Seaham Red Star badly need to win their home game with fellow strugglers Newcastle Blue Star - or face up to the reality of relegation to the Second Division.

Seaham are rock bottom of the division, ten points adrift of safety, and need a victory this afternoon to keep their faint survival hopes alive.

They will give midfielder Stuart Morris, once of Newcastle and York, his debut in midfield, while Robbie Soppitt and veteran defender Dave Callaghan return.

Second in the table West Auckland are without defender Steve West because of suspension when they travel to Guisborough, while striker Jonathan Milroy will have a fitness test.

Guisborough are without Micky Waller, Chris Dunwell, Steve McLean and Simon Kasonali.

Tow Law, who have mounting fixture congestion, are at home to Billingham Town. Lawyers are hoping to give a long-awaited debut to new signing Andy Hirst, while defender Micky Vasey and midfielder Geoff Young both return. Recent signing from Carlisle, midfielder David Barnes, could play.

Billingham Town, who have the Durham Challenge cup final to look forward to later this month, are without defender Stuart Jackson and midfielder Richie Ward, while they have signed midfielder Andy Swalwell, once of Spennymoor, from Guisborough.

Consett, who are steadily climbing away from the relegation zone, welcome back Gareth McKenna for their trip to Ashington, who could recall keeper Paul Simpson.

Brandon, who are at home to Dunston, welcome back defender David Johnson and midfielder Mark Patterson, but Jamie Carfoot has an ankle injury.

Defender Sam Kitchen will be playing for Gateshead today after helping Brandon out last week.

Dunston are strengthened by the return of Danny Shore, but Graham Blackett and Paul Brown are both still ruled out.

Marske United look as if they're going to lose centre half Michael Robson to Spennymoor, and he is likely to miss the away game at Washington.

Peterlee, who go to struggling Thornaby, will give a debut to Chris Pearson, son of Football League referee Roy, he was released by Hartlepool.

In the second division, leaders Shildon still have an injury doubt over midfielder Brian Healy ahead of their home game with Kennek Ryhope CA, while Lee Roxby will have a late test on a calf injury.

Shildon will be hoping that full-strength Northallerton can do them a favour at second-placed Penrith, who are two points behind them.

Crook Town have goalkeeping problems for their game at Washington Nissan, with Anthony Robinson and Andy Dolphin both ruled out. They might also make two new signings before the game.

Willington expect to include Cameroon striker Michel Boumsong at home to Eppleton