Second Division Peterlee are looking for a new manager again after Phil Brown quit after just four days in the job.

Brown was appointed after last Saturday's defeat by Consett following the departure of Trevor Jones, but chairman Trevor Davies received a letter of resignation from him on Thursday night.

"Phil told us that he couldn't accept it because of personal circumstances, but it means that we're back to square one again," said Davies.

The club is already seeking a financial injection, and Davies said: "I've never known anything like it. The only way is up now."

It's the second time a manager has quit Peterlee in a short space of time - Brian Maitland was in charge for just a day last season.

Peterlee are second bottom, and welcome back top scorer Craig Jones for this afternoon's away game at North Shields, who will be without midfielder Tony Colquhoun.

In the first division, second bottom Esh Winning, who are nine points adrift of safety, play Thornaby and they expect to have a full squad, except for the unavailable Paul Bellamy. Thornaby, who are seventh, welcome back defender Andy Harbron.

Newcastle Blue Star can go five points clear at the top if they can beat Billingham Town, who have lost just once away from home this season. Star have added to their squad by signing full-back Anth McStea from Durham City and he will go straight into the starting line up.

Town are without midfielder David Yale because of suspension and striker Chris Smith because of injury.

Third-placed Billingham Synthonia are at Horden and are missing striker Neil Radigan because of suspension, while Tony Woods and Michael Cater will have fitness tests. Horden have an injury doubt over keeper Phil Naisbitt, but Martin O'Riordan, Steven Bell and Craig Stephens all return.

Durham City are hoping to end their run of five games without a goal at Sunderland Nissan, who dropped into the bottom three last week. City are expected to include new signing Gareth Bainbridge from Newcastle Blue Star. Nissan are without midfielder Stephen Stewart, but new signing Kevin Shoulder, who was at Brandon earlier in the season, will make his debut.

West Auckland could go into fourth tonight if they beat Whitley Bay at Darlington Road, but they will be without striker Mattie Moffat, midfielder Danny Key and defender Danny Richmond all because of injury. Whitley are unbeaten in their last nine league matches.

Shildon, who are fifth bottom, will probably give midfielder Andrew Richardson his debut at Chester-le-Street, but they will be without top scorer Wayne Gredziak because of suspension. However, Tom Ptak returns to the defence after suspension. Chester will give defender Steve Banks a fitness test.

Tow Law, who are below midtable but only six points off fourth, expect to be at full strength at West Allotment.

Brandon have appointed former Tow Law assistant manager Brian Fowler as their number two and he will be in the dugout for their home game with Jarrow Roofing. They could have two new signings, while Roofing are without Andy Allen because of suspension.

Ashington are hoping to extend their unbeaten run to eight league games at neighbours Morpeth, and will be without injured pair Mark Campbell and Alan Hogg.

In the second division, Consett are looking for their 16th straight win at home to Alnwick and they should be at full strength for the game that kicks off at 1.45 because of floodlight problems.

Second-placed Spennymoor go to Whickham, two places below them. Moors' midfielder Stephen Houlahan is suspended, while they could include a new signing. Whickham are missing Gary Innes and Peter Craddock.

Washington, in third, meet Norton and include new striker Chris Gillespie, signed from Prudhoe, but Carl Magnay and Graham Liddle are missing. Norton include new signings Neville Fuller and Matthew Martin.