Former Middlesbrough and Sunderland striker Stan Cummins has yet to meet half of his squad as he prepares for his first game in charge at Norton and Stockton Ancients at home to Evenwood in the ANL Second Division today.

Cummins has just returned from the States and was appointed manager of the struggling second division club in midweek.

"There were only nine players at training in midweek," he said. "I know that more will be coming for this game, so I will have to rely on other people's opinions when I pick the team, but I won't be playing myself.

"The facilities are really good at the club, and as far as I'm concerned, this is a long-term thing. The chairman wants the club to progress, and hopefully I can help them."

Evenwood, who have won their last three matches, are without midfielder Ian Lowes.

Consett manager Colin Carr is hoping his team's revival can continue at home to Chester-le-Street.

Consett lifted themselves off the bottom when they beat Esh Winning last week, and victory today could see them move out of the bottom three for the first time since the start of the season.

Carr said: "There isn't much separating the bottom eight clubs. If we win today, we could be looking down at two or three."

Midfielder Lee Suddes has an ankle injury, but Gareth McKenna returns.

Tow Law go to Durham City, who are playing their second game in three days.

Defender David Hunter is missing because of suspension, while Scott Nicholson will have a fitness test on an ankle injury.

Phil Jones has asked to go on the transfer list at his own request. Durham are without centre half Dickie Ord because of a groin injury, while midfielder Michael Canavan has a back problem.

West Auckland still have injury problems in defence ahead of their home game with Prudhoe. Simon Rogers and Mark Foster are both ruled out because of injuries, while striker Andrew Rose is also out because of a knee problem.

Prudhoe welcome back three players who missed last week's game at Tow Law, but defender Andy Armstrong and midfielder Dominic Elliot and Paul Ballantyne are all out for several weeks because of injury.

Billingham Town could go second if they win at Jarrow Roofing. Midfielders Richie Ward and Andrew Burton will both have fitness tests, while Robbie Hutchinson is unavailable. Roofing are without midfielder Paul Clegg, who has an ankle injury.

Marske United, who haven't lost in four matches, are at second top Bedlington.

Marske will give striker Greg Booth a fitness test, but keeper John Jackson and defender Simon Millington return. Scott Davies and Jake Hart are both in the North Riding Youth squad.

Whitley Bay, who are showing signs of improvement, are at home to Newcastle Blue Star, and include former Darlington youngster Lee Paul Scroggins, signed from Blyth, in their squad. Star haven't won in the league for six matches.

Willington are hoping that five players will return to their side for the trip to Alnwick in the second division, but Dave Berry and Steve Howe are suspended.

* Shildon manager Ray Gowan admits that his team is stepping into the unknown when they travel to Birkenhead to play Cammell Laird in the first round of the FA Vase today.

The Merseysiders play in the West Cheshire League, which is below Northern League level, but Gowan expects a tough game.

"They might be two leagues below us but they're the best team in their league by a mile. They haven't lost in 11 matches. I would be just as worried of we were playing somebody from the Northern Alliance or Wearside League.

"But if we're going to have a good run in this competition, then we have to beat teams like these. We must be prepared for them."

Defender Jamie Middleton returns, but striker Nigel Bolton has a broken wrist.

Peterlee's new boss, Andy Toman, takes charge against Ossett Albion, but is badly hit by injuries and player unavailability, and because of the seven-day rule, cannot sign new players.

Toman watched Peterlee lose 6-0 at Shildon last Saturday, and said; "A lot of it is down to confidence. There are some very good players at the club but they're not performing."

Toman will give home debuts to youngsters Dave McTiernan and Mark Obern, both of them from Middlesbrough's Academy.

Northern League leaders Brandon are at home to Murton from a division below them. Brandon's new signing, Chris Copeland, is ineligible, while midfielder Ritchie Pitt is suspended. David Johnson and Rob Marsden both return.

Billingham Synthonia are at Brodsworth