Durham manager Brian Honour believes today's home game against fellow title challengers Dunston is "massive."

City go into the game top of the table after ending a three-game losing run at West Auckland last week.

And Honour is confident that with seven players back after injury they can put their challenge back on the rails.

"It isn't quite a make or break game for us but it is very important because we need to stay at the top of the table and make it difficult for other teams to catch us. I would much rather have the points in the bag than the games in hand."

Honour has a big squad to choose from, with Gary Pearson, Michael Vasey, Paul Symons, Micky Taylor, Paul Robertson, Michael Canavan and Glen Moan all returning.

Meanwhile, Durham's former Hartlepool midfielder Gus DiLella could be on his way to Conference club Scarborough.

Dunston, who have games in hand on all the teams above them, had injury problems in midweek at Jarrow Roofing, where they held on to a point with nine men.

Midfielder Nicky Scaife and defender Micky Farrey are both ruled out through injury, but defender Derek Ord and midfielder Gary Forbes are both doubtful.

Assistant manager Perry Briggs said: "If we win, then we've got an excellent chance of the title."

Second-placed Billingham Synthonia, who are seven points behind Durham with four games in hand, have a tricky away game at Morpeth.

Scott Boyes and David Baker are both missing for Synners, who lost at home to Jarrow Roofing last week, but Glen Corkain returns to the midfield.

Bedlington, who are two points behind Synners, are without suspended centre half Craig Melrose away to Brandon, while midfielder Steve Boon and another defender Warren Teesdale are both struggling.

Brandon, who are looking forward to their Durham Cup semi-final in midweek, will give midfielder Jamie Carfoot a fitness test, while striker Dave Robson and midfielder Darryl Smith return to the squad.

Peterlee, who are in sixth place, will give a fitness test to defender Andrew Bowes before their home game with Billingham Town, who are hoping to bounce back from their Vase defeat last week. However, they will be missing Lee Tucker, Stuart Jackson and Mark Casey, but Neil Preston returns.

Tow Law, who are at Whitley Bay, have been hit by the news that striker Wayne Edgcumbe has decided to return to Gateshead after a brief spell at Ironworks Road after the UniBond League club lifted a club suspension on him. Whitley Bay expect to be at full strength.

Consett, who are at Guisborough, are without several players because of injury. Jeff Sugden, Colin McLeod, David Young and Alan Batey are all missing, while Marc Outterside will have a late fitness test.

Guisborough include new signing Jaydee Briggs from Peterlee in their squad, but they are also badly hit by injuries.

Micky Driscoll, Jamie Allinson, and Garry Hinchley are all injured, while Darren Raulston is suspended.

Improving Jarrow Roofing, who have taken points off Billingham Synthonia and Dunston in the last week, are at home to bottom club Crook Town.

Defender Dave Moore and midfielder Steve Lish are both doubtful, while Crook could be without injured keeper Anthony Robinson, so Mark Crame stands by.

Chester-le-Street, boosted by their midweek 4-0 home win over Tow Law, are unchanged for their away game at Newcastle Blue Star.

West Auckland, who are fifth from bottom, are hoping to take more of their chances in their game at Seaham Red Star, who yesterday signed defender Steve McLean, who has been released by Hartlepool, and midfielder Gavin Smith from Scarborough. Tommy Haddon and David Rush are added to the squad.

In the second division, Willington are looking for their second win of the season against leaders Thornaby when the pair meet at hall Lane.

Willington add Graham Dawson to the squad after his recovery from a virus, while Thornaby are expected to be at full strength.

Shildon manager Ray Gowan adds Tim Asquith and Charlie Walton to his squad for their trip to bottom club Eppleton.

l Hull City's chairman Nick Buchanan will fight on to save the crisis-hit Third Division club.

The club face a High Court winding-up order on Wednesday after Customs and Excise and the Inland Revenue demanded an immediate payment of around £500,000, while other outstanding debts could total £1m.

But Buchanan and his directors are hoping to stave off the order by securing a creditors' voluntary agreement which would allow the board to re-structure its debt repayments while still keeping control of the club's finances.

If the order is granted, and it could be in place by Monday, the club will go into administration which, according to Buchanan, would be the only way to make sure of survival