Washington manager John Oliver has told his players that defeat is unacceptable in their basement clash at bottom club Penrith today.

Washington go into the game third bottom and have played more games than most of the clubs around them.

Oliver said: "I've told the players how important this game is to us. Hopefully, the penny has dropped with them, because we can't afford to drop points.

"I think there are seven or eight clubs in relegation trouble, and over the next month that will reduce to four - and we must make sure that we're not one of them."

Washington will be without midfielder Stuart Dixon and striker Michael Stubbs, who are both suspended, while Scott Oliver and Keith Hutchinson both return.

League leaders Durham City are hoping to stretch their unbeaten run to 22 games when they go to Morpeth.

However, they have several players missing because of injury, including strikers Andrew Shaw and Micky Dunwell, and they are hoping that another striker, Glen Robson, will pass a late fitness test.

Second-placed Bedlington have a tough game at Billingham Town, and include new keeper Adam Clementson, signed from Shildon, in their team. Midfielder Robbie Cockburn and striker John Milner will have fitness tests, while leading scorer Roy Allen returns.

Billingham, who reach the halfway mark in terms of fixtures today, recall midfielder Graeme Baverstock to their team, while midfielder Robbie Hutchinson is included after injury.

Shildon, who are third, are looking for maximum points at home to second bottom Marske United, who have drawn their last two matches.

Midfielder Danny Key returns to the Shildon squad, but defender Graham Liddle has a broken nose.

Marske have signed former Northallerton midfielder Matty Swales, while Tom Jones and Martin Thompson both return.

Fourth-placed Dunston, who have games in hand on the three clubs above them, welcome back midfielders Kane Young and David Southern to their squad at home to Esh Winning, who are without Michael Dawson.

Tow Law need the points at home to West Auckland to stay away from the relegation zone.

Midfielder Scott Richards returns, but striker Peter Maughan is unavailable. West expect to be at full strength.

Whitley Bay manager Ian Chandler has been cleared to play by the league for his side's away game at Peterlee, while he could include a possible new signing.

Peterlee are missing defenders Danny Cobain and Calvin Foley, while striker Anthony Dobell has a knee injury.

Thornaby are still without Jamie Clarke at home to fourth bottom Chester-le-Street, so Matty Peverell replaces him. Chester hope that defender Colin Wake will return.

Brandon could give new defender Marc Batey, signed from Seaham, his debut at home to Horden. Defender Elliott Milburn is likely to replace the unavailable David Johnson in defence.

Horden, who are flirting with danger, welcome back striker Lee Dixon.

Jarrow Roofing, whose ground was inspected by the UniBond League last week, welcome back defender John rattle at home to Guisborough.

In the second division, leaders Consett welcome back defender Jonny Brown after injury for their away game at Seaham Red Star, who include new striker Lee Johnston from Easington in their squad.

Evenwood, who are at home to second placed Ashington, have a doubt over midfielder Ian Lowe.

Crook include centre half James Crossman, sigend from Bishop Auckland, in their squad at home to Prudhoe who include several new signings.