Durham City manager Brian Honour is ready to rotate his squad during a hectic end to the season.

City have 16 league games, a league cup semi-final and a two legged FA Vase semi-final - and maybe two finals - to play in the last two months of the season, and Honour admits that he will have to rest players, including prolific scorer Lee Ludlow, who has 39 goals this season.

"There is plenty of hunger to stay in the team, considering that we have so much to play for," said Honour.

"The players are worried about losing their places, but I have to rest them for their own sake. I've asked them not to play Sunday football, because they are running the risk of going out of our team if they're injured. I want them to be fit and fresh."

City are at home to Washington today, and welcome back defender Gary Bennett, but another defender, Richard Ord, is missing because of suspension. Striker Tony Healer has a foot injury.

Whitley Bay, the other half of the all Northern League Vase semi-final, have just as many games to play as Durham, and no doubt their manager Andy Gowens, will be thinking along the same lines as Honour. They are at relegation threatened Newcastle Blue Star, and expect to be at full strength following their midweek win at Billingham Synthonia.

Leaders Bedlington, who are well in control at the top with an 11-point lead, take on Billingham Synthonia at Welfare Park, and expect to be at full strength with the return of Warren Teasdale after a knee injury.

Synners are missing two defenders, Scott Boyes because of injury and Dave O'Gorman because of suspension.

Second placed West Auckland, whose 16 game unbeaten run came to an end in midweek, are at home to Consett.

Striker Roy Allen is struggling because of a hamstring injury, while defender Simon Rogers is doubtful. Consett are without suspended defender Johnny Brown, while Jeff Sugden and Andrew Elliott are both injured.

Tow Law have a tough away game at Dunston, but they welcome back defenders Jeff Hall and Micky Vasey, while Marc Eccles will have a fitness test. Striker Kraig Wilkinson has a groin injury, while keeper Barry Poskitt has asked for a transfer.

Dunston are without recent signing Lee Adamson because of injury, while striker Steve Mason has a fitness test. Defenders Graham Blackett and Paul Brown are also struggling with injuries.

Thornaby need the points from their local derby at Billingham Town to avoid sinking deeper into relegation trouble - they've won only once in the league since October - and could make changes from last week's defeat against Peterlee. Town have a doubt over leading scorer Paul Rowntree, while midfielder Richie Ward is doubtful.

Brandon include new keeper Graham Waind from Guisborough in their squad at home to Ashington, but defender Richie Pitt is unavailable.

Bottom club Seaham Red Star, who are staring relegation in the face just two years after finishing as league runners-up, welcome back three defenders to their squad at Chester-le-Street - Darren Griffiths, Paul Moss and Dave Callaghan.

Guisborough include new signing Chris Pearson from Hartlepool in their squad away to Jarrow Roofing, but they are without Adam McMahon, Steve McLean, Chris Keegans and Wayne Osborne.

Roofing, who are just three points above the relegation zone, welcome back midfielder Lee Daly.

In the second division, Shildon include new striker Neil Burn from Chester-le-Street in their squad at full strength Northallerton, because David Taylor has broken his arm, while midfielder Matty Sowden returns to the squad.

Leaders Penrith are at home to South Shields, while Esh Winning, who have stormed up the table in recent weeks, are at Hebburn, where they include Gary Clark after injury.

Washington Nissan, who have an outside chance of promotion, expect to be unchanged for their away game at Kennek Ryhope CA.

Crook's squad is strengthened by the return of Simon Williamson, Martin Blythe, Graham Curry and Chris Morrell for their local derby with Willington, but recent signing Paul Jenkins has a fitness test. Dale Wood is unavailable for Willington.

l Britain's David Will is set to play a leading role on the team which will investigate FIFA's finances - an investigation that threatens the very future of president Sepp Blatter.

The Scot, who is a FIFA vice-president, will be the European representative on the six-man 'audit committee' which will look into the handling of the collapse of the world governing body's former marketing partners ISL last year.