Micky Hodgson takes control of Marske United for the second time when they face Billingham Synthonia today - with the blessing of former boss Peter Bell.

Hodgson quit the hot seat for business reasons in September, but results haven't gone for his successor and the club made an SOS call for Hodgson to return in midweek.

Bell said: "Micky and I are close friends and he offered to help out earlier in the week. The club agreed, so I'm reverting back to my old job as his assistant, while he takes over.

"In effect, I've sacked myself. If anybody can get us out of trouble, then it's Mick, because of his experience. It's all in the best interests of the club."

Midfielder Dean McGee will return for Marske as they try to close the nine-point gap between them and safety.

Synners, who haven't lost in ten matches, will give striker Lee Flanagan a fitness test.

League leaders Durham City, who have a six-point advantage, are at home to Esh Winning.

Midfielders Steve Halliday and Steve Stewart are both suspended, but midfielder Steve Walklate could return after injury.

Esh have several injury problems, with Marc Irwin, Gareth McKenna, Richie Paxton and Craig Marron all ruled out.

Second-placed Bedlington are at West Auckland and will include former West striker Roy Allen in their side, which is close to full strength.

West will give defender Ben Summers a fitness test, while striker Madhi Elfallah could return.

Dunston, who are fifth, are without keeper Stewart Dawson because of injury at home to Tow Law, but Micky Robson and Mark Taylor both return after suspension.

Tow Law are hoping to complete the signing of midfielder Johnny Butler from Washington Nissan before the game, while they believe that midfielder Scott Richards will be turning out for them, and not Spennymoor.

Shildon, who still have half their fixtures to play, are strengthened by the inclusions of defender Jamie Middleton and midfielder David Bayles after suspension away to Horden, who are bolstered by the returns of Lee Fitzgerald, Stuart Jewson and Steve Manson.

Brandon are at bottom club Penrith and could include at least one new signing. However, manager Kenny Lindoe might still be forced into changes because of injuries to Rob Bowman and Anth McStea.

Billingham Town, who are fourth bottom but with plenty of games in hand, are at home to third-placed Jarrow Roofing.

Town are hoping that Sean Gregory will return, while they have signed former Hartlepool player Matty Hysen.

Roofing, who have scored 17 goals in their last five league games, will give fitness tests to strikers Craig Nelson and Adam Johnston.

Peterlee, who are sixth, have injury doubts over defenders Danny Cobain and Calvin Foley away to Washington, who are just above the relegation zone.

The home side are without midfielder Stuart Dixon, who is suspended, and striker Keith Oliver, who is injured.

Guisborough are hoping to build on their impressive 5-0 win at Marske last week when they go to Whitley Bay, who have slipped out of the title race in recent weeks.

In the second division, leaders Consett are without striker Michael Pitt through suspension, but otherwise they are at full strength at home to Willington, who will give striker Kevin Shoulder a fitness test.

Easington, who are second bottom, are strengthened by the return of three players at home to Seaham Red Star, who are two points and two places above them. Seaham could have two new signings in their side, but they are definitely without Kevin Mustard, who is unavailable.

The biggest game in the division is between the two Newcastle-based sides. Benfield Saints, who are fifth, will be at full strength at home to third-placed Blue Star, who will give John and Lee Ludlow fitness tests.

Fifth-bottom Crook, who are at Evenwood, hope that former pros Kevin Scott and Paul Dalton will return to their squad, while Evenwood expect to be at full strength.

Washington Nissan, who are fourth, are without top scorer Neil Jackson because of suspension at Hebburn, while they will give an outing to new signing Andy Allen from Horden. Centre half John Webster has asked to go on the transfer list at his own request.

Kennek Ryhope CA, who are at home to South Shields, have an injury doubt over keeper Gary Ventress.

Shotton are without Gary Vincent at Murton, but midfielder Richard Johnson returns. Striker Anthony Roberts returns for Northallerton, at Norton.