Durham City manager Billy Cruddas admits that Dunston are strong favourites for the title - but his team won't give up yet.

Durham go into today's home game with Jarrow Roofing two points behind leaders Dunston, having played two games more, and Cruddas says: "Dunston are odds-on favourites for the title, and I don't think anybody is disputing that.

"But if we can win our last six matches, then that will keep the pressure on them, and then who knows?"

Cruddas expects strikers Glen Robson and Lee O'Donovan plus midfielder Stephen Stewart to pass late fitness tests.

Roofing, whose chances of a top three place are slipping, recall Ged Quinn and Chris McCabe. Durham's remaining games are at home against Marske and Shildon, and away to Bedlington, Penrith and Peterlee.

Dunston have a tricky game at home to Whitley Bay, and will give fitness tests to strikers Paul Hogg and Paul Hollier.

After today, Dunston have two home games left against Billingham Synthonia and Peterlee, and they are away to Billingham Town, Guisborough, Horden, Jarrow Roofing and Marske.

Shildon, who are fifth, are at home to Tow Law, who need the points to stay away from relegation trouble.

Shildon will probably be unchanged from the team which beat Billingham Town in midweek.

Lawyers are without unavailable Carl Beasley, while Lee Innes and David Taylor will have fitness tests. Phil Graham returns.

Bedlington, stunned by their defeat at Marske in midweek, are at home to bottom club Penrith and have several players missing. Midfielder Paul Dunn and striker Roy Allen will have fitness tests.

Marske United, who are looking for a manager following the departure of Micky Hodgson and his assistant Peter Bell in midweek, are at Peterlee. Cliff Wright is in charge of the team.

Peterlee player-manager Andy Toman is ruled out by a facial injury picked up in midweek at Guisborough, but Paul Hinton returns.

Chester-le-Street should be safe from relegation if they can beat in-form Billingham Synthonia. Defender Lee Compton returns for Chester, while Synners are at full strength, except for unavailable midfielder Andy Ripley.

Billingham Town, who are away to Morpeth, are without strike pair Carl Chillingsworth and Craig Skelton, but they have signed midfielder Dale Mendum from Darlington.

Esh Winning, at home to Guisborough, will give defender Phil Coxall a fitness test, but midfielder Danny Andison is injured.

West Auckland player-manager Alex Mathie will have a fitness test, along with striker Phil McGuire, before they play third bottom Washington, who will be closer to the drop if they lose.

In the second division, Easington need to win their six-pointer at Norton, who are two places and four points above them, to have a chance of avoiding relegation.

They have lost midfielder Simon Colligan back to Spennymoor, but they are hoping that Dave Piggott and Michael Dichico can return. Norton welcome back striker Chris Garbutt and midfielder Paul Lennox, but midfielder Dan Pilling will have a fitness test.

Willington are at home to South Shields, who have Neil Hixon facing his first game as manager. Willington are at full strength .

Shotton could be relegated tonight if they lose at Northallerton, while Norton and Willington both win. Shotton are hoping Aaron Scott and Alan Lamb can return, but Sean Gregory is definitely missing because of injury.

Ashington could be promoted tonight if they beat Seaham Red Star at Portland Park.

Consett, in second place, are at home to Benfield Saints, a place below them in the table. Consett will be at full-strength, with midfielder Peter Kirkham returning.

Saints include signings, striker Johnny Mann, at Bishop Auckland last season, and midfielder Kris Leighton from Brandon.

If Consett and Ashington win, they will both be up if Washington Nissan lose at Evenwood.

Nissan recall Mark Nicholson, Paul Moss and keeper Frank Johnson, while Evenwood expect to be unchanged. Newcastle Blue Star need to beat Alnwick to keep their slender hopes of promotion.

Crook, looking safe, are at home to Whickham and could include a new signing if they receive international clearance in time.

Striker Andrew Rose and defender Simon Rogers both have fitness tests. Kennek Ryhope CA, looking for a top half finish, are at Prudhoe, and are hoping to sign young full back Martin Smith from Darlington in time for the game.

* The draw for the semi finals of the Albany Northern League Cup is; Penrith v Morpeth or Dunston, Durham City v Billingham Synthonia. Ties to be played April 13.