Wolviston begin their defence of the Sunderland Shipowners' Cup when they play host to Jarrow at Metcalfe Park.

Manager Graham Howard will be without at least three players with John Patterson, Gareth Murphy and Paul Edwards out. He is hopeful that goalkeeper Simon Clark, who has missed the last three games with an ankle injury, will be able to play but if not, on loan Sam Dobbs from Northallerton will deputise.

Jarrow too have selection problems as midfielder Andrew Barclay and goalkeeper Phil Dolphin are working. Liam Richardson takes over in goal.

Darlington RA visit New Marske and are still unable to call upon Rob Morley, but Robbie Hawman and Gary Hornsby come into the reckoning after injury.

Basement side Ferryhill Athletic visit third from bottom Washington Nissan UK and manager Mark Fanning will have a much bigger squad to choose from.

Last week, he had to play when he was down to the bare bones but today Mark Stephenson, Ryan Stonehouse, Stephen Salisbury, Mark Finn and David Raine are available.

Nissan again miss captain Neil Foster and Jamie Owens as they aim to complete a treble over their opponents, whom they have already beaten twice in the League.

Leaders Birtley Town host Cleadon SC with Anthony Cosgrove and Michael Ford suspended. In addition, manager David Smith will give fitness checks to Paul Scott, Paul Richardson and Craig McManus.

Second-top Cleadon also have selection problems with Andrew Quinn and Kevin Hurst sidelined.

Boldon CA have home advantage over Whitehaven and boss Norman Hunter will surely miss striker Michael Meek. Andrew Whalley is struggling with a foot injury but Mark Harrison and Stephen Williams resume.

For their tie against Gateshead Reserves at the International Stadium, Stokesley SC cannot include either Ian Redpath or Tony Sivills. There is a doubt surrounding the availability of Neil Southall, who could be working.

North Shields are at Ryhope CW with five players returning who missed last week's trip to Whitehaven - Mark Cass, Martin Lamb, Anthony Robson, Eddie Miller and John McCabe.

One game goes ahead in the League and Harton and Westoe will move into sixth position if they defeat Barnard Castle Glaxo. Goalkeeper Neil Smith, who has recovered from injury, comes into contention as does Tony Kent who has been working in Mexico.