Tony Lee yesterday returned to football when he was appointed manager of Newcastle Blue Star.

Lee has enjoyed plenty of success in North-East non-league football at Bishop Auckland, Billingham Synthonia, Whitby and Spennymoor and he will watch from the sidelines when Star go to Newcastle Benfield today.

Lee, who quit his last job at Spennymoor a year ago, said: "The club has big potential and they have plans for progressing the ground. The people at the club seem to be well organised. I'm really looking forward to being involved in management again."

Steve Locker will take charge of the team today but they are missing five players for various reasons.

Shildon are hoping that their first away win of the season at Newcastle Benfield in midweek is the start of better things and face Whitley Bay at Dean Street. Midfielder Brian Wood will be missing today because of suspension.

Durham City manager Andy Gowens is looking for his first league win when they entertain Ashington, who haven't scored in their last four league games. Strikers Danny Brunskill and Garry Barnes will both have fitness tests.

Esh Winning and Brandon, the two bottom clubs, meet at Waterhouses. Esh will give four players fitness tests and Danny O'Brien and Jamie Barton are unavailable. Brandon, who are two points adrift, have doubts over Chase McMullen and Trevor Hawthorne and James Hedley is out because of injury.

Tow Law are at home to Morpeth without striker Scott Emmerson.

West Auckland face Horden at Darlington Road and manager David Bayles is likely to start his second successive game. Danny Key, Danny Shoulder and Leigh Grant are doubts, but Adam Reid returns.

Horden, who beat Dunston in midweek, will give striker Lee Ure and Kevin Devine fitness tests, while Martin O'Riordan is definitely out.

Sunderland Nissan, who have lost their last three league games, are at home to Bedlington, themselves unbeaten in eight. Nissan will give striker Gavin Cogdon and midfielder Stephen Stewart fitness tests. Bedlington welcome back defender Steve Walklate.

West Allotment, who are fourth, are at home to Jarrow Roofing without midfielder Ben Dawson. Roofing welcome back defender Scott Garrett.

In the second division, Spennymoor can move into the top four if they can beat Norton at the Brewery Field. Martin Houlahan is expected to return to the midfield. Norton welcome back Lewis Powell and Jamie Dawson.

Darlington RA, who are fifth, go to North Shields. Full back Mark Hebdon and midfielder Jamie Chapman are injured.

Crook, who scored six in midweek, will be unchanged at Marske, with new signing Micky Ward, released by Bishop Auckland, starting.

Second bottom Kennek Ryhope CA are at home to bottom club Guisborough and welcome back recent signing Phil Ingram.

Ryton, who are on the fringe of the promotion race, are at home to Whickham without leading scorer Craig Burke, who has a hamstring injury.

Second Division leaders Consett are hoping for an FA Cup giantkilling today at home to Ossett Town from the UniBond League.

Consett have won every league game they've played this season but manager Kenny Lindoe knows his team is in for a battle after watching Ossett in midweek.

Defender Damien Maw returns after missing the midweek win over RA. Colin McKenzie and Stephen Brown need fitness tests. Defender David Johnson and midfielder Mark Patterson are cup-tied.

Billingham Synthonia also face a big test at home to North Ferriby, who are third in the UniBond League Premier Division.

Synners manager Stuart Coleby said: "We're certainly not thinking that we're going to lose. We know that every player has to be at his best but we've already beaten a team from the UniBond this season."

Defender Adam McMahon will have a fitness test on a hamstring injury but should be fit, but strikers Tony Wood and Andy Fletcher are both ruled out.

Bishop Auckland go to their old Amateur Cup rivals Skelmersdale, who are now flying high in the North West Counties League with nine wins from nine league games. On loan full back Chris Mason is missing because Harrogate Town won't allow him to be cup-tied, but manager Brian Honour has signed keeper Jack Norton on loan from Darlington and Quakers will allow him to play.

Midfielder Craig Robson returns and Micky Ward has been released.

Chester-le-Street entertain Leigh at Chester Moor.

Keeper Ian Aitken and midfielder Andy Cuthbertson are both doubtful, but new signing Curtis Taylor, from South Shields, is included.

Dunston meet Thornaby and strengthen their defence with the returns of Mark Taylor and Billy Irwin.

Blyth are at home to Prescot Cables.

Whitby, who have lost their last two matches, go across to Lancashire to play Trafford, while Gateshead are at Salford City.