Bishop Auckland can improve their chances of finishing third in the UniBond League if they take three points off lowly Colwyn Bay at Kingsway today.

Bishops dropped to fourth last weekend after their defeat at Lancaster, who overtook them, but a midweek defeat for Lancaster and a win for Bishops at Bamber Bridge has reversed the placings.

"The midweek results have opened the door again," said manager Tony Lee. "We must keep going, We played some good football on Tuesday night."

But Lee has injury problems. His son Anthony, Steve Hutt, David Gallagher and Thomas Dunn are all ruled out, so Lee might try to bring in a new face before the kick-off.

Spennymoor have a difficult game against Stalybridge at the Brewery Field.

Manager Peter Mulcaster had to go on the bench in midweek, and he'll be hoping that several players who couldn't make the trip to Colwyn Bay might return.

However, he could give a debut to striker Danny Jones, the brother of central defender Rob.

In the Wearside League, Redcar Town will be looking to move into the top six by beating neighbours New Marske this afternoon.

In a bid to boost their chances, they have made a number of signings ahead of the transfer deadline. Former player Michael Beech, Nicky Smith, Adam Henry, Graeme Thompson, Roger Morris and Christopher Nicholson have all joined the club.

New Marske welcome the return of Gary Young and Tommy Williams but Ian Johnson is sidelined.

Wolviston, held to a draw by Redcar Town last weekend, desperately need three points to keep in touch with leaders Nissan and North Shields. They face a potentially tricky match at Stanley United unable to call upon injured midfielders Shane Hudson and Nick Waddington.

Secretary Keith Simpson reports that Simon Clark, who made his debut for Spennymoor in the midweek UniBond League game at Colwyn Bay, resumes in goal and also included are full back Ian McQueeney and sweeper Darren Hurst.

Paddy McArdle and Greg Chapman are both suspended so miss out for Stanley United, who have doubts surrounding the availability of Shaun Gregory and Ivan Moxon. But Alan Humble returns to the defence and David Craig will line up in the attack.

North Shields, just four points adrift of Nissan, are at Ferryhill Athletic and expect to field their first-choice line-up providing midfielder Anthony Robson comes through a late fitness test.

Brian Gabbitas, Joe Moore and Dean Walker, who all missed last week's double-figure win over Simonside SC will come into the plans of manager Terry Paddison.

Ferryhill manager Jimmy O'Sullivan is missing only Richie Hooper now that Tony Pearson, Derek Knighton and John Christon are all available. North Shields will have to keep a careful eye on striker Alan Robson, who has netted seven goals in three games since returning from Shildon.

Simonside SC, who have conceded 23 goals in their last two outings, have again transferred the fixture because their ground is unplayable. They face a daunting task at Harton and Westoe, who have been in excellent form recently. Long-term injury victim Stephen Golightly returns to the Harton squad but Andy Blower and Dean Blackstone are ruled out.

Jarrow, in second-bottom position, host Windscale minus captain Paul Given. Chris Stewart. is doubtful, but Shaun Simpson resumes and Russell Bell will keep his place after an impressive debut.

Andrew Thompson and Gareth Slavin are suspended and miss Annfield Plain's visit to Stokesley SC, while Boldon CA will be unchanged when they host Thornaby on Tees.

Ryhope CW have a full squad to choose from against Cleadon SC, who this week signed Andy Smith, the former Esh Winning player, Brian Dolphin from Jarrow and Denny Nichol from Whitburn. Paul Mort and Darren Palmer, however, are absent for the game on Wearside.