DUNSTON are looking for an improvement when they take on Seaham Red Star at Federation Park today.

Manager Bobby Scaife and his assistant Perry Briggs held an inquest with the players after they went out of the Durham Challenge Cup in midweek.

"We told the players what is expected from them," said Briggs. "We fielded a couple of fringe players at Billingham Town so they could have a chance of getting a regular place, but some of them didn't put in enough effort."

Neil Shotton and Andy Fletcher are both missing today, but midfielder Nicky Scaife returns.

Seaham, who didn't return home until 3am after their Vase defeat at Prescot Cables in midweek, are without striker David Ross and defender Marcel Lundy because of injury.

Tow Law are hoping international clearance for new midfielder Paul Richardson arrives from Malta in time for their away game at Marske United. Richardson played at Spennymoor five years ago after leaving Middlesbrough. Tow Law will be at full strength, while Marske are without Mark James and Paul Normanton because of injury.

Durham manager Brian Honour is hoping to sign a new keeper in time for his side's game at Whitley Bay, as regular Marc Riches has an ankle injury, although Terry Hird stands by. Striker Michael Canavan will also miss the game because of injury.

Whitley Bay are without striker Steve Cuggy, while another striker, Steve Pyle, is out long term because of a medial ligament injury.

Leaders Bedlington, who are three points clear at the top, are without full back Graham Hogg for their home game against West Auckland, while they are looking around for a new keeper as Paul O'Connor is soon to go to the USA.

West could give defender Paul Harnett his first game in two months after his recovery from injury.

Easington and Crook, the two bottom teams, badly need the points from their game. Easington will give home debuts to Johnny Mould and Paul Milner, but striker Andrew Allen is suspended.

Crook, who have yet to win a game this season, welcome back Chris Burn after injury, while keeper Jason Scotter is unavailable.

Billingham Town are at home to Guisborough. Lee Tucker and Tony Higgins both return for Billingham, while defender Micky Driscoll is very doubtful for Guisborough.

Billingham Synthonia are strengthened by the return of five players for their away game at Chester-le-Street, with Dave Connor, Tommy Marron, Lawrie Pearson, Andy Ripley and Chris McFee all returning. Chester are without striker John Heggarty because of injury, while striker Nicky Gray is unavailable.

Brandon, who are at home to Jarrow Roofing, are without injured pair David Johnson and Graham Carter, while striker Andy Purvis is suspended. Jarrow are also missing three players, while midfielder Anthony march plays his last game before moving to UniBond League club Whitby.

Consett, who are at Newcastle Blue Star, could give striker Colin McLeod his first start for three months after his recovery from injury, but Gary Cowley and Alan Batey are both missing.

Third-bottom Hebburn, who nearly pulled off a shock at Darlington earlier in the week, will have a squad of 18 to choose from for their home game with Morpeth.

In the second division, leaders Esh Winning are at home to Evenwood, and include new signing Alan Colledge, signed from Consett. Mark Drake returns.

Northallerton include new striker Dave Lawson, signed from Norton, in their line up at Ashington.

Thornaby could make changes for the trip to Shotton.

Shildon, who are at Washington, will be without defender Ian Robinson, who has an ankle injury.

Durham Challenge Cup quarter-finals (on or before Jan 6): Nissan v Bishop Auckland or Horden, Darlington v West Auckland, Tow Law or Durham v South Shields, Brandon v Billingham T