Seaham Red Star manager Steve Smith believes his side can be strong title challengers again this season.

Seaham, who finished runners up last season, have won both their opening matches, and travel to Easington today.

"We know that it's going to be tougher than it was last season, but we believe we have a stronger squad than last year," he said.

Lee Blackett and Ian Gallagher both return for Seaham, but Paul Milner is unavailable. Easington defender Mark Nicholson and striker Paul Geraldi are doubtful.

Marske United, who also have two wins, are at home to Brandon, and could be unchanged from the team which won at Consett in midweek.

Brandon are without Andy Purvis, Gary Clark, Dave Robson and Jamie Howe because of injury, while Graham Carter returns.

Billingham Synthonia have a tough game at Dunston, and have a doubt over centre- half Tommy Marram, who has an ankle injury.

Dunston are without midfielder Billy Irwin and striker Tony Healer, while defender Paul Brown will have a fitness test.

Crook, who have conceded ten goals in their two matches, are at home to Consett, and will choose from an unchanged squad.

Consett are without at least six players and hoping Marc Outterside passes a late fitness test.

Billingham Town face newly promoted Hebburn, and will add Craig Perry, Jason Birch and James Chapman to the squad which won well at Whitley Bay in midweek.

Hebburn include new signings, Stuart Taylor from Shotton and Leon Green from Prudhoe.

Jarrow Roofing are without keeper Micky Norris for their game at Bedlington, so Dave Moore, who is usually a defender, may have to go in goal. Joe Donaghie and Michael Irving are both missing.

Bedlington include new signings Willie Moat from Blyth and Anthony Chapman from Easington. Former Hartlepool striker Paul Baker has been ruled out for at least a month because of injury.

Durham give Richie Alderson, signed from Gateshead, and Craig Lake, from Bishop Auckland outings at Chester-le-Street, who scored six in midweek at Morpeth. Chester midfielder Paul Cooke is suspended, but Peter Ould, Gary McDonald and Michael Errington return.

Sunderland have agreed to send a strong side to Chester on Wednesday to officially open the club's new changing rooms.

Peterlee, who are at home to Morpeth, have an injury doubt over Wayne Schollick, while Alan Martin is unavailable. Strikers Paul Hinton and Kevin Devine are both injured.

Newcastle Blue Star are without suspended striker Paul Hollier at home to Whitley Bay, who miss striker Steve Pyle and keeper Neil Fairbairn. In Division 2, Shildon are looking for their first win of the season at Shotton, and give defender Les Langley a fitness test.

Northallerton are unchanged for their home game with Prudhoe, while Thornaby give striker George Woodhouse a fitness test before their home game with Whickham.

Tow Law will be hitting the national airwaves today when Talk Radio cover their FA Cup extra preliminary round against St Helens Town.

The radio station is covering the competition in depth this season, starting at Ironworks Road