Crook Town pulled off a coup yesterday when they signed former Middlesbrough defender Dean Gordon. Gordon played during the summer for Apoel Nicosia in Cyprus but he has returned to this country and set up business in Darlington.

However, Gordon is unlikely to play at South Shields today because Crook are awaiting international clearance. His debut is likely to be at home to Jarrow Roofing on Wednesday.

Consett are aiming for ten out of ten when they go to Penrith in the second division today.

In the First Division, former Sunderland and Darlington striker Craig Russell is expected to make his debut for Jarrow Roofing at Tow Law.

Russell was signed in midweek from Newcastle Blue Star, and will be a replacement for Lee O'Donovan who has a broken leg. Defender Andy Davies and midfielder David Fort are both struggling with injuries.

Tow Law have defender Carl Beasley back, but Ian Davison is suspended.

Leaders Bedlington can strengthen their position at the top of the table if they beat Sunderland Nissan, and they expect to be close to full strength. Nissan, include new signing Andrew Lumsden from Washington, while keeper John Caffry and outfield players Darren Sankey and Stephen Stewart both return.

Shildon have a tough home game against Billingham Synthonia. Ben Everson, Danny Leicester, David Hutchinson and Simon Ord all have fitness tests, while Synners will give fitness tests to defenders Shaun Hope, Adam McMahon and Jamie Middleton.

West Auckland will be without suspended striker Lee Ellison for their game against West Allotment, with skipper Brian Fairhurst facing a fitness test.

Chester-le-Street are at home to Morpeth. There is a doubt over midfielder Robbie Houghton, but defender Darren Devlin returns. Colin Wake, Elliott Milburn and David Curry are all out injured.

Champions Dunston, who were surprisingly knocked out of the Durham Challenge Cup in midweek, need to bounce back against second bottom Esh Winning. Defender Billy Irwin returns, but they are still missing Micky Farrey and Michael Robson.

Esh are without Shaun Gregory, suspended, while Lee Suddes and Geoff Young will have fitness tests. Defender Marc Irwin has asked to go on the transfer list.

Thornaby are at Whitley Bay and they are without defenders Brendan Lowes, Mark Casey and Andy Harbron because of injury. Keeper Chris Simpson continues in goal.

Bottom club Brandon are at Newcastle Benfield BP, and include new signing Neil Peachey from Seaham Red Star. Benfield will give a fitness test to defender Johnny Brown, otherwise they are at full strength.

Ashington are looking for their first home win against Horden. Darren Timmons, Wayne Rigg and Chris Taylor all return, while Horden will give a debut to defender Tony Hall, signed from Bishop Auckland. However, they will still be without striker Lee Ure and midfielders Martin O'Riordan and Stephen Bell. They have been boosted by news that David Morgan has rejected a move to Gateshead.

In the other second division matches, third placed Darlington RA have a tough away game at Washington, who are above them in the table. The RA have lost their last two league games, and they will be without several players today because of injury, but Mark Wheldon, Nick Harrison and Paul Freary will all return, while former Shildon striker Nigel Bolton is also added to the squad. Washington are without Ben Starford, Andrew Potter, Steve Burns and Gareth McKenna, but David Anderson and Ben Gawthorpe return.

Northallerton go to Seaham Red Star without Steve Cochrane and Stuart Jackson, while Seaham will be at full strength.

Hebburn recall Paul Clegg and Danny Haley for their away game at Prudhoe, and include new centre half John Turnbull signed from Seaham Red Star.

Norton are at home to Kennek Ryhope CA, and welcome back Steve Pitman and Darren Morton, but Chey White is missing. Ryhope include new keeper Peter Roddam, while defender Paul Wardle returns after injury.

Ryton include new striker John Ludlow, signed from Bedlington, at home to Guisborough, while hoping Graham Blackett and Craig Burke can both return.

In the other games, Whickham are at home to Alnwick, and Marske face North Shields

Billingham Town are at Annfield Plain in a Durham Challenge Cup first round tie, and will be without striker Chris Smith because of suspension.