Easington manager Peter Grasham feels his team need to beat Prudhoe today to have a chance of avoiding relegation.

They go into the game six points away from safety, with just five games of their Second Division season remaining.

"We badly need a win to give everybody a lift," said Grasham. "Scoring first will give us confidence, and if we win, then that will put the pressure on Murton. I believe we can escape relegation."

Easington have been given a boost by their local council, who have agreed to re-open their ground following work on the boiler, which broke down a fortnight ago. Graham Cooper returns to give Grasham a full squad to choose from.

At the other end of the league, Dunston are hoping to keep their two-point lead at the top of the first division when they go to Guisborough.

However, they have three players facing late fitness tests, Dave Southern, Michael Robson and Steve Pickering, while Craig Coates is suspended and Paul Hogg is injured.

Second-placed Durham City have a tricky game at Peterlee. City still have several players injured and suspended, with John Watson the latest addition with a wrist problem, but Gavin Mudd will return.

Peterlee have central defenders Danny Cobain and Calvin Foley missing, so Paul Hinton, usually a striker, might have to play at the again back.

Washington need to win all their remaining games to have a chance of surviving the drop, and they are at Horden. Stuart Dixon and Keith Hutchinson both left before the transfer deadline, so manager John Oliver chooses from a squad of 14. Horden are without striker Stuart Jewson, but they have signed midfielder Rob Huntley from Sunderland under 19s.

Washington could be down tonight if they lose, and fourth bottom Tow Law beat Shildon.

Lawyers are without striker Andy McKenna, but midfielder Scott Richards and defenders Phil Graham and Carl Beasley return. Shildon include new signing Keith Hutchinson from Washington in their squad, while Jamie Middleton, Leigh Grant and Danny Key will all have fitness tests.

Shildon could move into third if they win and Bedlington, who are third, lose at Brandon. Bedlington have recalled centre half Andy Bowes, who left in November for Spennymoor, while Brandon are without defender David Johnson because of injury.

Jarrow Roofing, at home to Chester-le-Street, are without Adam Johnston, John Bendelow and Chris Leonard.

Billingham Town include two new signings in their squad for their home game with West Auckland.

They have signed striker Tom Jones from Marske United, and midfielder Stuart Dixon from Washington.

Jones is also available to play for Town in their Durham Challenge Cup final on Easter Monday. Defender Stuart Jackson returns to a full squad. West expect to be unchanged.

Esh Winning are at Morpeth, and welcome back striker Gary Messer, but midfielder Dave Andison is suspended, and defender Phil Coxall is injured.

Marske United, who are without a game, are still looking for a manager. Written applications should be sent to chairman John Hodgson, Marske Utd FC, Mount Pleasant Avenue, Marske, Cleveland, by April 6.

In the second division, Consett need to win at bottom club Shotton to keep their title hopes alive. Manager Ray Lish recalls nine players to his squad who missed the midweek Craven Cup defeat at Ashington.

Shotton are without several players because of injury, but leading scorer David Pittam returns. If Shotton lose, they will be relegated, although hopes are rising that they will remain in business.

Newcastle Benfield, in third with enough games in hand on Consett to overtake them, are at home to Seaham Red Star and give Kevin Gustard a fitness test. Seaham manager Peter Mulcaster welcomes back Kevin Dixon and Vic Holt.

Washington Nissan can keep the pressure on the top three if they defeat third bottom Murton, and welcome back defender Mark Nicholson.

Norton can virtually ensure safety if they avoid defeat at Hebburn, and welcome back Dan Pilling, Paul Lennox and Craig Murray.

Willington, who are fourth bottom, could be unchanged at Newcastle Blue Star.

Crook play Northallerton for the second time in three days, having lost to their opponents in the Craven Cup in midweek after being two goals in front at one point. Defenders James Crossman and Simon Rogers are hoping to return.