Willington's new manager Alan Shoulder admits that he's taken on a big challenge as he prepares for his first game in charge at Eppleton.

The former Newcastle player takes over at a club which is third from bottom of the table and desperately in need of a lift to avoid relegation.

"It's quite a challenge but so was Bishop Auckland when I took over," said Shoulder.

"The club has been through a bad patch, but the aim now is to stay in the league. I've never seen them play, but I'll be having a word with captain Brett Cummings about the players who are at the club."

Shoulder, who is 50 next year, might even play himself. "We'll have to wait and see. There are 71 players registered with the club, but a lot of them have gone to other clubs. I'll be trying to bring some players in before the game."

Opponents Eppleton, who are second bottom, welcome back four players who missed the midweek game at Thornaby.

In the first division, Prudhoe have won the race to sign former Bishop Auckland striker Wayne Edgcumbe, and will give him his debut at home to fellow strugglers Washington. Another striker Gary McDonald, misses the game because of a shoulder injury.

Washington are without three defenders - James Curtis, Stuart Dixon and Ian Dodds.

Brandon, who are second in the table, expect to include new signing Damien Maw from Chester-le-Street in their team at home to Peterlee. However, striker Andy Purvis is missing because of a broken ankle and midfielder Mark Patterson is suspended. Rob Bowman will have a fitness test.

Peterlee, who lost in the last minute to Brandon last week, are without midfielders Lee Fitzgerald and David Yale.

West Auckland should be at full strength for their home game with Marske United, for whom John Woods and Andy Brown will have fitness tests.

Tow Law welcome back Marc Eccles and Gavin Naylor after injury for their home game with Newcastle Blue Star, who are bottom of the table.

Billingham Synthonia are without defender Chris Fawcett because of suspension at home to Consett, who will give midfielder Lee Suddes a fitness test.

Chester-le-Street will give Dave Turner and Dave Anderson fitness tests at home to Esh Winning, who could be unchanged following their win against West Auckland last week.

Leaders Bedlington, who are at Jarrow Roofing, could include striker Andy Fletcher in their squad, but full back Phil Hildreth is suffering from a virus.

Roofing, who beat Bedlington earlier in the season, are without striker Craig Nelson.

In the other second division matches, leaders Washington Nissan include new signing Chris Bulmer from Scarborough in their squad away to Evenwood, who are without Steve Houlahan because of suspension, but Martin Houlahan and Ian Lowes both return.

Crook Town include new signings Andrew Rose and Trevor Ball in their squad for the trip to Alnwick. Horden are without Stuart Jewson, Lee Dixon and John Cowley at home to Hebburn.