New Marske and North Shields meet in the match of the day.

The Teessiders trail their visitors by a couple of points and victory could propel them into second position.

New Marske's recently-signed goalkeeper Andrew Hoggarth plays. Stalwart Richard Booth could also make the line-up.

For Shields, former Stanley United striker Stephen Hamil and Eddie Miller, who between them have 18 goals, return and another boost is the availability of goalkeeper David Lanning. Andy Stokes is unavailable.

Cleadon SC could regain pole position if they see off the challenge from Ryhope CW.

"I was very disappointed with our performance last weekend, when we lost for the second time, and I am looking for a lot more commitment," said manager Doug Key, who cannot call upon either Mark Johnson or Stephen Fyall.

Following an indifferent start, Birtley Town have steadily climbed the table and for their home game with Jarrow, boss Dave Smith expects to have a near full-strength squad.

A blow to the chances of Darlington RA at Boldon CA is the absence of marksman Paul Freary, who is unable to make the journey home from university.

Robbie Hawman is again out but Mark Hebdon returns and manager David Woodcock is hopeful Gary Hornsby will play.

For their home fixture with Gateshead Reserves, Wolviston welcome the return of central defender Gareth Murphy. "He has been outstanding this year and he goes straight in," said manager Graham Howard, who will give a fitness test to striker Andy Steele.

Stokesley SC visit Fishburn Park (Whitby) in the North Riding County Cup. The league leaders are without Ben Escritt, who has a hamstring injury, and Grant Hine will deputise in goal.

Also out is Neil Southall with a broken bone in his hand, but new signings, Michael White, Mark Chisholm and Adam Bramley all come into the reckoning.

Harton and Westoe meet Windscale in the Sunderland Shipowners' Cup missing Gary Stephenson and Josh Brown.

Barnard Castle Glaxo's tie at Annfield Plain has been postponed because they are in the Durham County Trophy at Sunderland Belford House.