West Auckland have come to the aid of neighbours Evenwood by agreeing to share their ground for the rest of the season.

Evenwood have had problems with their floodlights this season, and they had to postpone one game at short notice last week because the lights failed to work, even though they had been tested earlier in the day.

But now the league have agreed to Evenwood playing their midweek home games at West, whose general manager Stuart Alderson said: "It's the least we could do for them - we might need a favour from them sometime."

Evenwood have six home games left, the first of which is against Willington on Tuesday night.

Today Evenwood are at Murton, who themselves have had problems with their ground this season, and last week they passed a Northern League ground inspection.

In the First Division, Tow Law can prolong the title race if they win at league leaders Bedlington, who are 19 points clear.

Lawyers will be without defender Micky Vasey because of suspension, while midfielder peter Maughan and defender Jeff Hall will have fitness tests.

Bedlington welcome back striker John Milner and midfielder Ian Bogie.

Second placed Dunston can strengthen their claims for the runners up spot at home to Washington. Defenders Paul Brown and Graham Blackett are both struggling with injuries, while fourth bottom Washington will need the points for their fight against the drop.

West Auckland, who have slipped from second place in recent weeks, are at home to full strength Marske United. West manager Alan Oliver could make a new signing before the game, but otherwise he will choose from a full strength squad.

Billingham Synthonia include new signing James Bridge in their squad at home to Peterlee. The full back, who was previously at Spennymoor, has just returned from a spell in Canada.

Guisborough, who are at home to Brandon, are without Wayne Osborne, Steve McLean and Micky Waller, while midfielder David Fort and keeper Graham Waind are missing.

Consett are hoping to climb further away from trouble at home to relegated Seaham Red Star.

Thornaby could be pushed closer to the Second Division if they lose at home Jarrow Roofing, while third bottom Morpeth need at least a point from their home game with Chester-le-Street.

Second Division leaders Esh Winning, who are four points clear, will give Iain Davison and Allan Colledge fitness tests before their home game with Crook.

Second placed Penrith are at Willington, who welcome back several players who missed the midweek game. Easington, who are third, are at home to Kennek Ryhope CA.

Shildon go to Washington Nissan, a place above them. Striker Nigel Bolton will have a fitness test. Northallerton are without eight players for their long trip to Alnwick