Stokesley SC can close in on leaders Birtley Town when they visit bottom-of-the-table Ferryhill Athletic this afternoon.

Although their goalkeeping crisis shows no signs of abating, Stokesley are confident of claiming their 13th win of the season.

"We have already used five goalkeepers and now Martin Ball will take over.

"It has been a nightmare throughout the season but just one side has conceded fewer goals," said secretary Peter Grainge.

Neil Southall is free from work and Stokesley are hopeful that both Michael Wilson and Mattie Homan will be able to play.

North Shields, equal on points with Stokesley but with an inferior goal difference, also aim to reduce the eight-point lead enjoyed by Birtley, who have a free day.

The Robins host Jarrow considerably strengthened by the inclusion of Eddie Miller, Michael Kelly and Anthony Robson.

Fourth-top Cleadon SC go to Darlington RA and include Andrew Quinn, who was on the bench last Saturday after recovering from an appendicitis operation.

RA manager Dave Woodcock will hand a full debut to Wayne Buckley, signed from Cleveland Bridge, and Gary Hornsby is also expected to be available.

New Marske, buoyed by last week's victory, hope to keep in touch with the leading pack by defeating Washington Nissan UK.

Lee Lucas will keep goal for only the second time this season and Simon Welsh is added to the squad.

Boldon CA will be without a quartet of players at home to Ryhope CW. Lee Seff, Mark Harrison, Mattie Donkin and David Carr are all sidelined. Keith McRichie resumes and Wayne Brown should be fit again.

Goalkeeper Michael Burlinson is free from suspension and Ryhope will run late fitness checks on Shaun Petch and Liam Routledge.

For their game at Barnard Castle Glaxo, Wolviston recall skipper Kieron White and player/coach Craig Watson is added to the squad.

Harton and Westoe will play their delayed League Cup tie at home to Annfield Plain, but Gary Henderson and Neil Archbold are both injured.

Goalkeeper Brett Wilson and Paul Burrell come into the plans of manager Ronnie Thompson.

The Plain are weakened because Colin Snailham and Craig Daglish are both banned.