Spennymoor are optimistic that their home game against Ashton United will go ahead today.

Volunteers have worked hard on the pitch over the last two days, and the club hope it will pass a morning inspection.

Moors boss Tony Lee said: "We really want the game on, because we turned the corner last week.

"Ashton are on a good run at the moment. They're a big side, but now that we have Micky Gough and Steve Hutt back, we're a pretty big side as well.

"We need to kill teams off. We're creating plenty of chances, but not taking them. We're putting ourselves on a knife edge."

Lee will be without midfielder Neal Bishop, while striker Steve Preen is likely to replace Justin Perry up front.

Unlike Spennymoor, Bishop Auckland are not so confident that their First Division game against Witton Albion at Dean Street will go ahead. If it does, manager Brian Honour expects to choose from a full squad.

* In the Albany Northern League Durham City chairman Stewart Dawson is hoping that work will start soon on a new indoor soccer centre at the Archibalds Stadium - and that means no plastic pitch.

Dawson has been working behind the scenes for nearly three years on bringing the £1.6 million facility to the club.

But two months ago there were so many hurdles to overcome that there was the possibility of ripping up the pitch - which is one of the best in the North East - and replacing it with a plastic surface.

Dawson believes that City are now just months away from seeing an indoor centre, with room for two big pitches, at the stadium.

"I've spoken to quite a few people recently, and we're hoping that the funding for the scheme is now sorted out," he said.

"Planning permission has already been granted by the council, and now we're working on a new design with the architects, which will enable us to use more space.

"There is room for two big pitches, which can be divided even further if necessary. We hope to start in February, and finish by the start of next season.

"It means that we can keep the grass pitch intact, and we'll have trade at the club every week of the year.''

* Wearside League Wolviston field their first-choice strike partnership when Guy Whatmore and Andy Steele resume against Stokesley SC in the third round of the Monkwearmouth Charity Cup at Metcalfe Park, writes Malcolm Pratt.

"Guy has been out for nearly three months after breaking his ankle and Andy has just recovered from a knee injury. They have not played together for several weeks and we are looking forward to them linking up again," said secretary Keith Simpson, who confirmed that Paul Griffiths will again be sidelined.

Stokesley SC could be at full strength. Their only doubt surrounds Richard Hore, who will undergo a fitness check on his knee.

Darlington RA travel to Boldon CA with a full pool of players available to manager David Woodcock, who will keep changes to a minimum after last week's splendid performance.

Boldon boss Norman Hunter is not so fortunate. Craig Rolfe, Wayne Brown and Lee Seff are suspended but he is optimistic that a quartet of players will be available. Andrew Hunter, David Carr, Kevin Lloyd and Stephen Williams could all come into his plans.

Jarrow have Andrew Lally and Dean Patton both banned for their tie with Birtley Town at Perth Green but new signing Andrew College, who has played for Birtley, could play his second game. Birtley's only absentee is Kevin Murphy.

In the league, North Shields can take a clear lead for the first time this season if they avoid defeat when they meet lowly Windscale at Ralph Gardner Park.

Manager Wilf Keilty has doubts surrounding Martin Graham, Paul Ross and Mark Cass but Dominic Riley and John McCabe definitely resume.

Following their promising display last weekend, Barnard Castle Glaxo go to New Marske with renewed confidence but manager John Hall will have to get along without Joe Baum, Simon Rathbone and Ross Murray.

New Marske expect to have recognised goalkeeper James Fleming available. Last week, fullback Darren Mitchell had to deputise and excelled saving a penalty. Stephen Hodgson and Adam Taylor definitely come into contention.

Harton and Westoe are at home to Annfield Plain and although Phil Smith and Neil Archbold are sidelined, Scott Tooley could figure in some part of the game after being out for a considerable period.

Ryhope CW visit Ferryhill Athletic with club captain Ian Tindle still missing.

They also have a doubt surrounding the availability of Alan Surtees.