Spennymoor striker Tommy Raw will play the last game of his loan spell today at high-flying Alfreton.

Raw, at the Brewery Field from Scarborough, scored for Moors at Vauxhall Motors in midweek, and manager Tony Lee said: "It was a great goal and overall since he came to us he's been outstanding.

"I think he can play on a much higher stage. Tommy and Gareth Downey have done really well for us in the last month."

Keeper Downey's loan from Scarborough is also due to run out soon, so Lee has brought in Liam Sutcliffe from Harrogate Town.

Moors have lost their last seven matches, and Lee said: "Our defending has been poor and I'm sick of saying it."

Lee is hoping that Steve Hutt and Micky Gough can return to the defence, which would allow Steve Preen to go back up front.

Bishop Auckland, who are at home to Lincoln United, have been hit by the news that full back Chris Mason has been recalled by Darlington.

Mason has impressed on loan to Bishops, but Quakers have recalled him as cover for the first team. And with midfielder Steve Salvin out injured for the rest of the season because of a knee injury, Bishops' squad is stretched.

Manager Brian Honour said: "All the recent games have taken their toll on everybody, physically and mentally, but we've done well against teams above us. We'll still keep battling away."

Whitby, who are at promotion- chasing Barrow, include two new players in their squad. They have brought in full back Stephen Morley from Darlington, and Yomi Dada, a South African who has been playing for Scarborough.

* The leading trio in the Wearside League return to action and Stokesley SC face the strongest challenge, visiting fifth-top Ryhope CW.

If the Teessiders maintain their form, they could take another step towards the championship.

"We have been on fire, scoring 17 goals in three matches but it could be difficult - Ryhope have been playing well," said secretary Peter Grainge.

His nephew David Grainge is an absentee but Matthew Homan returns from suspension.

Ryhope CW hope Kevin Bennison will resume after being out for several weeks with a back injury and James Smith could start after being introduced as a substitute in the last match.

Leaders Birtley Town visit New Marske without Michael Ford and 17-year old Ross Preston, who is on trial with Darlington.

The Seasiders could make a number of changes. They have signed juniors Martin Rogan, Jamie May and Anthony Simcox, and brothers Andrew and Peter Truscott are also expected to join.

Craig Mendum resumes but New Marske are missing injured Ian Johnson and Darren Mitchell, who is working.

North Shields go to Harton and Westoe pleased to include experienced defender Mark Cass.

Darlington RA are severely weakened for their fixture at Annfield Plain - Rob Morley, Gary Hornsby, John Tait and James Chapman are attending a wedding.

Manager David Woodcock has Paul Freary returning from Liverpool University and Steve Lyle is available.

Cleadon SC boss Doug Key is keeping his team selection plans close to his chest after making ten voluntary changes to his side last week.

"The lads scored five so I have a big problem deciding who to play,'' declared Key ahead of the game with Gateshead Reserves at the International Stadium.

Gateshead have a number of players ruled out, including Scott McDonald, who is suspended, and members of the intermediate team could be called up.

Jarrow host bottom-of-the-table Washington Nissan UK at Perth Green minus Stuart Anderson but field a stronger line-up with the return of Mark Brown, Phil Dolphin, Andrew Barclay and Paul McDonald.

For their game with Windscale, Wolviston will attempt to keep their third consecutive clean sheet, which would be a major achievement according to assistant manager Craig Watson.

"Our defensive record until recently was far from impressive but goalkeeper Alan Wigglesworth is in tremendous form and the return of sweeper Gareth Murphy at the heart of the defence has also made a big difference," claimed Watson.

Both Paul Edwards and Paul Griffiths are available this afternoon.