Bedlington joint manager Tony Lowery has admitted that his team are outsiders to regain their title.

Bedlington lost the title to Brandon last season, and are in third place behind Durham and Dunston as they prepare for today's home game with Peterlee.

But Lowery said: "Dunston are maybe the favourites because of the games in hand they have on everybody else. We're outsiders, and we're aiming for a top three finish. Maybe if we win all our last ten games we have a chance, but our recent defeats against the Billingham teams have done us."

Defenders Danny Anderson and James Harmison are both doubtful, while Peterlee, who are sixth, are still missing injured striker Anthony Dobell.

Title favourites Dunston are away to Washington, who are battling to avoid relegation, and with the return of Steve Pickering after suspension, should be at full strength.

Billingham Town aren't out of the title race just yet, and they stage their second home game inside three days against Esh Winning. Keeper Darren Collier is still missing because of suspension, while manager Alan Robinson could make changes after Thursday's defeat. Esh have a doubt over midfielder Phil Coxall, and will give him a late fitness test.

Jarrow Roofing can move closer to the leading trio if they win at bottom club Penrith, but they will be without two of their strikers, Paul Chow and Craig Nelson, who are both unavailable. There are two big games between teams scrambling to avoid relegation.

Tow Law have an important home game against Guisborough, who are just below them in the table. Lawyers manager Steve Smith has signed as a player for the club, and he has also brought in defender Paul Imeson, who was with him at Seaham Red Star, and defender Gareth Gwynn from Bishop Auckland. Striker Gary Innes has been transferred to Whickham.

Second bottom Marske United, who have lost just once in six matches, are at home to Chester-le-Street. Stephen Murphy is ruled out through injury, while they include new keeper Andy Hoggath, signed from Easington.

Horden, who are on the fringe of the relegation zone, are at home to Thornaby and expect to be at full strength.

West Auckland, who haven't lost in five games, are at home to Morpeth. Defender Neil Johnson returns after suspension.

Brandon give recent signing Dale Crawford his debut at home to Billingham Synthonia, while midfielder Steve Huggins has turned down an approach from UniBond League club Gateshead.

Synthonia strikers Dave Connor and Tony Woods are ruled out through suspension and injury respectively.

In the second division, leaders Consett are at Whickham and might have a new signing in their squad.

Striker Michael Pitt returns after suspension to the team which lost its last game at Newcastle Blue Star.

Second placed Ashington, who can overtake Consett with their games in hand, are at second bottom Easington, who include new signings Graham Cooper from Washington Nissan and Mark Taylor from Horden.

Newcastle Benfield can move closer to promotion if they can beat Murton and they expect to be at full strength, with new signings Craig Melrose and Gary Forbes in their squad.

In the chasing pack, Washington Nissan recall Steve Hutchinson and Glen Moan to their team away to Alnwick.

Newcastle Blue Star are at Northallerton and have John Ludlow and Richie Bond having fitness tests. Northallerton welcome back striker Deddie Hebron after suspension.

In the fight to avoid relegation, Kennek Ryhope CA are hoping that Dean Arkley and David Christie can return at home to Evenwood, who are missing keeper Troy Race and midfielder Kristian Dinsley because of suspension.

Bottom of the table Shotton can't afford to lose at home to South Shields, who are on the fringe of the promotion race.

Third bottom Norton are at Prudhoe and include new midfielder Lee Hogarth, once of Spennymoor, in their squad.

Striker Brian Cole also returns.

Crook Town, who are seven points clear of the bottom two, are at home to Seaham Red Star who are just below them in the table.

Midfielder Dale Anderson is ruled out because of injury.

Willington, who are fourth bottom, are at Hebburn and welcome back Derek Cooper and Darren Griffiths.

* A programme fair with cigarette and trade cards and other memorabilia takes place at Durham City's Archibalds Stadium from 11am-1.30 tomorrow.