Dunston assistant manager Perry Briggs says that their FA Vase exit has made them even more determined to win the league again.

Dunston were one of the league's main hopes for the Vase, but they were surprisingly beaten 4-2 at home by Pickering in midweek - only their second defeat this season.

Briggs, preparing for today's trip to Peterlee, said: "Our priority has always been to win the league, but even more so now.

"We had one of those games against Pickering when nothing much seemed to go right, and they scored two excellent goals. It is a long time since we conceded four goals, but really the game should have been over by half-time."

Dunston will probably have a full squad to choose from.

Durham, who are fourth, are without striker Glen Robson because of injury at home to Esh Winning, while John Hutton, Micky Dunwell and Robbie Herbert will all have fitness tests. Esh have several players injured or taking fitness tests.

Billingham Synthonia are also missing several players because of injury for their home game with Horden. David Wells, David Connor and Lee Flanagan are all injured, while Neil Radigan is suspended. Craig Lake and Tony Wood will have a fitness tests. Horden welcome back striker Chris Pearson, but Craig Stephens and Andy McKenna will both have fitness tests.

Brandon's eight-match unbeaten run will be tested at fifth-placed Bedlington. Centre halves Danny O'Brien and Marc Irwin are both expected to pass late fitness tests, while Bedlington have several injury problems.

Guisborough are hoping for their third win inside a week when they go to Shildon.

Guisborough have already won cup ties this week at Curzon Ashton and Penrith, and they are strengthened by the return of several players who missed the trip to Penrith because of work commitments.

Shildon have re-signed former striker Lee Ellison after a brief spell at Crook, but two other strikers, Garry Barnes and Scott Emmerson, are both missing because of injury. Keeper Robert Swan stands by in case John Jackson and Liam Lowe are unavailable.

West Auckland can move up a place if they win at Morpeth, and former Morpeth player Colin Lawton, Chris Gillespie, Darryl Hall and Kevin Hughes all return to the squad after missing the midweek league cup win.

Chester-le-Street, who are on the fringe of the title race, will give striker Gary Shields a fitness test before their home game with Billingham Town, while Damien Maw, Phil Ingram and Michael Renshaw all return.

Town are without centre half Tony Hall, while midfielder David Turner is suspended.

Jeff Sugden takes temporary charge of Consett at home to Whitley Bay following the resignation of Ray Lish. Sugden will be caretaker for at least a fortnight, but doesn't want the job on a permanent basis. Several players are missing through injury, but there could be a new signing before the game.

Whitley Bay lost in midweek at Easington and will be without striker Adam Johnston because of injury.

Revitalised Jarrow Roofing, who have lost just once in five games, are at home to second-placed Newcastle Benfield Saints. Roofing are without striker Craig Nelson, but Scott Garrett and John Rattle return. Benfield are missing Dean Fuller and Anthony Errington, while they have released Ross Greenhill and Richard Kent.

In the second division, Crook, who are sixth, need to win against third-placed West Allotment to stay in touch with the leading group. Striker Danny Mellanby and defender Kevin Scott will both return, while Andrew Shaw will have a fitness test.

West Allotment are at full strength, except for injured skipper Geoff Allison.

Evenwood boss Richie Hill takes charge for the first time since the resignation of Ken Houlahan at home to Seaham Red Star.

Washington Nissan are hoping to recover from their midweek shock against Norton when they travel to Alnwick, and they should be at full strength.

Newcastle Blue Star, in fifth, have a tricky game at Penrith, and they include new signing Andy Dugdale from Morpeth.

Bottom club Willington have a huge task at Prudhoe, who are nine points clear at the top and are 34 points ahead of Willington. They include new signing Michael Hillary from West Auckland.

Norton welcome David Abel and Dean Goodwin into their squad for the home game with Northallerton, for whom Andy Swalwell returns.

Marske are at home to Washington, and could make changes after losing in midweek. Washington are without Owen Peterson and Trevor Ball, while defender Darryl Smith returns.

Kennek Ryhope CA include new striker Barry Turton in their squad at home to Hebburn.