Bedlington joint manager Tony Lowery has denied that he is in the running for the Blyth vacancy.

Lowery, one of the reasons why Bedlington have won the league for the last five seasons, has been linked with the job since John Charlton departed in midweek, but says: "I'm quite happy at Bedlington."

"I'm preparing for an important three weeks for us. We have a Vase tie coming up next Saturday, while we really want to win the league for a sixth time, which is a record that might never be beaten. The timing of it is all wrong for me."

Blyth are also said to be considering an approach for Whitley Bay manager Andy Gowens, who has experience of the UniBond League.

Bedlington can go six points clear tonight if they beat Guisborough, but they have a doubt over key midfielder Ian Bogie.

Second-placed Brandon are without a game, so that provides the opportunity for Shildon to move closer to them if they can beat troubled Newcastle Blue Star at Dean Street.

Midfielder Danny Key and defender Jamie Middleton are both suspended, but midfielder David Bayles returns. Shildon also include new signings Brian Nelson from Bishop Auckland and Danny Shoulder from Richmond Town.

Durham City could give Paul Rowntree, signed from Billingham Town, his league debut at home to Consett, who hope that Colin McLeod will pass a late fitness test.

West Auckland are badly hit by suspensions for their game at Washington, with defenders Steve West and Ray Stanger, as well as midfielder Dion Raitt, all banned. Striker Andy Rose has a late fitness test. Washington include new midfielder Keith Hutchinson, signed from Murton.

Tow Law include new midfielder Andy Allen, signed from Easington, in their squad away to Jarrow Roofing, but Andy McKenna, Micky Vasey, Paul Richardson and David Bellamy are all missing.

Roofing are without Paul Hodgson, Chris Leonard and Dave Leonard.

Billingham Town recall George Woodhouse, Mark Scott, Andy Burton and Lee Tucker at home to Whitley Bay.

Esh Winning, who pulled off a good win over Whitley Bay in midweek, recall seven players for their trip to Marske United.

Billingham Synthonia are without their leading scorer, Tony Wood, at Peterlee, while midfielder Michael Cater is doubtful with a knee injury.

Peterlee are without striker Danny Cobain and Lee Crosby, but they include new signings Paul Harvey and Steve Pitman.

Chester-le-Street give fitness tests to Dave Turner and Dave Anderson, while striker Martin Bowes is out. Dunston welcome back defender Billy Irwin after injury, and include new signing Keith Foster from Esh for the game against Prudhoe, who also include another former Esh player, Ian Davison.

Second Division leaders Washington Nissan have a tricky game at Ashington, who have games in hand on the leaders. Midfielder Gary Coatsworth is missing, while there are slight doubts over Steve Hutchinson and Adam Johnston.

Evenwood, who are unbeaten in their last five league games, have doubts over Andrew Richardson and Stephen Butler for their home game with Seaham Red Star.

Northallerton are without injured quartet Michael Dale, Ross Foreman, David Cooke and Craig Bishop away to Hebburn. Thornaby include new signing Glen Corkain from Billingham Synthonia at home to Horden, who welcome back Stuart Jewson.

Crook Town, who have a poor recent defensive record, could make changes for their home game with struggling Shotton. Willington could include three new signings in their squad at home to Alnwick.