Bishop Auckland manager Brian Honour has told his players not to take anything for granted at Pontefract in the preliminary round of the FA Cup this afternoon.

Bishops have flopped in the early rounds of the competition in recent seasons - they have lost to Rossington Main and Pickering - and Honour said: "Those defeats have haunted us, and the players must be prepared to battle.

"I had a look at Pontefract pre-season, and I know it won't be pretty. This tie is very important to the club for all sorts of reasons."

Midfielders Craig Robson and Stephen Bell are unavailable. Youngster Ben Jackson has an ankle injury.

At the Brewery Field Spennymoor and Consett, who have both started well in the ANL Second Division, meet.

Moors may include a new central defender in their squad, while they are still missing Stephen Houlahan, Stuart Owen and Darren Griffiths because of suspension.

Consett, who beat Formby after a replay in midweek, will give striker Craig Tait a fitness test and Ian Irving returns.

Tow Law have a home tie against Padiham, from the North West Counties League Second Division and will be without Phil Brumwell and Graham Liddle, who are both suspended, while midfielder Peter Maughan is unavailable.

Crook have an attractive home tie against St Helens from the North West Counties League and welcome back Darren Harrison, Paul Stout, Karl Everitt and Phil McGuire. Ray Stanger is still injured.

Durham City are at home to Brodsworth from the Northern Counties East League, and are without midfielder Anth McStea. Defender Craig Rand has left the club for Bath University.

Billingham Synthonia have an injury doubt over Christian Hanson for their home game with UniBond League club Fleetwood, but are still without Tony Wood and Andrew Fletcher. Defender Craig Lake returns.

Norton take on Great Harwood, who beat Guisborough in a midweek replay, and include new centre half Matthew Ridley, signed from Billingham Synthonia, but are missing Mark Hand and Darren Morton.

Billingham Town have a tricky tie at Selby and welcome back Steve Flockett and Chris Emms, but full back Steve Huggins is unavailable.

Chester-le-Street go to Eccleshill but will be without midfielder Paul Richardson while youngster Kris Thackeray is added to the squad.

Horden, who beat three UniBond League clubs in the competition last season, are at home to Kendal who drew with Bishops in midweek.

But they only have one forward available in Lee Ure, because Kevin Devine is suspended and Steve Manson is unavailable.

Northallerton, at home to Winsford, give Dave Goodchild his full debut in defence because Micky Waller is unavailable. Midfielder Steve Cochrane is also injured.

Dunston go to UniBond League Ossett Albion without injured centre half Billy Irwin and midfielder Steve Pickering will have a fitness test.

Whitley Bay also go to UniBond opponents in Bridlington, and expect to be at full strength

Newcastle Blue Star stage their home game with Hallam at Alnwick because of the pitch refurbishment at the Wheatsheaf, strengthened by the return of former Sunderland striker Craig Russell.

Nissan Sunderland go across to Lancashire to play Rossendale, and welcome back four players - Gavin Cogden, Darren Sankey, Paul Milner and Mark Nicholson.

Bedlington have doubts over keeper Gareth Powell and midfielder Paul Newstead, while striker Steve Preen is missing for their trip to Yorkshire Amateurs in Leeds.

Seaham Red Star recall defender John Hutton and midfielder Dean Goodwin to their side at home to Atherton Colliery. Washington welcome back several players for their home tie with Stocksbridge.

West Auckland are at Whickham tomorrow afternoon, and are missing full back Brian Fairhurst, Colin Lawton and Neil Robinson.