FA Trophy

It's a case of third time lucky for the Seasiders, who twice tried to sign the former Bishop Auckland and Spennymoor striker during the summer. He is likely to replace injured Graeme Robinson.

Blyth, who play Chasetown in the last qualifying round of the FA Cup next Saturday, are at home to Belper.

Gateshead are at Bradford PA and include new signing Sam Kitchen, signed from Bedlington, for his second spell at the club.

Bishop Auckland have received a bye into the next qualifying round, and play the winners of Woodley Sports and Rossendale.

Wearside League Birtley Town will extend their lead at the top to five points if they win their re-arranged fixture at Harton and Westoe.

Manager Dave Smith said: "My only absentee is Shaun McAvoy and at the very least I expect us to maintain our unbeaten record."

Birtley have won seven and drawn three of their ten fixtures and, with 27 goals, are the leading scorers.

Only one other league game goes ahead with Willington at home to fourth-top Cleator Moor Celtic. Paul Bailes, who scored all three goals in the League Cup victory over Teesside Athletic, will again be included in the attack. Ryan Stonehouse, Andy Howard and Anthony Bussey all resume but Tony Stafford cannot play.

Gateshead Low Fell and Ryhope CW will make another attempt to play their first-round Wearside League Cup tie at the International Stadium. The Wearsiders have doubts over Peter Maughan and Michael Patterson.

Cleadon SC, who have taken 22 points from a possible 24, face Coxhoe Athletic but they will miss Finbar Lynch, Stephen Fyall and Kyle Pendergood. Coxhoe are again without Neil Charlton.

Boldon CA journey to Whitehaven without Mark Brown, who broke his arm at Annfield Plain last Saturday. Wayne Goodwin needs a late fitness test on a groin strain and Alan Anderson will be included.

Wolviston host Windscale at Metcalfe Park without Andy Robinson (groin) and Jimmy Kinson (ankle). Paul Wilson is working, but Paul Roberts is named alongside debutant Kevin Osman.

Stokesley are at home to Fishburn Park in the North Riding Senior Cup still without Jonathan Newton and Richard Hore but Robert Donnelly should play.

Teesside Athletic visit Dormans Athletic. Gareth Maidens and Stephen Hodgson return but Stephen Thompson, Shaun Taylor and Gary Young are out.

* Former Middlesbrough defender Christian Karembeu has announced his retirement.

The 34-year-old former France international, who won the 1998 World Cup, Euro 2000 and the 2001 Confederations Cup, had been without a club since spending six months with Ligue 1 side Bastia at the end of last season.

''I am stopping my career now and I will keep following football my way,'' he said on French radio RMC.

''I have no regrets, this is a well-thought out decision. I just want to start another career."