Darlington RA manager David Woodcock has told his players not to spoil their recent good run in the Arngrove Northern League when they go to Prudhoe today.

RA have four straight wins from their first six away games in the second division and they are third in the table behind Seaham Red Star and Washington.

Woodcock said: "Our next two games, against Prudhoe and Consett, are proper tests. If we come out of them unbeaten, people might sit up and take notice.

"This season is all about learning as far as we're concerned and I don't want the players to throw their hard work away."

Midfielder Neil Jackson is unavailable, while defender Mark Hebdon is injured. The RA's first home game is on Wednesday, against Consett.

In the first division, West Auckland and West Allotment meet at Darlington Road. Auckland will give midfielder Ian Maddison and defender Leigh Grant fitness tests. Midfielder Danny Key returns. Allotment, who have put Brian Latty in charge of team affairs following the resignation of Terry Mitchell, are expected to be unchanged.

Shildon go to champions Dunston and will give defender Rob Bowman a fitness test. Dunston welcome back defender Billy Irwin but midfielder Steve Pickering has a back injury.

Jarrow Roofing take on Bedlington and include new defender Andy Liddle, signed from Seaham. Strikers Lee O'Donovan and Paul Hodgson are added to the squad. Bedlington could be unchanged.

Billingham Town tackle Ashington at Bedford Terrace, without defender Andrew Burton because of suspension and unavailable midfielder Chris Emms.

Thornaby could go top if they win their derby at Billingham Synthonia, who welcome back midfielders Michael Cater and Paul Campbell.

In the second division, Consett can go top if they win at bottom club Kennek Ryhope CA, who have given caretaker manager Steve Smith the job on a permanent basis. Ryhope have signed midfielder Phil Ingram from Chester-le-Street.

Norton, who haven't won yet this season, are at home to Washington and include new defender Stephen Purcifer. They have also signed former Darlington full back Garry Hinchley, but he is unavailable today.

Marske are without suspended pair Eddie Hebron and Michael Wilson at home to South Shields.

* Tow Law manager Graeme Clark has revealed that a meeting behind the goal persuaded him to join the Ironworks Road club.

Clark watched Lawyers' midweek home win over Benfield, and was appointed manager on Thursday night, ahead of today's FA Vase tie with Trafford.

"I was approached by a couple of their committee, and they asked me to meet them behind the goal at half time," he said. "They seemed pretty genuine people and there's a real feel of community spirit about the club. I felt wanted."

Clark will watch from the stands as the senior players choose the team today. Defender Carl Beasley is unavailable but striker Danny Craggs returns.

Durham City's new boss Andy Gowens meets his players this morning for the first time ahead of their home tie with Eccleshill.

Gowens unexpectedly moved from Blue Star during the week and said: "Durham is a club that is geared for success and hopefully I can provide them with some continuity. I'm coming here with an open mind."

Strikers Paul Taylor and Danny Brunskill will both have fitness tests.

Crook Town are looking for their second win over Ryton in a fortnight and they will be without striker Jonathan Milroy and defender Ray Stanger because of injury. Ryton include new signing Julian Freeman from Bedlington. Midfielder Steve Shaw returns after injury.

Chester-le-Street, who have had two wins in a week, are at Glasshoughton and will give Paul Richardson a fitness test. Gary Andison is suspended and Martin Bowes is doubtful.

Northallerton take on Sunderland Nissan. Midfielder Steve Cochrane is suspended, while Simon Corrigan will have a fitness test.

Nissan welcome back top scorer Gavin Cogdon, Mark Nicholson and Darren Sankey.

Brandon, without a win this season, are at home to Central Midlands League club Bottesford, and they will give fitness tests to Dean Clough, Trevor Hawthorne and Chase McMullen, so manager Alan Shoulder stands by to play.

Esh Winning are at home to Flixton without centre half Danny O'Brien, while new signing Ian Ward, from Willington, will have a fitness test along with Craig Coates and Jamie Arthur. Esh have also signed former Tow Law manager Geoff Young.

Horden have Andy Bowes, Martin O'Riordan and Matty Hyson returning for their home game with Bacup Borough.

Lee Ure, Craig Stephens and Stuart Dixon will be all be missing.