Coxhoe Athletic manager Gary Forrest is looking forward to the challenge of leading his side in their first season in the league.
After a couple of encouraging performances he is confident of a good result at home to Washington Nissan UK this afternoon.
He said: "It is a whole new ball game. I thought we did very well holding Gateshead Reserves to a draw last Saturday and were a little unlucky to lose by the only goal to Darlington RA in midweek."
Forrest makes changes as Dean Smithson, Michael Armstrong and Robert Tones are injured.
New Marske meet Jarrow without captain Ian Johnson and have a doubt surrounding the availability of Ian Mudd. The visitors are encouraged after taking four points from their first two games.
Boldon CA give debuts to David Hopper and Lee Adamson at home to Windscale.
Recently-signed goalkeeper Gary Rogers will also line-up and while Stephen Williams returns, his brother Mark cannot play. Manager Norman Hunter awaits fitness checks on Keith Mason and Craig Rolfe.
Liam Routledge, Peter Moughan, Andrew Plaice and Alan Surtees are all out of the Ryhope CW line-up against Cleadon SC and Stokesley SC have Tim Hodkinson, Matthew Homan and John Humberstone in their squad for the home match with Darlington RA.
Four first-round ties in the Sunderland Shipowners' Cup take place.
Ferryhill Athletic host Cleator Moor Celtic but a blow to their chances of winning for the first time in three attempts is the news that Ian Fowler, Jason Catterall and Drew Kirtley are all ruled out. Andrew Boyes is able to resume.
Wolviston go to Shotton Comrades and expect to field a full-strength line-up with the inclusion of striker Carl Brunskill and Gareth Richardson.
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