Guisborough manager Mark Forster is facing a major injury crisis for the home game against Morpeth this afternoon.

Foster could be without 12 players for various reasons against struggling Morpeth, and he might have to play at left-back instead of the centre of defence as he tries to bring in new players.

"We had a North Riding Senior Cup tie in midweek against Whitby, and I handed a team of 11 players in their normal positions to our secretary - the problem was, that all those players were unavailable.

"The lads who came in did very well, even though we lost."

Striker Chris Fuller missed the midweek game and returns to the side.

Marske United also have injury and flu worries ahead of next week's FA Vase quarter-final against Bedlington Terriers.

So much so, that assistant manager Steve Dowling and physio Eric Barrett were forced to play in a midweek cup game. Ben Thompson and Darren Sankey are both expected to return today against West Auckland, who could include a new signing in their starting line-up.

Meanwhile, leaders Durham City have a tricky game at Consett, who beat them at New Ferens Park earlier in the season.

Midfielder Gary Pearson is suspended, while Alan Pearson and David Hunt are both injured. Micky Vasey, Micky Taylor and Anth Robinson will all have fitness tests.

Consett are without striker Colin McLeod because of injury, while midfielder Chris Hodgson has flu.

Bedlington, who are six points off the leaders with six games in hand, have several injury doubts for their home game with Easington.

Striker Dean Gibb and midfielder Steve Boon will both have fitness tests, while winger Anthony Chapman is definitely out with an ankle injury.

Easington, who have lost their last three matches, have flu doubts over Maurice Hilton, Paul Brown and Gavin Naylor, while defender Roger Ward is unavailable.

Dunston, in third place and on the same games as Bedlington, welcome back midfielder Gary Forbes for the home game with Brandon. The visitors will be without Richie Pitt, Gary Clark, Andy Cunningham and Darryl Smith.

Billingham Synthonia, in fifth place, are at home to Whitley Bay. They have injury doubts over defender Sean O'Brien and midfielder Andy Ripley, while Tony Woods is ruled out through illness.

Whitley, who expect to announce new owners soon, have transfer-listed midfielder David Hunter and defender Warren Dawson, while they include new keeper Glen Waterson from Scarborough in their squad.

Peterlee, in touch with the leaders in fourth place, have lost midfielder Lee Fitzgerald to UniBond League club Gateshead, so he misses the game with Chester-le-Street. Midfielder Anthony Jewson is also absent. Chester will be without midfielder Ian Davison and striker John Heggarty.

Tow Law Town are hoping to include a couple of new signings at home to Billingham Town, but they will be without striker Paul Richardson because of a thigh injury. Billingham are without Mark Casey, Jamie Clarke, Neil Preston and Lee Tucker.

Improving Jarrow Roofing go to second bottom Hebburn, and welcome back Steve Lish and Lee Daly, while Hebburn are still hit by suspensions.

Bottom club Crook Town desperately need a win at home to Seaham Red Star, and expect to be at full strength.

Bill Penman has resigned as Crook chairman and Stephen Buddle has taken over for the rest of the season.

In the Second Division, leaders Thornaby, who are still three points clear after Ashington's defeat by Shildon in midweek, could have a new signing in their squad for their home game with third placed Horden.

Shildon give midfielder Mattie Sowden his return debut after spells at West Auckland and Spennymoor for their away game at Northallerton, who are at full strength.

Willington welcome back Paul Dawson and Chris Gillespie into their squad for the away game at bottom club Eppleton.

Esh Winning, who are fifth, include new midfielder Darren Watson from Easington in their squad at Penrith, while centre half Brian Wray returns.

l Bishop Auckland manager Tony Lee is looking for his team to start another good run when they take on Droylsden at Kingsway today.

Bishops lost their long unbeaten record in the UniBond League, Premier Division, which stretched back to October when they were beaten at home by Lancaster in midweek, and Lee admitted that the setback "hurt".

He said: "One or two players were very disappointing and thought they just had to put on a shirt, and we would win the game ."

Midfielder Steve Hutt and defender Mark Foster are both carrying injuries, and will have fitness tests.

Meanwhile, Danny Mellanby and Jeff Smith are both being watched by First Division clubs.

Barnsley and Bolton have checked their recent form, while several other clubs are also watching the situation.

Whitby Town, who have conceded five goals on each of the last two Saturdays, are at Burscough. Manager Harry Dunn has released centre half Mark Taylor, while he has doubts over Marc Eccles, Graham Robinson and Ben Dixon.

Spennymoor are without a game but are back in action on Tuesday night at home to Bishops