Consett insist that their promotion hopes are still on course even though leading scorer Craig Tate has gone to Morpeth.

Tate is the second top scorer in the Second Division with 14 league goals and 26 in all competitions, but has decided to swap Consett's 100 per cent league record for the bottom half of the First Division.

Consett manager Kenny Lindoe said: "It all came out of the blue. Morpeth made the player and the club an offer which neither of us could refuse.

"We've still got four strikers, Andy Bulford, Scott McDonald, Michael Mackay and Gary Forbes, who are all capable of scoring goals, as can Kraig Wilkinson from midfield. We think that we can overcome his departure."

Consett, who have won 14 league games to put them ten points clear at the top, will still be at full strength, while Peterlee, who parted company with manager Trevor Jones last week, are missing striker Craig Jones.

In the first division, Durham City are hoping to end a run of four games without a goal when they entertain Horden.

City manager Andy Gowens will give a fitness test to another striker, Michael Fenwick.

Horden have also signed a new striker, former Peterlee and Murton forward Anthony Dobell, but are without midfielder Stephen Bell, while Jason Ainsley will have a fitness test.

League leaders Bedlington, unbeaten at home, face Morpeth at Welfare Park. Justin Keegan is suspended and James Harmison is injured, but Paul Robinson returns.

Second placed Newcastle Blue Star face Sunderland Nissan at the Wheatsheaf in only their fifth home game of the season.

Midfielder Michael Oliver makes his long-awaited debut following his move from Bishop Auckland, while striker Ray Booth is back in contention.

Nissan are without Stephen Stewart and Paddy Little, while they expect to sign striker Kevin Shoulder next week.

Billingham Synthonia, who are third, face a youthful Brandon side at Central Avenue, and welcome back skipper Shaun Hope after suspension, but they have injury doubts over Tony Wood, Michael Cater and Mark Sunley.

Brandon manager BJ Heijmans has a full squad to choose from.

West Auckland, in fifth, go to Newcastle Benfield and are without Danny Richmond and Neil Bell, but Chris Renshaw returns after suspension and striker Colin Lawton is expected to start.

Shildon aim to bounce back at home to Billingham Town, and they will give a debut to new signing Gary Turton, but Andrew Richardson is unavailable.

Town, who are fourth, are without midfielder David Yale because of suspension, but David Turner, Steve Huggins and Stephen Flockett all return.

Tow Law, just below midtable but only five points off fourth , are at full strength at home to Chester-le-Street, are still missing Colin Wake and Elliott Milburn.

Whitley Bay,unbeaten in nine matches, could go fourth if they beat Dunston and results go in their favour.

Whitley are expected to be unchanged, while Dunston's new signing Chris I'Anson could be on the bench. Kane Young and Michael Farrey return.

Jarrow Roofing are strengthened by the return of midfielder Keith Hutchinson for their home game with Thornaby, who include new striker Jamie Magowan.

Ashington, unbeaten in their last six league matches but still third bottom, hope Paul Hollier and Christen Priest pass fitness tests before their game at West Allotment, for whom striker Paul Wilary returns.

The game of the day in the second division is at second-placed Spennymoor, who play Washington, a place below them.

Moors are close to full strength except for John Guy who has a broken bone in his hand.

Northallerton, up to fifth, are at Alnwick, and welcome back Carl Chillingsworth, Stuart Jackson and Graeme Williams.

Crook are at home to bottom club Guisborough, and are missing Jonathan Milroy and Karl Everitt because of suspension, while Danny Mellanby is injured. Guisborough include four new signings, one of them Chris Leadbitter, once of Plymouth Argyle.

Whickham, who are fourth, have a tough game at Penrith, and should be at full strength.

Darlington RA, who have dropped into midtable because of recent inactivity, are at Marske and welcome back striker Warren Byrne, but Paul Freary is out through while James Chapman, Steve Johnson and Mattie Gowland are all struggling. Marske welcome back defender Gary Hinchley after injury.

Seaham Red Star include new midfielder Dave Anderson in their squad at Prudhoe.

Kennek Ryhope CA can climb further away from trouble if they beat North Shields, but striker Craig Ellison is injured. Shields have Andy Matthews, Martin Lamb and Ian Dugdale returning.

Norton, who have improved considerably over the last few weeks, are at home to South Shields and will be missing defender Lee Bythway, while Hebburn will be unchanged for the visit of Ryton.