Darlington RA manager David Woodcock is waiting on the fitness of star striker Warren Byrne in this afternoon's FA Vase clash against Dunston.

The RA have made a promising start this season, but today's challenge doesn't get much bigger with league champions Dunston the opponents.

Byrne has been one of the reasons why RA have done so well, with 24 goals in all competitions so far.

"Three of our players are going to have fitness tests this morning," he said. "If they're all fit, then we'll be near our strongest side. If they're not, then it will leave a massive hole. But whatever our team, we'll still be giving it a real go.

"It's a huge game, possibly the biggest since I took over as manager seven years ago. We've come a long way in such a short space of time, and it will be a very proud moment for everybody."

Marc Radmore and Mark Wheldon will also be having fitness tests this morning, while Dunston are without keeper Stuart Dawson and outfield players Ian Dixon and Kane Young. Simon Corbett will replace Dawson.

At least three more Northern League teams will go through.

West Auckland face Billingham Synthonia at Darlington Road. West, who lost to Synners earlier in the season,will be without striker Lee Ellison because of suspension and defender Brian Fairhurst because of injury, while midfielder Adam Reid will have a fitness test.

Synners are without suspended centre-half Adam McMahon and Jamie Middleton will have a fitness test.

Improving Ashington face Thornaby at Portland Park and are hoping that midfielder Brian Nelson and striker Paul Hollier will return, while Thornaby are without defenders Mark Casey, Andy Harbron and Brendan Lowes.

Newcastle Benfield BP have a tricky home game against Whickham, who haven't lost in 12. Skipper Alu Bangura will have a fitness test for Paul Baker's side.

Consett have a tough home game against Cammell Laird, one of the fancied teams from the North West Counties League. Striker Michael Mackay is ineligible, while Gary Forbes will have a fitness test.

Crook are at home to Winsford, another NWCL team. Crook are still waiting for international clearance for former Middlesbrough defender Dean Gordon, while Paul Stout and Karl Everitt are injured. Winsford went out at Northallerton earlier in the season in the FA Cup when the game had to be abandoned because they were down to six men.

Norton, who had a good result in the last round against Sheffield, are at Armthorpe, and are strengthened by the return of Graeme Baverstock and Che White.

Sunderland Nissan face Abbey Hey from Manchester and include new signing James Huntley from Gateshead, but Andy Lumsden and Michael Canavan are cup-tied having already played for Washington and Horden respectively.

Seaham Red Star go over the Pennines to Oldham Town, and will give defender John Hutton a fitness test.

Charlie Bell takes charge of Marske on his return to the club at home to St Helens, but he will have to deal with several injuries and suspensions.

Prudhoe are at Trafford, who have already accounted for Durham and Tow Law in the competition, while Alnwick are at home to Glasshoughton.

Bishop Auckland will give new keeper John Mohan his debut against high-flying Mossley at the Brewery Field today.

Former Synthonia keeper Mohan has been signed from Durham City and will play as Bishops try to climb out of the bottom two and bounce back from last week's poor defeat at Spalding.

Manager Brian Healy said: "I'm expecting to learn more about the players I've got."