DURHAM City have announced they will be applying for promotion to the UniBond League at the end of the season.

No club from the ANL has moved up the system for nearly a decade, mainly for financial reasons, but Durham secretary Kevin Hewitt said: "We're keen to move upwards.

"We have two new directors and the board wants to move on. We don't hate anything about the Northern League, but as a club we're very ambitious.

"We think our ground will be up to standard, so we need to make sure that we finish in a high position in the league."

There is another possible re-organisation coming up at the end of the season in the national system, and Durham will be hoping to take advantage of that, but will probably have to finish in at least a top three position and ensure the Archibalds Stadium - which stages Sunderland reserve games - is up to the required standard.

City are at Shildon today and include new midfielder Richie Alderson, who has played for Spennymoor and York City.

Shildon, who have had some good results against the leading sides in recent weeks, welcome midfielder Brian Wood back into the squad after suspension, while Danny Leicester, David Hutchinson and Simon Ord all have fitness tests.

Former Newcastle defender Steve Howey will be in charge of Brandon's game at West Allotment this afternoon.

Howey, who has been coaching Brandon this season as part of his FA coaching badges, has been handed the managerial reins by Alan Shoulder, who has been suspended by Durham FA following an incident in the technical area during a match last month.

Shoulder said: "I've received a letter telling me that I've been suspended for five weeks both as a player and as a manager, so Steve is in charge."

Brandon are bottom and will be without striker Kevin Shoulder because of suspension this afternoon.

Allotment, who are one of four clubs on 20 points, could be at full strength.

Newcastle Blue Star can close the gap on leaders Bedlington to three points if they beat Tow Law at the Wheatsheaf, but will be without midfielder Jon Cullen because of injury.

Lawyers include new keeper Darren Horrigan from Bishop Auckland. They have made Peter Maughan and Dan Appleby available for transfer.

Second-bottom Esh Winning need a good result at Horden to avoid slipping further adrift. Defender Shaun Gregory returns after suspension, while manager Vince Kirkup has signed midfielder striker Mark Turner from Chester-le-Street and Craig McManus.

Horden have lost defender Luke Allen and midfielder Danny Fox to Bishop Auckland, but midfielder Stephen Bell returns.

Chester-le-Street, at Morpeth, will give new defender Andy Bowes, previously with Bedlington and Dunston, his debut, while they have a doubt over midfielder Robbie Houghton. Defender Anthony March returns after suspension.

In the second division, Northallerton face bottom club Guisborough. Defender Stuart Jackson returns after suspension, while striker John Ryan has asked to go on the transfer list.

Kennek Ryhope CA, who are fifth bottom, have a doubt over striker Craig Ellison at home to second-placed Washington, who are hoping to sign some cover because several players are injured.

Hebburn, unbeaten at home, will give Stuart Patterson and Joe Donaghie fitness tests at home to North Shields.