Former Darlington manager Gary Bennett will make his debut today for Durham City at home to Ashington.

Former Sunderland star Bennett quit as Quakers boss a month ago, and since then has revived his playing career, turning out for Worksop and Scarborough. Now he has agreed to turn out for Brian Honour's Durham.

"We've needed some experience in midfield and Gary has agreed to help out in there," said Honour. "He's very keen, he's kept himself fit and we've also signed him just in time for the FA Vase."

Striker Michael Canavan and defender Gavin Mudd return, but Micky Dunwell and Steve Walklate are both missing.

Whitley Bay manager Andy Gowens hasn't given up hope of catching leaders Bedlington.

Whitley led the table in the early months of the season, and were overtaken by Bedlington when they played last month.

And even though Bedlington have opened up a six-point lead at the top, Gowens says the title race is far from over.

"Our defeat against them was just one game - there is still a long way to go in the season.

"We've still got two games in hand and I'm sure that there's going to be plenty of twists and turns in the season. There have been plenty so far."

Whitley have a tough month coming up. After today's away game at Peterlee, they have to go to Brandon and Tow Law, as well as Billingham Town in the Vase.

Bedlington are at home to Newcastle Blue Star, and will probably keep the same team which won at Guisborough in midweek. Tow Law, who are fourth, are without three centre halves because of injury at home to Thornaby - Darren Darwent, Micky Vasey and Scott Nicholson are all missing - but striker Brian Wake, who is attracting the attention of league clubs, could return if he passes a fitness test.

Thornaby include two new players in their line-up, James Chapman from Billingham Town and Mark Wheldon from West Auckland, while Nick Bates could return in goal.

Guisborough, who lost at home to Bedlington in midweek, will probably be unchanged for their away game at Chester-le-Street, who have lost just once in eight games. Striker Andy Blower returns, but Lee Compton is missing for Chester.

Brandon are badly hit by injuries for their home game with Washington. David Fort, Darryl Smith and Micky Cunningham are all injured, while Mark Patterson and Graham Carter are both doubtful. Washington, who have won just once in their last seven matches, could be unchanged.

Billingham Synthonia are hoping to give striker Chris Fawcett his first game in over two months when they go to Morpeth, but David Baker and Tommy Marron are both doubtful. Billingham Town give a return debut to striker George Woodhouse, signed earlier in the week from Thornaby, at home to Marske United. The visitors have three players ruled out through injury.

Consett, who are third bottom, will give their former player Lee Suddes his return debut at Jarrow Roofing, while Tony Halliday is also included after returning from Esh Winning.

In the second division, leaders Shildon, who are at home to Alnwick, have a doubt over striker John Outhwaite, who has a knee injury, but midfielder Robbie Wright returns to the squad. Alnwick defeated previous leaders Penrith last Saturday.

Northallerton, who are sixth, need the points against Esh Winning who are two places above them. Manager Peter Mulcaster is hoping to sign a player from a UniBond League club before the game. Esh hope to be at full strength, with striker Gary Messer returning to the bench after injury.

Washington Nissan, who are on the fringe of the promotion race, are without five players for various reasons at home to Willington, so manager Gavin Liddle includes himself. Willington are boosted by the return of six players to their squad, but Paul Gibbs and Brian Nelson are both still missing.

Former Newcastle defender Kevin Scott makes his debut for Crook Town at home to Murton