Crook Town chairman Steve Buddle is relishing the prospect of former Premiership player Dean Gordon turning out against Billingham Town in their all-Northern League clash in the FA Vase this afternoon.

Crook's anxious wait for international clearance from Cyprus finally paid off in midweek, opening the way for the 32-year-old to sign for the Millfield club.

"He is a massive signing for us," said Buddle. "We are extremely excited that we have been able to sign him and look forward to seeing him in the famous black and amber kit. This has been a real team effort which has paid off to enable us to sign a quality player. Hopefully, his experience and skill will help us improve as a team and a club."

Gordon has played nearly 300 times for Middlesbrough and Crystal Palace and played in the Football League last season for Grimsby Town.

Crook are without striker Jonathan Milroy and defender Ray Stanger because of suspension.

Billingham Town are missing defender Steve Huggins and midfielder Stephen Flockett, but striker Chris Smith returns after suspension.

Billingham Synthonia are at Liversedge, the leaders of the Northern Counties East League. Defender and skipper Shaun Hope is suspended, while former Darlington defender Mark Sunley is out with a thigh injury

League champions Dunston have a difficult away tie at North West Counties League St Helens, who have beaten Northallerton and Marske this season. Defender Micky Farrey is ruled out through injury, while midfielder Danny Shore will have a fitness test. Dunston have signed striker Chris I'Anson from Bishop Auckland, but he is injured.

Last year's beaten semi-finalists, Jarrow Roofing, start at Thackley and are missing former Sunderland striker Craig Russell, who is cup-tied, while midfielder Stuart Dixon is injured.

West Allotment have the most difficult task of all the North-East clubs, away to runaway North West Counties League leaders Skelmersdale, who have dropped only five points in the league this season. They have an injury doubt over midfielder Dean Douglas, but strikers David Potts and David Wilary return.

Norton, the 300-1 outsiders in the competition, go to Colne and are missing defender Lee Bythway because of suspension and Steve Hodgson-Panicco, who is unavailable.

At least two more Northern League clubs are through to the next round.

Sunderland Nissan take on current league leaders Bedlington, who haven't lost in the league since the opening day of the season.

Nissan welcome back several players who missed the midweek game at Penrith, but Michael Canavan and Andy Lumsden are both cup-tied. Bedlington are without midfielder Paul Robinson because of suspension, while keeper Michael Robinson could return.

Thornaby go to Newcastle Benfield without striker Richie Storr and defender Mark Casey.