Northern League: Billingham Synthonia boss Stuart Coleby admitted a win is vital to his side's title chances at home to unbeaten Dunston today.

Synners went top in midweek when they drew with Shildon, but Dunston, who are third, are just two points behind with three games in hand.

Coleby said: "We can't afford to lose, so the players must be positive. We went top in midweek, but the players were disappointed because they know that they can play much better.

"If we win today, then the title race is wide open."

However, Coleby has problems. Striker Lee Flanagan, defender Shaun Hope and midfielder Neil Radigan are all doubtful, while Andy Ripley and Tony Wood are both unavailable. Dunston have a slight doubt over striker Ben Thompson.

Chester-le-Street, one of the surprise contenders for the title, are at home to Horden. Mark Errington and Mark Summerbell are both missing because of injury, while striker Craig Shields is suspended.

Horden are without top scorer Kevin Devine because of suspension, and they have a doubt over defender Darren Atkinson. Centre half Luke Allen has asked to go on the transfer list.

Fourth placed Durham City take on West Auckland, who are unbeaten in their last seven league and cup matches. City will be close to full strength, except for skipper Justin Keegan, who suffered a severely bruised leg last Saturday against Maltby Main. Defender Craig Rand returns to the squad. West could be close to full strength.

Shildon have several injury problems ahead of their home game against Ashington. Striker John Ewart, midfielder Adam Smith and defender Graham Liddle all face fitness tests, while midfielder Charlie Walton is ruled out with an ankle injury.

Billingham Town face Esh Winning for the third time in a fortnight, having lost to them on the two previous occasions in the league and Durham Challenge Cup. Town welcome back keeper Darren Collier after suspension, but midfielder Craig Bishop is injured.

Esh are without keeper Lenny French, so Barry Poskett deputises, while midfielder Ben Gawthorpe is missing with an ankle injury.

Brandon, who are third bottom, are hoping for a good result at Morpeth. Top scorer Scott Bell returns to the side, but Dale Crawford, Craig Coates, Sean Gregory and Jamie Arthur are all missing.

Jarrow Roofing, who are fourth bottom, take on Guisborough who are two places below them. Defender Andy Reay will have a fitness test, but Scott Garrett is unavailable.

Guisborough could be unchanged from the team that beat Bacup Borough in the Vase last Saturday.

Consett, who are seventh from bottom, take on Thornaby, and they welcome back five players who missed the midweek Vase defeat at Ramsbottom.

In the second division, Crook have a tough home game against Washington Nissan, for whom former Hartlepool midfielder Jon Cullen scored four in a midweek replay.

Crook welcome back striker Andrew Shaw after injury, but former Darlington striker Danny Mellanby is missing because of a knee injury. Nissan are without defender Glen Moan, who has broken his ankle.

Bottom of the table Willington, who have only got one point so far this season, badly need the points from their home game with injury hit Easington, and they hope to have three new signings in the squad.

Evenwood stage only their second home league game of the season when they take on Whickham, and they will be without keeper Mark Bell.

Norton are hoping to recover from their six goal midweek thrashing when they take on Washington, and they will give new signing Stephen Roberts, a striker from Brandon, his debut. Midfielder John Wainwright also returns. Washington, who are eighth, have an injury doubt over striker John Lydon.

Marske United have a tough away game at leaders Prudhoe, and they are without striker Chris Reeve for at least a month because of a knee injury..

West Allotment, who are third, are at home to Seaham Red Star, and will be without midfielder Alex Soulsby because of injury. Seaham will probably keep the same team that beat Selby in the Vase last Saturday.

Kennek Ryhope CA, fresh from their first win in seven games in midweek, are at home to Alnwick. Manager Tony Metcalfe includes new signings John Ramsey, Ben Hutchinson and Bennett Cooney, but he has injury problems over David Christie, Dean Arkley and Simon Andrews.

Northallerton, in fifth, could be unchanged for their tough away trip to Newcastle Blue Star.

North Shields are away to second-bottom Hebburn, who caused the surprise of the season in the Durham Challenge cup when they beat Bishop Auckland in midweek. Roy Gordon, Andy Dugdale and Andy Stokes are all missing..

Peterlee and Tow Law try again to settle their first round Durham Challenge cup tie after two previous postponements.