Durham City manager Billy Cruddas has told his players that he wants "no let up" in their game at Penrith today.

City missed out on the title to Dunston in midweek, but have the league cup final on May 3 to look forward to, against Dunston.

"I don't want the players to ease up in the last two matches," he said. "I want to finish second, and win the League Cup. We've got the two bottom teams to play in our remaining league games, and I want us to go all out.

"There's no point in relaxing, and then trying to pick our form up again for the Dunston game."

Bedlington, one point behind Durham with the same games, are at Chester-le-Street, and after going four games unbeaten, expect to be unchanged. Chester will probably choose the same team which beat Morpeth in midweek.

Champions Dunston will receive the championship trophy this afternoon when they play Peterlee at Federation Park.

Leading scorer Dave Southern, as well as Steve Pickering and Michael Robson face fitness tests.

Peterlee are without Danny Cobain and Calvin Foley because of injury.

Relegated Washington and Marske meet. Washington will give Richard Latimer a fitness test, while Marske still have veteran Michael Kinnaird in charge while they search for a new boss.

Billingham Town are hoping to recall Tom Jones and George Woodhouse as well as defender Andy Burton, when they play Horden at Bedford Terrace. Horden, who have lost their last four matches, will probably be unchanged.

Brandon are looking for revenge against Tow Law, who beat them last Saturday. New signing Robert Southern keeps his place in the squad, while Marc Batey, Mark Dunkerley and Chris Neil all return. Lawyers could be unchanged.

West Auckland finish their fixtures at home to Guisborough, and expect to be at full strength.

Billingham Synthonia have ten missing due to injury and suspension for their game at Morpeth. Dave Connor, injured at Durham in midweek, has suffered a broken leg.

Jarrow Roofing recall striker Paul Chow and midfielder Craig Nelson to their squad for the game at Thornaby.

In the second division, bottom club Shotton have rescinded their resignation. "We certainly feel that we can continue next season if we're in the Northern League," said manager Vince Kirkup.

The club hopes the league management committee might grant a reprieve if the grounds of some other clubs are not up to standard.

The strugglers are without seven players for various reasons at Willington, but four return. Willington have doubts over Dean Grayson, Sean Brown and Stephen Howe.

The only other main issue to be decided in the league is the third promotion spot. Benfield Saints can clinch it if they can beat Washington Nissan.

Ashington can move a step closer to the title if they beat Northallerton, who are without striker Eddie Hebron.

Evenwood are without three for their game at Hebburn, keeper Troy Race and outfield players Ian Lowes and Simon Purrier.

Crook, at home to Alnwick, include new signing Andrew Ward.

Relegated Easington are without Steve Larkin and Tim Hood at home to Newcastle Blue Star. Seaham are without midfielder Andy Howarth at Prudhoe.

l Wearside League championship challengers Stokesley SC and Birtley Town battle it out for a place in the final of the Monkwearmouth Charity Cup.

Following their 5-0 midweek win, Stokesley will keep changes to a minimum but they miss Michael Wilson and Robert Donnelly.

Birtley's fixture on Wednesday was postponed and they field a strong line-up including striker Michael Ford.

Boldon CA host Gateshead Reserves in the other tie. "This is our first season in the league and we have fielded young sides. A few weeks ago we said reaching the final would be a realistic ambition and we have our chance," said Gateshead's Alan Bell.

With their nearest challengers on Cup duty, North Shields have the opportunity to extend their lead at the top of the table to eight points when they meet second- bottom Ferryhill Athletic.

Ian Dugdale, Michael Kelly and Paul Blakey are all ruled out and ever-present skipper David Little could miss out.

Ferryhill manager Mark Fanning has Andrew Boyes and Iain Fowler available but Drew Kirtley cannot turn out.

Annfield Plain have doubts over Barry Lindoe and Gary Clark and Lee Cready is doubtful through injury for the home fixture with Harton and Westoe. Rob Doyle and Darren Wann resume for the visitors.

Cleadon SC need to win at New Marske to achieve their objective of finishing fourth from top. Andrew Quinn is away and Andrew Potts is playing cricket.

Wolviston go to Windscale with a squad of 13 which includes assistant manager Craig Watson. Simon Colligan has returned to Spennymoor United. Paul Edwards and young striker Emrys Sheldon are added to the Wolviston team sheet,