Brandon manager Kenny Lindoe is looking for a lively start from his players in their title showdown at Bedlington this afternoon.

Brandon will lift their first Northern league title this afternoon by taking a point from their final game of the season at their nearest challengers, who are seven points behind with two games in hand.

But Lindoe is aware that his team are not the best of starters and have made life hard for themselves on some occasions.

"There have been times in the last few weeks when we haven't started well and only come alive in the second half of games," he said.

"We must start well today, because we won't get a second chance.

"It will be no good starting at half-time because the game might be beyond us by then.

"We're in with a very good chance.

"We've never done well when we've played at Bedlington in the past, so today is a good reason to change all that."

Defenders Damien Maw and Chris Neil are both carrying knocks, but should pass late fitness tests.

Bedlington joint manager Tony Lowery travelled to West Auckland on Tuesday night to watch Brandon win 2-0.

"Second best isn't good enough for us because want to win the league a record six seasons in a row," he said.

"We haven't been playing great in recent weeks, but we felt like the Bedlington of old last Saturday and we're buzzing again."

Lowery should also have a full-strength side.

Should Bedlington win in front of what is sure to be a big crowd, then they will need to beat Dunston and Newcastle Blue Star to win the league.

There is also a decisive battle near the bottom of the table, when fourth-bottom Prudhoe go to second-bottom Peterlee.

Prudhoe have dropped back into danger after picking up just three points in nine games.

"We certainly can't afford to lose," said Prudhoe boss Steve Smith.

"The attitude of the players must be right."

Peterlee have won their last two matches to put them five points behind Prudhoe with two games in hand, and will be at full strength. Manager Andy Toman said; "It's all or nothing for us now."

Consett, meanwhile, need to win their final game at Shildon to have a chance of avoiding relegation. Striker Colin McLeod and midfielder Neil Lowdon will both have fitness tests, but midfielder Andrew Thompson is missing.

Shildon have a doubt over midfielder Danny Richmond, but otherwise they will be at full strength.

Newcastle Blue Star will also be down tonight if they lose at home to third-placed Billingham Synthonia, who are without defender James Bridge and striker Tony wood because of injury, and midfielder Neil Radigan because of suspension.

Billingham Town, who are also chasing third, are at Chester-le-Street fresh from their 7-0 trouncing of Esh Winning in midweek. Striker Carl Chillingsworth and midfielder Mark Scott are both unavailable, while Dean Livingstone replaces the injured Darren Collier between the posts.

Chester expect five players to return to the squad after missing the defeat this week at Morpeth.

West Auckland include 17-year-old striker Jamie Hopwood in their squad at Whitley Bay, while midfielders Phil Brumwell and Steve Agnew return.

Tow Law could make changes to their team after five straight defeats for their game at Morpeth.

The Second Division promotion fight probably won't be resolved for at least another week.

The biggest game of the day is in Cumbria, where leaders Penrith play second placed Thornaby, who are two points behind them.

Durham Challenge Cup finalists Horden, who are third, are at Hebburn, and have a fitness doubt over keeper Steve Tierney, while Alan Martin and Lee Dixon both have knocks.

Seaham Red Star, who are fifth, welcome back four players to their squad for the home game with Whickham.

Northallerton should be at full strength for their game at Easington.

Crook are missing midfielder Kevin Scott for their home game with Alnwick

At the bottom, Willington take on Eppleton in what would have been a crucial game until Eppleton's 15-point punishment last week sank them without trace.