Thornaby could be marooned in the bottom three if they fail to win their crunch relegation clash at Newcastle Blue Star today.

Thornaby have won just once in their last 16 matches, and conceded six goals in each of their last two home games, against Bedlington and Consett.

Manager Trevor Arnold is set to ring the changes after the midweek defeat as his side try to narrow the four-point gap separating them from safety.

Seaham Red Star could be relegated tonight if they fail to win at Billingham Town and other results go against them.

Midfielder Chris Copeland will have a fitness test for Seaham, while Town have doubts over midfielder Andy Swalwell and defender Stuart Jackson.

Morpeth, who are third bottom, have a tricky game at Brandon, who hit form in midweek by scoring five at Jarrow Roofing. Brandon expect to be at full strength.

League leaders Bedlington, who are 17 points clear, expect to be at full strength at home to Washington.

The two clubs level on points in second place, Dunston and West Auckland, meet at Federation Park

Dunston, who have the better goal difference, welcome back midfielder Nicky Scaife while West, who could make a new signing before the game, will give midfielder Dale Anderson a fitness test.

Consett, who hit six in midweek at Thornaby, expect to be unchanged for the trip to Marske United, even though four players are injured. Marske have a doubt over striker Darren Sankey.

Tow Law give fitness tests to midfielders Gary Innes and Andy Hurst at home to Ashington.

In the second division, leaders Esh Winning expect to be at full strength for their game at lowly Eppleton.

Washington Nissan, who have surged up the table in recent weeks, have a crucial game at second-placed Penrith, and have doubts over Glen Liddle and David Burt.

Northallerton recall Mark Forster and Neil Preston to their team at home to Willington, but Ross Foreman and David Onions are missing. Willington recall at least six players who missed their midweek game.

Crook have a goalkeeping problem before their home game with promotion-chasing Easington, because Andy Dolphin and Gary Mundell are both missing.

Shildon, who were due to play South Shields last night, have put keeper Paul Hawkins on the transfer list at his own request.