Shildon manager Ray Gowan has told his players that he wants better performances from them for the rest of the season, beginning today against Esh Winning.

Gowan has been on holiday for the last fortnight, so hasn't seen his side play since they lost 7-2 at Notts County in the FA Cup nearly three weeks ago.

"I didn't have a chance to talk to the players until training on Wednesday night," he said.

"I expect plenty of fight from them for the rest of the season. I wasn't happy at all with them at Notts County. I think we gave a bad account of ourselves, and none of the goals Notts County scored were all that good from our point of view. "

Defender Graham Liddle returns to the squad after injury today, but full back Keith Emerson is missing because he has joined the Military Police.

Esh, meanwhile, will give striker Gary Messer a fitness test.

Shildon have turned down a request from FA Vase opponents to play their game a day later. The game will go ahead on the scheduled date of December 13.

League leaders Durham City again have several injury problems for their away game at bottom club Penrith, with defenders John Hutton, Paul Stephenson and Sam Kitchen all struggling.

Bedlington, in joint second place, have injury problems over strikers John Milner and Roy Allen against Chester-le-Street, who haven't won in seven matches. Chester are without midfielder Bobby Cooper.

Horden are hoping that keeper Steve Tierney will be in goal for them after a spell at Spennymoor at home to third-placed Whitley Bay. Chris Pearson, John Huntley and Steve Manson all return to the squad after missing the midweek defeat at Jarrow Roofing.

Brandon, who are fifth after three games without defeat, have a derby at Tow Law, and will be missing Damien Maw and David Johnson, while there is a fitness doubt over Anth McStea. Lawyers are without Geoff Young and Lee Innes but Ian Davison, Marcel Lundy and Robbie Joyce return.

Jarrow Roofing striker Paul Chow returns to the side after a midweek trial at Carlisle for their home game with Thornaby, who will give former Hartlepool full back Chris Lynch, signed from Spennymoor, his full debut. Defender David Goodchild and midfielder David Gallagher are both missing.

Dunston, whose penalty kicking

let them down in the Vase in midweek, are without Paul Hollier, Micky Robson and Richie Pitt all through suspension at Peterlee, who have signed young centre half Lennie McMillan from Middlesbrough Academy. West Auckland, who haven't won in seven league and cup matches, welcome back Jonathan Milroy on his return from Spennymoor in their squad, as well as new signing Ben Summers from Darlington when they go to third bottom Guisborough.

Billingham Synthonia, who haven't lost in five matches, have an injury doubt over striker Lee Flanagan ahead of their home game with in-form Morpeth, who haven't lost in ten matches.

The big game at the bottom is between second bottom Marske and Washington two places above them. Marske haven't won in the league since early October and welcome back Nicky Ward and Steve Boyles, while Washington, who are five points above Marske are missing defender Darryl Smith, but welcome back Danny Battell and Ian Metcalfe.

In the Second Division, Crook Town are hoping to appoint a new manager soon following the dismissal of Vince Kirkup in midweek. In the meantime, they have a big game at home to Shotton, the only club below them in the Second Division.

Shotton include two new signings, Dave Piggott from Norton and Gareth Vincent from Washington, while Lee and Wayne Peachey both return to the squad.

League leaders Consett, who are 13 points clear are at Kennek Ryhope CA, and are missing striker Michael Pitt because of suspension, but Andy Thompson and Chris Hodgson both return.

Evenwood are without Simon Purrier and Kristian Dinsley for their tough away game at South Shields. Newcastle Blue Star, who are sixth, will probably be unchanged for their home game with second placed Ashington

Easington, under new boss Peter Grasham, are hoping that brothers Tony and David Abel can return to their squad at home to Newcastle Benfield Saints.

Fourth bottom Willington, who are at Whickham, include new signing Robert Kent while Darren Griffiths and Jon-Paul Tallentire both return. Northallerton recall leading scorer David Onions for their long away trip to Alnwick.

Prudhoe, who are at Hebburn, welcome back striker Gary McDonald, Graham Smith and Stuart Connolly.