean Thexton returns.

Northallerton, who have only lost once in 13 league games, are at home to Whickham, and manager Darren Trotter expects to choose from a full squad.

Darlington RA are at home to Team Northumbria, whom they beat 4-1 in the league earlier in the season. They will be missing Sam England and Dale Johnston because of suspension and the unavailable Josh Hewson, but Joe Peel, Karl Hewitt and Christian Holliday all return from injury.

Crook face Brandon in a local derby, and have doubts over Gavin Brown, Lee Newby, Owen Lancaster and Callum Smith. Kieron Duffy-Weekes is missing for Brandon, while Andrew Clarkson makes his return debut after transferring from Birtley.

Billingham Town face bottom club Stokesley, having lost just once in their last nine matches. Manager Barry Oliver chooses from a full squad. Stokesley have picked up just one point away from home this season.

Easington are at home to Ryton and Crawcrook, and will be without several players because of injury, while they have signed Reece Kenny from Spennymoor.

Hebburn, who are unbeaten in nine games, are at home to Heaton Stannington and are without Ian Bickerstaff, Craig Malley, James Talbot and Alan Pegram all because of injury, while Lee McMahon will have a fitness test.

Heaton, who have a big Northumberland Senior Cup tie against Blyth next week, have doubts over George Phillipson and Dean Imray.

In the other second division game, Thornaby are at home to Birtley.