Esh Winning manager Barry Fleming knows that the club faces the biggest day in its history against already promoted Shildon in the Albany Northern League today.

Esh are in second spot in the Second Division this morning, and victory will ensure their first ever promotion in the Northern League.

But if they lose, then they could miss out completely on promotion if they are overtaken by Prudhoe and Penrith.

"We can't afford to lose, but at least it's in our own hands. The points which Penrith and Prudhoe dropped in midweek have helped us," he said. It's going to be a nervous day, but the other clubs will be feeling the same way as well."

Until they lost last Saturday, Esh hadn't been beaten in 16 matches, and Fleming said: "We'd only conceded three goals in that spell. Hopefully, we can bounce back and end nearly two decades in the Second Division."

Striker Mark Drake is missing because of cricket commitments.

Shildon, meanwhile, will be champions if they win.

Midfielder Brian Healy is missing because of a knee injury, but otherwise Shildon, who beat Esh 7-0 in the reverse fixture earlier in the season, will be at full strength.

Esh might still be promoted if fourth placed if Prudhoe lose at home to Crook Town, but there is more chance of a shock at Horden, where third placed Penrith, who lost to Alnwick in midweek, are the visitors.

In the First Division, the only issue to be decided is the third relegation spot.

Thornaby and Seaham Red Star have already been relegated, and after the midweek games, Consett climbed away from safety, leaving Ashington, Newcastle Blue Star and Morpeth as the contenders.

Ashington are at home to Durham, who will be playing their third game inside five days, and have several injury worries. Kenny Cramman has a late fitness test.

Newcastle Blue Star are at home to champions Bedlington, who will be without central defender Martin Kirkby because of injury.

Morpeth, who have picked up four points this week, are at home to Jarrow Roofing.

Tow Law, who are guaranteed the runners up spot, go to Thornaby who they crushed 9-2 a fortnight ago. Defender Micky Vasey is doubtful because of a broken nose, while Phil Jones and Gary Innes will both have fitness tests.

West Auckland include new signing Martin Houlahan in their team as they try to hold on to fourth place at home to Washington. Billingham Town will give fitness tests to Richie Ward and David Gallagher away to Marske United.

* Darlington RA, who have the est chance of overtaking North Shields in the race for the Wearwisde League championship, are buoyant ahead of today's visit to Cleadon SC following their 7-0 victory in midweek, writes MALCOLM PRATT.

Although Michael Carter is unavailable, manager David Woodcock is boosted by the return of Stephen Johnson and Rob Morley.

North Shields await fitness tests on Neil Hartley, Nicky Evans and Paul Symons for their game at Whitehaven. Neil McCulloch is added to the squad and Sean Beech will keep his place after scoring a hat-trick at Birtley Town on Wednesday night.

Wolviston are hoping to finish in the top six and for the visit of Boldon CA, manager Graham Howard has six players resuming. Craig Watson, Andy Clark, Andy Smith, Paul Roberts, Shane Hudson and Neil Bromfield all missed last weekend's game when selection was made from just 12 players, including three goalkeepers.

Boldon CA boss Norman Hunter has doubts surrounding goalkeeper David Graham and Paul Oley but Stephen Williams is back following a long-term injury.

Birtley Town travel to Stokesley SC with a much-changed line-up from the one which lost for only the second time in 24 outings in midweek. Paul Bryson, Kevin Murphy, Trevor Hawthorne, Gareth Davison and Bobby Cooper are all expected to resume.

New Marske host Harton and Westoe with Gary Owens and David Brown nursing injuries