Ferryhill Athletic face their biggest test in years when they meet Billingham Synthonia in the Durham Challenge Cup at Sunnydale Leisure Centre, Shildon.

Bottom-of-the-table Ferryhill will need a Herculean effort if they are to progress. Kaljut Sander will be sidelined until Christmas through injury. Stuart Cottom is still suspended but Bobby Elliott and Adrian Clark could resume.

Cleadon SC also face an Albany Northern League side. Kennek Ryhope CA visit Jack Clark Park, where Cleadon are unable to call upon the suspended Mark Johnson and Tony Fyall, who has had a shoulder operation.

Jarrow Roofing visit Annfield Plain, who will be missing injured Michael Murray and Mark Davison.

Boldon CA host league rivals Wolviston unable to call upon Mark Harrison, Andrew Whalley and Michael Meek, but David Carr and Kevin Lloyd are available.

Wolviston, who reached the quarter-finals last season, have lost former captain Andy Clark to Washington Nissan and manager Graham Howard is hoping that 16-year-old Ian Bishop, who has spent the last two years at the Darlington Academy, will fill the gap.

In the league, Stokesley SC will aim to open up a clear lead but they could find the going tough at Whitehaven, especially without goalkeeper Ben Escritt, Ian Redpath and Mark Chisholm.

Second-top North Shields meet Ponteland United in the Northumberland Senior Cup, giving Birtley Town the opportunity to move into at least second place.

They go to Darlington RA, for whom Martyn Jackson reports that Scott Mallen will again deputise for injured goalkeeper Robbie Hawman, and although Philip Sweet is available, Gary Hornsby is sidelined for at least five weeks after being injured in a five-a-side match.

After unluckily losing last weekend, New Marske need a good result at Barnard Castle Glaxo to keep in touch.

The Seasiders are again under strength with Paul Graham nursing a broken ankle and dislocated toe.

Ryhope CW meet Windscale in their first home fixture for six weeks. George Marley and Paul Hamilton will undergo pre-match fitness tests.

Harton and Westoe are trying to sign a goalkeeper before the game with Washington Nissan UK.