Dunston assistant manager Perry Briggs admits that today's title clash between his third-placed side and leaders Durham is a huge game for both clubs.

Dunston are seven points behind but with four games in hand, and Briggs said: "A draw will suit us more than them. We re both flying at the moment, so it should be a cracking game."

Midfielder Micky Farrey and defender Mark Taylor will have fitness tests. Durham are strengthened by the return of Steve Halliday and Stephen Stewart, while Adam Dowell replaces unavailable keeper Paul Gilmore.

Bedlington, who are ahead of Dunston on goal difference, have keeper Gareth Powell and defender Martin Kirkby back after injury in a full-strength squad to face Horden.

Shildon manager Ray Gowan brought his players in for extra training following their home defeat by Billingham Town on Wednesday, and he is hoping for an improvement at home to Washington. Midfielder Danny Key is unavailable, while striker Nigel Bolton is injured.

Washington, who haven't played for a month, are without suspended midfielder Stuart Dixon, while brothers Keith and Scott Oliver could be missing.

West Auckland are hoping that defender Ben Summers and midfielder Andy Collins can return away to bottom club Penrith, who haven't won a league game for three months.

Jarrow Roofing are without Chris Leonard and Steve Leadbitter because of suspension at home to second bottom Marske United, who have signed striker Paul Coleby from Billingham Town.

Billingham Synthonia, unbeaten in eight league games, are at home to Whitley Bay, for whom Ian Chandler takes charge for the first time. Synners are without strikers Tony Wood and Lee Flanagan because of injuries.

Whitley have also announced that keeper Terry Burke, who has been playing for Gateshead in the UniBond League, has joined as assistant manager.

However, they could be losing striker Wayne Edgcumbe, the league's leading scorer, in the opposite direction.

Tow Law, who are just two points above the relegation zone, are without striker David Taylor and midfielder Geoff Young at home to Thornaby, but defender Phil Graham and midfielder Gary Innes return.

Brandon will probably give new centre half Elliott Milburn, signed from Dunston, his debut at home to Morpeth, while Rob Bowman and Anth McStea are both added to the squad.

Billingham Town add midfielder Jason Ainsley and striker George Woodhouse to their squad at Peterlee, who are missing centre halves Danny Cobain and Calvin Foley because of injury.

Esh Winning are strengthened by the return of Richie Paxton, Marc Irwin and Gareth McKenna at home to Chester-le-Street, who are without striker Chris Laws, who is with England Colleges.

In the second division, leaders Consett are at Washington Nissan. Striker Michael Pitt and defender Martin Bell return for Consett, while Nissan are without leading scorer Neil Jackson and defender Glen Moan.

Willington have a tough game at second placed Ashington, and they will give fitness tests to striker Kevin Shoulder and defender Gary Ankers.

Evenwood could leap to third if they win at Alnwick and other results go in their favour. Midfielder Stephen Moore will have a fitness test, while they include new defender Chris Russ, signed from Crook.

Northallerton, who are also on the fringe of the promotion race, welcome back striker Anthony Roberts after suspension at home to Prudhoe.

Crook Town include new signing Dale Anderson from West Auckland in their squad at home to Murton, who are unbeaten in eight games, but are missing striker Paul Diamond, who has broken his leg.

Bottom club Shotton are at home to Norton, who are strengthened by the return of striker Brian Cole and defender Stephen Lee.

Newcastle Blue Star, who are fifth, have injury doubts over strikers John Ludlow and Lee Ludlow at home to Kennek Ryhope CA, who are hoping that midfielder Chris Davidson can return after injury.

Newcastle Benfield Saints, who are third, are missing midfielder Carl Heiniger and defender Ian Patterson away to Whickham.

Seaham Red Star expect to be at full strength at home to Hebburn, while second bottom Easington include a new keeper, Stuart Newbold, in their side at South Shields.

* The draw for the Durham Challenge Cup semi-finals will be made this afternoon on BBC Radio Cleveland at 5.30.