The Northern League management committee have decided not to kick Bedlington out of the League Cup.

Bedlington were due to play Dunston in a second-round tie on September 12 but informed the league that they would be unable to raise a team because of injuries, and the game was called off. In turn, they were charged by the league for failing to fulfil a fixture.

It was originally thought Bedlington would be thrown out of the competition, especially as they have a reserve side, but the committee decided they should be fined the minimum £50 and ordered to pay Dunston's costs when the game is eventually played.

The decision is sure to cause controversy, as there have been cases in the past when clubs have been fined much more heavily for the same offence.

Seaham Red Star are hoping to move closer to leaders Bedlington when they travel to Billingham Synthonia today.

Seaham, who finished runners-up last season, are currently seventh in the table but could close the gap on the leaders to five points if they win today.

Manager Steve Smith said: "Not many teams at the top seem to be winning at the moment, except Bedlington, so we can get a little bit closer to them."

Striker David Ross and midfielder Lee Adamson are both missing because of injury, but full back Dean Ferry returns.

Synners have been badly hit by injuries in recent games.Tommy Marron will have a fitness test on an ankle knock, while Kraig Wilkinson, Kenny Davies and Michael Farley are all out. Drew Coverdale and Dave Connor are both expected to return.

Peterlee, who are in second place, have a tricky away game at Dunston, where they will be without suspended defender Alan Martin. Striker John Outhwaite has returned to Peterlee from Durham City. Dunston could be unchanged.

Tow Law will give debuts to two new signings at home to Brandon, after bringing in David Bellamy from Crook and Ian Milbourne from Gateshead. Striker Nigel Bolton has flu, while Kevin McGarrigle, Andy McKenna and Paul Hague are all missing.

Brandon are without striker Andy Purvis, but they could play a new signing.

West Auckland still have injury doubts over their strikers for their home game with Hebburn, with Jonathan Milroy and Steve Rogers both struggling. Defender Steve West will also have a fitness test. Hebburn include new signings Neil Poppleton and Stephen Rutherford, while striker Mark Laidler is injured.

Guisborough, who are unbeaten in their last five matches, will give a fitness test to striker Richie Storr at home to Jarrow Roofing, but defender Jamie Allinson is injured and midfielder Steve Corden is unavailable. Jarrow include new keeper Richard Jones, while defender Paul Donaghie is injured.

Marske include new full back Gary Booth, once a YTS at Middlesbrough, in their squad at home to Newcastle Blue Star. Dave Markham returns to the squad, while Michael Robson is injured.

Bottom club Crook Town, who face Durham City, have added to their squad during the week by bringing in defender John Linighan from Peterlee, while Glen Sweeney has returned to the club from Darlington RA. Keeper Jason Scotter is injured, so Jeremy Minter stands by.

Durham welcome back midfielder Gus DiLella, but defender Glen Moan still has a knee injury.

Consett, who are at home to Morpeth, are without injured pair Colin McLeod and Dave Gray, while Rod Butler is unavailable.

In the second division, Norton have appointed Ian Ripley as their new manager in place of Trevor Arnold, who was dismissed last week. Paul Watt will be Ripley's assistant when they take on Prudhoe at Station Road.

Leaders Thornaby will be without midfielder Gary Crawford for their away game at Horden, while second choice keeper Mark Woolnough drops into the reserves.

Shildon add striker Doug Grant to their side at home to Northallerton, who expect to have a 22 man squad