Crook Town manager Alan Oliver is hoping for a big crowd at the Millfield this afternoon to help his side into the last-32 of the FA Vase.

Crook are up against Daventry-based Ford Sports, who play in the United Counties League, and Oliver said: "The crowd can play a big part. If they get behind us, then that will make a big difference to the players.

"We had some good support in the last round against Billingham Town, so the players will really appreciate the same."

Crook are one of the lowest-ranked sides left in the competition, and Oliver said: "If the players can work as hard as they can and play to their potential, then we'll do OK.

"But it's not going to be easy. Just like us, Ford Sports have worked hard to get to this stage and won't give up easily."

Dean Gordon will play after a trial at Barnsley, while strikers Danny Mellanby and Roy Allen are expected to pass fitness tests. Jonathan Milroy and Karl Everitt are suspended.

Newcastle Benfield BP are at home to Stourbridge from the Midland Alliance and expect to have a fully fit squad.

Dunston go to Pickering from the Northern Counties East League hoping to avoid defeat at the hands of their North Yorkshire opponents for the second successive season.

Striker Chris I'Anson will have a fitness test, otherwise they should be at full strength.

Bedlington have a long trip to Newcastle Town from Staffordshire, without James Harmison and John Milner.

* Bishop Auckland manager Brian Healy is hoping his side's revival will begin today at Kidsgrove.

Bishops are bottom of the UniBond League First Division, seven points from safety, but Healy feels a much-needed victory is around the corner.

"If we cut out the daft mistakes at the back I expect us to get at least a point," he said. "We will try and keep it tight. We'll take a goalless draw, but if we can take one of the chances that will come our way, then all the better."

Mark Sheeran, Damon Robson and Danny Fox have all recovered from flu.

In the Premier Division, Whitby have an attractive home game against third-placed Marine, while Blyth go to AFC Telford. Gateshead are at Matlock.

* Teesside Athletic aim to avenge an early-season defeat when they meet Wolviston in the second round of the Monkwearmouth Charity Cup at Redcar.

Current form favours Teesside, who have put together a winning sequence which has moved them into third position.

Teesside are missing captain Ian Johnson and Liam Wood and a doubt surrounds Andrew Mitchell. Steve Hodgson, Simon Welch and Ian Mudd return.

Wolviston miss Richard Walker, who recently joined Bishop Auckland, while Paul Roberts is working. Andrew Robinson and Stephen Lewis resume.

Stokesley SC have home advantage over New Marske, who expect to field a much stronger line-up than in recent weeks. Stokesley recall Michael Wilson, Andrew Murphy and James Alsop and hope that Jonathan Newton and Richard Hore may be able to take some part in the game.

Jarrow are confident of signing Andy Colledge from Birtley Town in time for him to make his debut when the sides clash at Perth Green. Jarrow name Brad Thompson, Mark Rumbles and Andrew Barclay.

Second-top Cleadon SC have refused to play on Whitehaven's artifical surface, where they were beaten 3-1 a few weeks ago.

They make the visit to Cumbria with a near full-strength pool of players to choose from. The only absentee is Stephen Fyall.

In the league, Willington meet Ryhope CW minus Philip Foster and David Snow but Michael Abson comes into the plans of manager Mark Fanning. Ryhope again miss injury victims Kevin Benison, Kevin Burns, Craig Smith and Philip Short.