DUNSTON are hoping for third time lucky against champions Bedlington - to keep the title race open.

Dunston tackle Bedlington for the third time this season at Federation Park this afternoon, having lost their earlier league game 4-0 and a midweek league cup tie 1-0, but victory today can keep their title hopes alive.

Assistant manager Perry Briggs, whose side are currently eight points behind, said: "If we win on Saturday, then we won't be too far behind them.

"If we win, then that sets us up nicely, because I believe that we can then go on to win the league."

Dunston will include new midfielder Graham Blackett, who has been signed from Gretna. Midfielder Tony Nelson also returns.

Bedlington, meanwhile, will be without defender Graham Hogg, who has returned temporarily to Blyth.

Seaham Red Star are hoping to bounce back from their 7-0 trouncing at Dunston last week when they take on Whitley Bay.

Manager Steve Smith is without seven players for various reasons, and he said: "The recent results are hurting nobody more than me. We need to dig in and start winning games."

Whitley Bay include new signing Keith Mills from Dunston, but they have released striker Marc Nash.

Crook Town have been hit by the resignation of assistant manager Mark Linighan, only two months after being appointed. The decision is by mutual consent, but Linighan is understood to be disappointed by recent results.

Crook, who are bottom, are at home to Chester-le-Street, and are hoping to sign a keeper as Jason Scooter and Jeremy Minter are both missing. Midfielder Terry Stones will also miss the game.

Chester are without striker John Heggarty and defender Paul Cooke, both because of injury.

Durham City could go top if Dunston beat Bedlington and they beat Hebburn. However, keeper Marc Riches is injured so Adam Clementson replaces him, while Glen Moan is added to the squad. Hebburn, who are second bottom, welcome back striker David Butterfield and midfielder Paul O'Brien.

West Auckland are hoping to build on their excellent win at Bedlington last Saturday for the visit of Marske.

Striker Dale Anderson and midfielder Ray Stanger are both missing for West, while Marske hope to be at full strength.

Marske's FA Vase tie with Pickering, which has been postponed four times, has been re-arranged for Monday night, but the club might consider switching the game to another ground.

Billingham Synthonia, who are fourth, take on Peterlee, a place above them, at Central Avenue.

Synners are without striker Lee Flanagan because of suspension, but defenders Tommy Marron and Lawrie Pearson, as well as striker Dave Connor, all return. Peterlee welcome back Wayne Schollick to their midfield and Alan Martin to defence.

Easington are hoping for their second successive win when they go to Consett and welcome back midfielder Mark Nicholson after injury

Consett are without Alan Batey, who is injured, but Rod Butler returns after missing the midweek game.

Brandon, who haven't won in four league games, could be without midfielder Gary Clark because of injury at Morpeth. Paul Tyrell returns to the squad, but striker Andy Purvis is suspended.

Billingham Town, who are at Jarrow Roofing, are without Mark Casey and Neil Preston because of injury, while Jamie Clarke and Stuart Jackson are both suspended.

Guisborough player-manager Mark Forster misses his side's home game with Newcastle Blue Star because of injury, along with defender Micky Driscoll.

In the second division, leaders Esh Winning will be without striker Dean Smithson at Northallerton, but they could include a possible new signing.

Northallerton will have a full squad, as they hope to play their first game in three weeks.

Shildon welcome back defender Ian Robinson for their home game with Willington, who include new signing Wayne Collins, a midfielder from Coundon.

Horden include new signing from Peterlee, Kevin Devine, in their squad away to Evenwood.