Durham City manager Billy Cruddas expects a "cracking" game when his side take on Sudbury in the fourth round of the Vase today.

The two sides lost in the semi-finals last season, City to eventual winners Whitley Bay, and Sudbury, who played Darlington in the first round of the FA Cup two seasons ago, to Tiptree United.

Cruddas said: "If the competition was seeded, then we'd both be in the top six. I watched Sudbury play a fortnight ago and they're a good all-round side which has been together for a long time.

"It will certainly be a tough game and I can understand why they're doing well in their league, but we're not frightened of them. They're classed as one of the favourites for the competition but they're still at our level. If we can get at them then it will be a game and a half."

City will be without striker Lee O'Donovan and midfielder Paul Brown, who are both cup-tied.

Billingham Town, meanwhile, are on their travels to Gorleston, also from the Jewson Eastern League.

Town warmed up for the game by thrashing Tow Law last Saturday, and they go to Suffolk in good spirits.

Manager Allan Robinson said: "We're not afraid of playing away because we've had some very good results in the past.

"But there must still be plenty of effort from the players and in terms of preparation, there will be no excuses if we lose."

Northallerton, who have had a marvellous run to this stage, have their toughest game yet at home to Burgess Hill, the Sussex County League champions.

Manager Peter Mulcaster reckons this is one of the biggest days in the club's history. "It's certainly the biggest since Farnborough in the FA Trophy over ten years ago,' he said.

"Everybody is buzzing, and I don't think the players will freeze. We know that Burgess Hill are a good side but we will work hard and show plenty of commitment."

Midfielder Andy Howarth is missing because of suspension.

Holders Whitley Bay are at unknown quantity Wootton Blue Cross from the United Counties League.

Manager Andy Gowens, who has twice been thwarted in his attempts to watch them in action, is expected to choose from a full squad.

Morpeth are the other Albany Northern League side in action and they travel to another Eastern League club, Maldon.

In the league, Consett are hoping to maintain their recent good record against champions Bedlington when they go to Welfare Park this afternoon.

An extension to that run will be a boost to Consett, because they are currently in the bottom three.

Manager Colin Carr said: "We seem to have done well against Bedlington in recent years. We've beaten them a couple of times and earlier this season we drew with them at home.

"It would be great if we can get something today, but we know we're in for a tough game."

Keeper Stuart Kelly is suspended, so James Platten will replace him in goal. Midfielder Chris Hodgson will have a fitness test, while Bedlington are expected to be at full strength.

Brandon, who are level on points with Bedlington, are at Prudhoe, and they will give a fitness test to full back Rob Bowman, who has an ankle injury. Prudhoe welcome back four players who missed the midweek defeat at Peterlee.

Billingham Synthonia, who had a good win over Gateshead in the Durham Challenge Cup in midweek, are at West Auckland. Synners recall Neil Radigan, Lee Flanagan and Richie Watson, who were all cup-tied, while West, the division's top scorers, are boosted by the returns of midfielder Paul Stout and striker Michael Carter.

Tow Law are hoping to recover from last week's defeat at home to Jarrow Roofing. Striker Andy Allen is suspended, while Roofing are without midfielder Craig Stoker, also suspended.

Esh Winning are without keeper Lenny French at home to Dunston, so Lee Robinson takes over. Dunston, on a high after beating Spennymoor in midweek, welcome back defender Mark Taylor and striker Darren Sankey.

Shildon include former player Lee Collings, signed after two months at Durham, in their squad at home to Guisborough, who include three former Shildon players in their squad.

Peterlee face a bottom-of-the-table clash at home to Newcastle Blue Star. Player-manager Andy Toman includes new striker Alan Hayward from Bradford, while he is hoping that striker Lee Fitzgerald will return along with midfielder Andy Hill.

Washington have won three of their last four games and can climb even further away from relegation if they beat Marske United.