Whitley Bay start their defence of the FA Vase with a game at fellow Northern League side Billingham Synthonia today - and manager Andy Gowens admits the going will be tough.

Whitley beat Tiptree in the final last May but their league form hasn't matched last season's Vase efforts and they are currently in the bottom half of the ANL first division.

"It will be a tough game because Billingham will be very determined," said Gowens.

"Our form is a bit indifferent at the moment but we'll be playing on a good surface and that will suit us.

"We've been given exemption to this stage, but that's not always an advantage. We haven't been able to pick up any Vase momentum yet.

"I'm just hoping that our players have been waiting and saving themselves for the Vase."

Gowens recalls keeper Terry Burke in place of Joe Crully, who was to blame for a couple of goals in the defeat at Billingahm Town last week.

Synners who drew at Whitley earlier in the season, are without striker Tony Wood because of injury.

Horden go to Brigg Town, who lost to Whitley in the quarter-finals last season, with an unbeaten record in the ANL second division and boosted by a win at Washington Nissan in midweek.

Manager Tommy Garside said: "Brigg have done well in the past, but we're going there full of confidence. We've lost just one game this season and we feel we've got nothing to lose."

Striker Chris Pearson is missing because of work commitments.

Durham City have a tricky away game at Ossett Albion, who beat Peterlee in the last round. Former Sunderland defender Dickie Ord is a fitness doubt, while another former Sunderland player, Brian Atkinson, is unavailable.

Recent signing Paul Rowntree from Billingahm Town, is eligible to play.

West Auckland have a tough task at Prescot Cables, who currently head the North West Counties League. Defender Steve West and midfielder Dion Raitt both return after suspension, but defender Ray Stanger and midfielder James Lang are both missing.

In the other all ANL ties, Tow Law have several injury problems for their game at Dunston.

Mark Eccles (hamstring), Micky Vasey (nose) and Andy McKenna (groin) are all doubtful, but Paul Richardson will return.

Dunston are without defender Andrew Snaith because of a hamstring injury, but he will be replaced by Billy Irwin.

Consett and Billingham Town meet just a fortnight after they drew 3-3 in the league. Consett are without Andrew Thompson, Chris Hodgson and Lee Suddes, while they will give Jonny Brown a fitness test.

Town include new striker Craig Skelton from Whitby, while defender Lee Tucker also returns.

Brandon will give full back Anth McStea a fitness test before their tie at Morpeth, while they will be without Richie Pitt because of injury and Chris Copeland who is cup-tied.

Bedlington, one of the favourites for the tournament, go to Clitheroe, another team which lost to Whitley Bay last season. Striker John Milner returns after injury, but his partner Andrew Fletcher will have a fitness test.

Northallerton, who have already won three away ties, try for another away win at Pontefract from the Northern Counties East League. Midfielder Michael Dale is injured, otherwise the second division club will be at full strength.

Guisborough head to Sheffield, who lost to West Auckland in the FA Cup earlier this season.

Mark Sunley, Glenn Sweeney and David McLean are all missing for Guisborough, but Adam McMahon and Steve Ritchie return.