Tow Law manager Graeme Forster believes that today's home game against Prudhoe could be a turning point for his team.

Last season's runners-up are in the wrong half of the table, and are in danger of losing touch with the leading group.

Forster said: "This is a six-pointer for us.

"We need to ask ourselves if we intend to challenge at the top, or struggle at the bottom? The next three or four weeks will tell."

Midfielder Kraig Wilkinson will probably play his first league game since he returned to the club from Bishop Auckland, while defender Micky Vasey is also added to the squad.

Striker Willie Moat, who was signed by Lawyers only a month ago, has decided to join UniBond League club Gateshead.

Prudhoe include new signings Andy Dugdale from Morpeth and Don Warrior.

Midfielder Neil Maddison has been put on the transfer list at his own request.

Shildon will be without strikers Nigel Bolton and Mark Rutter for their home game against Peterlee, but Gary Barnes returns.

Peterlee, who haven't won in five league matches, will interview candidates for their vacant manager's job over the weekend. Mattie Taylor, Lee Fitzgerald and Gary McManners are expected to return.

West Auckland have doubts over three central defenders at home to champions Bedlington, who are now just one point off the top.

Simon Rogers, Mark Foster and Steve West are all carrying knocks, but Paul Stout and Ray Stanger return to the starting line-up.

Midfielder James Lang will also have a fitness test.

Bedlington are expected to be at full strength.

League leaders Brandon, who are just one point clear after their midweek defeat, are at Guisborough, and could include leading scorer Steve Huggins from the start after he missed the midweek game.

Defender Chris Neil is struggling with an injury, while Richie Alderson and David Johnson are both unavailable.

Billingham Synthonia, who are within sight of the leaders after their win over Brandon in midweek, are at Morpeth, without injured midfielder David Wells.

Marske United, who have steadily improved in recent weeks, are at Newcastle Blue Star and have a doubt over centre-half Jason Hammond, who has a groin strain.

However, midfielder Nicky Ward and defender Steve Murphy could both return to the starting line-up.

Blue Star are missing Leon Green and Ian Mills.

Billingham Town are without injured midfielders David Gallagher and Andy Swalwell for their visit to Washington, who hope to bring in a new forward before the game.

Kevin Leighton and Ian Metcalfe return, while Keith Oliver faces a late fitness test.

Bottom-of-the-table Consett, who lost 5-0 in midweek, desperately need the points at home to Esh Winning.

Defender Jeff Sugden and keeper Stuart Kelly both come back into the side.

Chester-le-Street are without striker Steve Cuggy and midfielder Shaun Bell at home to Jarrow Roofing, but Gary Shields, Neil Crute and Jamie Elrington come back into the squad.

Roofing include two new players, Andy Barclay from Wearside League Jarrow, and Mark Diamond from Brandon.

In the second division, Washington Nissan are hoping that defender Paul Robertson will return from injury in time for their game at Norton.

Northallerton welcome back Steve Boyle and Mark Foster at home to Eppleton, while Dave Berry misses Willington's home game with Kennek Ryhope CA because of suspension.

Crook Town have a full squad at home to unbeaten Penrith, while Evenwood are missing Ian Lowe at home to Hebburn, while they will also give Andrew Richardson and Stephen Butler fitness tests.

Unbeaten Horden are hoping to include a new signing for their home game against Alnwick.

Seaham Red Star, who are at South Shields, have been holding interviews for their vacant manager's post this week.

* Coventry have asked their players to take a pay cut to help ease financial problems at Highfield Road.

The First Division club join a growing number of clubs including Huddersfield, Leicester, Barnsley and Watford, who must reduce wage bills in order to balance the books.

Sky Blues chairman Mike McGinnity told the club's official website, www.ccfc.co.uk yesterday: ''Coventry City do not like being in this situation, but we feel we have no choice but to ask the professionals to help the club out by accepting this wage deferral."