Tow Law manager Steve Smith has pledged his loyalty to the club, despite their off-the-field turmoil.

Chairman John Flynn resigned after Lawyers dropped to fifth bottom following their home defeat by Durham City.

Smith said: "I'm disappointed that John has gone, but we have to try to get the wins to keep us out of trouble.

"There are nine games to go, and we must win at least two of them.

"The players want me and my assistant, Lee Collings, to stay, and we hope to see it through."

Lawyers are away to Billingham Synthonia today, and are still without Marcel Lundy, Gavin Naylor and Geoff Young.

Synners have Chris Fawcett and Dave Connor suspended, while Tony Woods and Tommy Marron are both struggling with injuries.

Washington, who are third bottom, daren't lose to Guisborough in their basement clash.

"If we lose this game, then we're in big trouble," said manager John Oliver, who welcomes back John Lydon and Kevin Leighton, but midfielder Stuart Dixon could be on his way to Spennymoor.

Leaders Durham City are at home to free scoring West Auckland and still has several players missing, but midfielder Steve Stewart and defender Michael Canavan return to the team which won at Tow Law in midweek.

West Auckland striker Phil McGuire, who scored a hat-trick last week, could be out for the season with an ankle injury.

Dunston, who are just two points behind Durham with three games in hand, are at home to Billingham Town. They are without centre half Steve Holmes, who is suspended, but Anthony March will replace him.

Town, whose title chance has gone after picking up one point from three games, will be missing Robbie Hutchinson and Andy Burton, while keeper Martin Kearney plays in goal in place of the suspended Darren Collier.

Bottom of the table Marske need to win at Esh Winning, and they are without keeper Peter Flear, so Andy Hoggath replaces him. Esh midfielder Craig Marron is suspended, while defender Phil Coxall will have a fitness test

Third-placed Bedlington, who beat Newcastle Reserves in midweek, are at Shildon. Leading scorer Roy Allen is doubtful as well as midfielder James Lang. Shildon, who are fifth, will give leading scorer Garry Barnes a fitness test, while defender Leigh Grant is playing for Spennymoor.

Jarrow Roofing, who still have an outside chance of the title, are at home to Brandon, and are without defender Ged Quinn and striker Craig Nelson.

Brandon, who lost 4-0 in midweek, are without defenders Dave Johnson and Rob Bowman because of injury, but another defender, Chris Neil, returns.

Peterlee are at home to Penrith, and will be without injured striker Anthony Dobell

Horden recall defender Alan Martin at home to Morpeth, who won 4-0 in midweek at Brandon.

In the second division, Consett can edge closer to promotion if they beat Prudhoe, and they expect to be at full strength, except for Martin Bell, who has a hamstring injury.

Washington Nissan, who are unbeaten in their last nine games, are at home to fourth bottom Willington and recall keeper Frank Johnson. Willington will give striker Kevin Shoulder a fitness test.

Evenwood manager Stan Cummins takes charge for the first time following the midweek resignation of Ken Houlahan at home to second bottom Easington.

Kristian Dinsley is missing because of suspension, while Easington include four new signings - Simon Colligan from Spennymoor, and Trenton Hewitt, Graham Cooper and Andrew Clark from Nissan.

Norton, who are third bottom, have a tough home game against third-placed Newcastle Benfield, and they include new midfielder Andy Mitchell from Guisborough. Benfield should be at full strength.

Bottom club Shotton need to win at Newcastle Blue Star, who are fifth, and they are without four players, but Richard Johnson returns.

Crook are hoping to recover from their home drubbing against Seaham Red Star last week when they go to South Shields. They hope to include new signing Neil Lowdon from Esh Winning, while James Crossman and Andrew Rose return. Centre half John Webster has left the club.

Seaham Red Star are at home to Alnwick, and they are missing four players because of injury, while striker David Abel, signed from Easington, makes his debut.

Northallerton, who look destined for a mid-table finish, are at Whickham, and include much- travelled striker John Outhwaite, signed from Horden.

Kennek Ryhope CA include new signing John Bell from Ryhope CW for their game at Murton.