Newcastle Benfield Saints' manager Keith Sheardown believes his side are unlikely to be lifting the Albany Northern League title in May.

Saints went level on points with Dunston at the top in midweek, but have played four games more than their rivals. And Sheardown, whose side face Thornaby this afternoon, said: "I'm a realist, I don't think we're going to win the league this season.

"Having said that, we're not going to give up easily and we've shown that our position hasn't been a fluke so far. We've only got four away games left, so we can still finish in the top six."

Saints include defender Jonny Brown, who has been signed from struggling Consett.

Dunston meet Horden for the first of two meetings inside five days. The champions are missing keeper Tom Phillips and outfield players Richie Pitt and Danny Shore.

Horden, who hope to make an announcement about a new manager next week, are boosted by the return of Rob Huntley after a short spell at Gateshead, but Lee Dixon, Alan Martin and Stuart Dixon are all suspended.

Third-placed Billingham Synthonia are without a game, so Bedlington can move above them if they win at Durham City.

Bedlington include their new signing, Steve Preen from Blyth, in their squad, while Durham are still without the injured Glen Robson.

Billingham Town, at home to Jarrow Roofing, are without Tom Jones and Robbie Hutchinson, while midfielder Stuart Brightwell will have a fitness test.

Roofing include new signing Stephen Lish, from Consett, but they are without midfielder Paul Hodgson, who has a cartilage problem.

Brandon, who are looking over their shoulders again at the relegation fight, are at home to Shildon, now managed by former Brandon boss Kenny Lindoe.

Brandon could make a new signing, while Shaun Gregory will have a fitness test. Shildon will give Steve Huggins a fitness test, but Leigh Grant and Scott Emmerson are both missing.

Full-strength West Auckland, who haven't played for a month, are at home to managerless Consett, for whom Jeff Sugden and Jon King assume the caretaker roles for the second time in two months.

Consett, who are second bottom, are without striker Craig Tate because of a knee injury.

Peterlee manager John Charlton takes his fourth-bottom side to his former club Whitley Bay, who could be without midfielder Paddy Little because of injury. Whitley could also include a new signing.

Third-bottom Guisborough need to pick up at least a point at Esh Winning, and could be unchanged. Esh have a squad of 15 players to choose from, but defender Phil Coxall is still injured.

Chester-le-Street are still without leading scorer Phil Bell because of injury at home to Ashington, while Gary Shields and Damien Maw will both have fitness tests. They will give a debut to midfielder Anthony March from Dunston and possibly youngster Gary Draper.

The game between Tow Law and Morpeth has been postponed because the Ironworks Road pitch still isn't ready. Lawyers are hoping to play next Saturday.

Ken Houlahan takes charge of Evenwood for a second time when they take on Marske in the Second Division.

Houlahan has returned in a caretaker capacity following the midweek resignation of Richie Hill because of work commitments. Martin Houlahan and Pat Dunn will both have fitness tests, while Marske hope to be at full strength.

The leadership could change hands for the second time this week, as leaders Newcastle Blue Star aren't playing.

Prudhoe, who are second on goal difference, are at Washington, who are missing four players, while Alan Oliver, son of manager John, is having a trial at Glasgow Rangers.

West Allotment, who are two points behind the leaders in third, are at home to bottom club Willington and they are without Geoff Allison and Andy Purvis.

Allotment manager Terry Mitchell went to Newmarket in midweek to watch Vase opponents Soham Town Rangers in action, only for the game to be abandoned after two minutes because of a serious injury to a Newmarket player. Willington include two new players from Northallerton, Johnny Craven and Gavin Thirling.

Washington Nissan, who are unbeaten away, are at Whickham, and have a doubt over midfielder Steve Halliday.

Northallerton are at home to South Shields and are missing midfielder Stephen Cochrane because of suspension.

Crook need to beat North Shields at the Millfield if they are to stay in touch with the leading group. Defender Ray Stanger is suspended, but striker Jonathan Milroy returns. Shields are missing four players for various reasons.

Norton are at home to second-bottom Easington and they welcome back strikers Chris Garbutt and Tony Abel and midfielder Darren Morton, but Graeme Baverstock is missing.