Tow Law manager Graeme Forster is hoping to sign defender Richie Watson today as his injury hit side prepares for the trip to battling Peterlee.

Forster moved for the Spennymoor player after Lawyers were beaten in midweek at Murton in the Durham Challenge Cup.

The Lawyers will be without seven players for today's game, and Forster's squad is stretched to the very limit.

Scott Nicholson, Marc Eccles, Jeff Hall, Micky Vasey, Andy McKenna, David Hunter and David Bellamy are all missing.

Forster said: "Hopefully if we can bring in Richie, then we will be able to raise the bare eleven.

"Because of all these injuries, I've never had the same team this season.

"At least six of the players who are out would be in the starting line up."

The Lawyers' season has taken a downturn in the last week, because as well as the defeat by Murton, they also went out of the FA Vase last Saturday

Brandon, who are in second place, play their first league game in over a month when they go to Jarrow Roofing.

Midfielder Richie Pitt is suspended, while striker Dave Robson faces a late fitness test. Roofing expect to be at full strength.

Guisborough include new signings Danny Brunskill from Spennymoor and Andrew Windross, once of Whitby and Scarborough, in their team away to Morpeth, who are still interested in Paul Gascoigne.

Gascoigne is training with Morpeth but is unlikely to play for the club.

Defender Micky Waller is doubtful for Guisborough, who were thumped 6-0 at Bedlington in their last league game.

Shildon, who are in sixth place, play their first away league game for two months when they go to Dunston.

Lee Hainsworth and Jamie Middleton are both suspended, but midfielder David Bayles returns after a ban.

The home side will be without injured midfielder Alu Banguera.

Billingham Town have a tricky away game at Marske United, and will be without full back Stuart Jackson, who has a broken arm, and midfielder David Gallagher, who has an ankle injury.

Consett, who are second bottom, have a tough home game against West Auckland, who have scored nineteen goals in their last four league games.

Defender Johnny Brown is suspended, but midfielders Chris Hodgson and Andrew Thompson return. West expect to be at full strength.

Bedlington, stunned by their FA Vase exit at Clitheroe last week, return to league action at home to bottom of the table Prudhoe.

Striker Andrew Fletcher is ruled out because of injury, while there are fitness tests for Ian Bogie and Phil Hildreth.

Prudhoe are still without centre half Graham ash.

Washington, who are just above the bottom three, welcome back John Curtis and Michael Stubbs after suspension away to Whitley Bay, but midfielder Steve Hutchinson is injured.

Whitley expect to be at full strength, except for midfielder Gary Cook, who has shin splints.

Chester-le-Street could make changes to their team for the home game with Newcastle Blue Star after their drubbing last weekend by Washington.

In the second division, leaders Washington Nissan include new signing David Lee from Esh Winning in their squad for the game at Crook, who are under the new management of David Taylor.

Paul Robertson and Glen Moan are both expected to return for Nissan, while Graham Curry is missing because of an eye injury for Crook.

Horden's unbeaten league record will be tested when they travel to Ashington, who are also in the promotion hunt. Midfielder Darren Hickey and defender Luke Allen are both injured, while another defender, Alan Martin, is unavailable.

Evenwood, who are in fifth place, are without Lee Gowland at home to Northallerton, while Ian Lowes and Stephen Moore are both facing fitness tests. Northallerton expect to choose from a full squad.

Easington, who are at Kennek Ryhope CA, include new signing Lee Blackett from Horden, while keeper Paul Marsh and outfield players Lee Dixon, Paul Imeson and Paul Stewart all return.

Willington keeper Mark Adamson has recovered from the head injury he sustained in midweek against Horden and returns to the side at home to Norton.