The Albany Northern League: Ray Gowan starts his new job this morning when Ashington take on Whitley Bay on a day of local derbies.

Gowan, one of the managerial elder statesmen in the league, surprised a few when he accepted the Northumberland club's vacant post last week.

"I wanted a new challenge," said Gowan, who quit the Shildon hotseat two months ago. "I have found a very professional club with a forward thinking committee and a great playing infrastructure.

"There doesn't appear to be much wrong with the playing side other than a little bit of lack of confidence and the shock of losing Tony Harrison, the previous manager, as suddenly as he went.

"Some of the players have shown concern about the lack of a leader but the committee have moved quickly and I intend to win confidence very quickly.

"There is a good coaching staff already in place at all levels and ready to be developed.

"Security in the first division is the number one priority but I feel that we are well placed to do that soon. I see this club as a sleeping giant ready to awake."

Gowan will rely on the advice of Jimmy Harmison, who was previously caretaker manager, for today's derby game.

Whitley Bay, who are sixth in the table, are without full back Brian Rowe and striker Adam Johnston because of injury.

The man Gowan succeeded, Tony Harrison, has now taken over at Consett, who don't play until Wednesday night against Esh Winning.

Billingham Synthonia can move closer to the leading pair Dunston and Newcastle Benfield Saints if they can win their local derby against Billingham Town.

Midfielder David Wells is fully fit again after injury and will keep his place in the side, while defender Shaun Hope will have a fitness test.

However, strikers Lee Flanagan and Tony Woods are both injured. Town, who have lost just once in 12 games, are hoping that midfielders Jason Ainsley, Tom Jones and Stuart Brightwell will all return.

Shildon, who are just five points above the relegation zone, are at home to West Auckland.

Midfielder Steve Huggins and striker Scott Emmerson are both ruled out for at least a month because of injury, but defender Jamie Middleton returns. Shildon have no immediate plans to appoint an assistant to manager Kenny Lindoe following the aforementioned Gowan's move to Ashington.

West, who will go into the top half of the table for the first time this season if they win, expect to be at full strength.

Durham City need to win at home to Chester-le-Street to boost their flagging title hopes. City, who are fifth, are still without striker Glenn Robson, who is going to be missing until well into the New Year, while defender Justin Keegan is injured.

Defender Jamie Howe returns, while midfielder Stephen Stewart is unavailable.

Chester, who are two places and one point behind City, are missing striker Phil Bell and midfielder Danny Newby because of injury, while defender Damien Maw will have a fitness test on a hamstring injury.

Horden can increase the misery on their local rivals Peterlee in their local derby. Horden are still without a manager, but caretaker boss Keith Stephens has led them to two 4-0 wins over Jarrow Roofing in the past week.

Strikers Andy McKenna and Kevin Devine will both have fitness tests, but defenders Andy Bowes returns after suspension. Peterlee have picked up just one point from their last 11 games.

Bedlington, who are in fourth place, have doubts over keeper Gareth Powell and outfield players Danny Anderson and James Lang for their home game with Morpeth, who have won five out of their last six league games.

Guisborough have a basement clash against Thornaby. Guisborough, who are fourth bottom, welcome back striker Chris Dunwell, but they could lose a couple of players because of recent budget cuts at the club.

Brandon are looking for their first win in five games at Jarrow Roofing, who are just above the relegation zone. Dale Crawford and John Harrison will both have fitness tests, while keeper Danny Yates is unavailable, so Jason Scotter replaces him. Roofing expect to be at full strength.

League leaders Dunston are in action against second-placed Newcastle Benfield Saints on Thursday night.

In the second division, second-placed Washington Nissan have a couple of players doubtful for their away game at third-bottom Hebburn.

Newcastle Blue Star, who are second, will give new defender Chris Neil, signed from Bishop Auckland, his debut in their away game at North Shields, who also include a new signing, Craig Medham. Striker Steve Hamil also returns.

Northallerton, who are fourth following a run of nine unbeaten games, are at Penrith and will give fitness tests to defender Stuart Jackson and striker David Onions.

Washington are hoping to recover from their defeat by lowly Easington last week when they go to bottom club Willington. Keeper Simon Hall is missing, so he is replaced by Gary Ventress. Willington manager Stan Cummins stands by to play again.

Kennek Ryhope CA, who are fourth-bottom, will give new signing Dave Leonard from Hebburn his debut against South Shields, while Cameron Marshall, Bennett Cooney and John Ramsey both return to the squad.

Marske are hoping to bounce back from last week's thumping at West Allotment when they play Norton.

Midfielder Shaun Howes definitely returns, while manager Darren Trotter could make changes. Steve Hunter returns after suspension for Norton.

The game between Evenwood and Crook, which was due to have been played this morning, has been moved to Wednesday night.

The dates have been set for the quarter finals of the Durham Challenge Cup:

Tuesday 4th January; Dunston v Washington Nissan, Wednesday 5th; Brandon v Hartlepool Reserves, Tuesday 11th; Spennymoor v Crook, Wednesday 12th; Gateshead v Billingham Synthonia.