Shildon manager Ray Gowan is looking for a vast improvement from his players when they take on Bedlington in one of the ties of the FA Vase first round today.

Gowan watched his side lose on penalties at West Auckland in the Durham Challenge Cup in midweek, and said: "The players have got ability, but have they got the bottle? The players must have their right heads on for this game, because our season depends on this.

"I had a few words with the players on Tuesday, and hopefully it should be a different Shildon team today."

Striker Garry Barnes and midfielder Danny Key could both start after recovering from injuries, while Graham Liddle, John Ewart and Charlie Walton are all struggling with injuries.

Bedlington, who lost in the final five years ago, are hoping to welcome back midfielder Tony Chapman after injury.

Dunston are at neighbours Whickham, and they will give striker Graeme Armstrong and midfielder Richie Pitt fitness tests, while Ben Thompson has an ankle injury.

Crook Town, at home to Horden, are boosted by the return of former Newcastle defender Kevin Scott and strikers Andrew Shaw and Danny Mellanby.

Horden, knocked out of two cup competitions by Gateshead in the last week, have four players struggling with knocks - Darren Atkinson, Alan Martin, Lee Crosby and top scorer Kevin Devine.

Durham City, hoping for a good run in the competition, are at home to Maltby Main from the Northern Counties East League.

Defender Craig Rand is missing because of a head injury, while Steve Walklate, Robbie Herbert and Jamie Howe will all have fitness tests. Strikers Chris Dunwell and Glen Robson both return.

Esh Winning, who have lost just twice in their last 14 league and cup matches, are at Eccleshill near Bradford. Manager Barry Fleming expects to choose from a full squad, as long as striker Tony Healer passes a late fitness test.

Peterlee are at home to Fleetwood, the conquerors of Spennymoor in the FA Cup. Defender Calvin Foley and striker Steve Pitman will both have fitness tests.

Whitley Bay take on Newcastle Blue Star. Whitley have doubts over recent signing Paul Thompson, plus Leon Ryan and Neil Shotton, while Star are expected to be at full strength.

Consett go to Ramsbottom, who beat Benfield Saints in the last round, and will be without defender Rod Butler and midfielder Andrew Thompson. Jeff Sugden will have a fitness test.

Seaham Red Star are at home to Selby, and welcome back keeper Chris Errington and defender Lee Blackett, while they could make a new signing before the game.

Marske United are at Yorkshire Amateurs, and expect to be close to full strength. Washington play at Curzon Ashton, who groundshare at Stalybridge, tomorrow afternoon.

Guisborough are boosted by the return of several players for their home game with Bacup Borough, with Keith Brodie, Darren Mowbray, Lee Alexander and Mark James all back in contention, while new signings Matty Hysen and Steve Murphy are included.

Jarrow Roofing manager Richie McLoughlin is hoping to welcome back several players for their home game with Morpeth, including keeper Gary Hoggeth. McLoughlin, who is in his 50s, had to play in midweek against Durham because several players were missing.

In the other games, Thornaby are at home to Great Harwood, Prudhoe face Thackley, and Penrith play Salford City. Northern Alliance club Ryton take on Skelmersdale.

* Billingham Synthonia begin a spell of three home matches today that could determine their Northern League title chances.

Synners, who are second in the table, take on league leaders Benfield Saints today, then next week they play Shildon and Dunston.

Defender Shaun Hope and striker James Magowan will both have fitness tests, while Michael Cater is ruled out because of injury.

Benfield are without midfielder Anthony Errington and defender Sean Bell because of injury, while striker Alu Bangura could return.

Billingham Town are wanting an improved performance at home to Chester-le-Street, and they are missing keeper Darren Collier because of suspension, while striker Lee Ure is suffering from flu. They could sign another keeper before the game.

Chester are without striker Gary Shields because of suspension.

Tow Law, who will be unable to play home games at Ironworks Road for at least two months, are at Ashington and include new defender Steve Tobin from Shildon, while striker Lee Innes returns.

West Auckland, who are unbeaten in their last six matches, are at home to Brandon, and they will give strikers Colin Lawton and Andy Cole fitness tests, while another striker, Jonathan Milroy, returns to the squad.

Brandon, who are bottom, are without defender Danny O'Brien, who is suspended, while Rob Southern and John Harrison return.

In the second division West Allotment can go top of they win at Norton.