Consett manager Kenny Lindoe has ordered his players to maintain their effort after a record-breaking start to the season.

Consett, who face nearest rivals Seaham Red Star today, have set a Northern League record with 17 straight wins from the start of the Second Division season, but Lindoe, who won the league title with Brandon three years ago, has set his sights on much more.

"The title race is far from over," he said. "We have a big lead, but that can easily disappear. There is still a long way to go.

"If the lads maintain the same attitude and commitment then we can do it. I've told them that I haven't come to Consett to be second or third."

Lindoe helped clear the snow over the weekend from the Belle Vue pitch and will have a full squad to choose from.

Seaham include new signing Craig Jones while they have transfer-listed striker Andrew Jennings at his own request.

Both Shildon and Esh Winning need the points from their first division game at Dean Street.

Shildon, who are fourth bottom, will have an unchanged squad, and manager Gary Forrest said: "Three points are vital to us. We have four games coming up against teams in the bottom seven and they will shape the rest of our season."

Esh, who are ten points behind Shildon, have put keeper Dan Molyneux on the transfer list at his own request while Ian Bickerstaff and Rob Southern are missing.

Newcastle Blue Star, who are eight points clear at the top, are at home to West Auckland this morning and will be without defender Chris Neil but striker Ray Booth returns after suspension.

West will be missing midfielder Andy Cole for the rest of the season because of a broken ankle while Chris Renshaw is suspended.

Newcastle Blue Star's chances of lifting the First Division title might be strengthened if the league decide Bedlington played an ineligible player at Billingham Synthonia last month.

The issue centres on Kevin Morton who played in the 4-3 defeat but according to the league's website was not registered until a week after the game.

The league will make a decision on January 27.

Billingham Synthonia face Chester-le-Street at Central Avenue and they are without top scorer Micky Dunwell because of suspension while keeper John Jackson is still injured so Gary Riches replaces him.

Chester will give striker Gary Shields a fitness test, while Robbie Houghton and Robbie Draper both return.

Bedlington are at home to Newcastle Benfield BP but still have a couple of injuries, while Benfield will be missing top scorer Micky Chilton who has a hamstring injury. Stephen Young and Chris Laws will both have fitness tests.

Billingham Town welcome back midfielder David Yale after suspension for their game at Jarrow Roofing.

Tow Law are at home to Morpeth. Manager Graeme Clark is still waiting for international clearance for one of his targets while he is hoping to sign another player before the game.

Horden are going for their third successive win at bottom club Brandon and could go fourth if results go their way. Striker Anthony Dobell is missing otherwise they will be at full strength. Brandon will also be choosing from a full squad.

Second Division strugglers Peterlee have appointed Jeff Lester as their manager and he takes charge at home to South Shields. Peterlee have not won for six matches and have played more games than fellow strugglers Alnwick and Guisborough.

Crook Town will climb into the top seven at least if they win their tough game at Norton. Striker Danny Mellanby is suspended so Roy Allen will replace him. Norton, who are a point behind Crook, welcome back defender John Fielding.

Guisborough manager Andy Toman has included himself in the squad for their away game at Penrith, saying his side needs some experience. Chris Leadbitter, Paul Harvey and Danny Cobain are all missing. Guisborough have lost their last four matches.

Marske, who are hoping to catch the promotion pack, welcome back keeper Simon Corbett and defender Micky Ward at Alnwick.

Spennymoor have re-arranged their home game with Northallerton for tomorrow night.

* Dunston manager Bobby Scaife has agreed to take charge of a league select team to play Gretna on February 21 in a memorial game for goalkeeper Steve Tierney, who passed away earlier in the season. Joe Burlison and Brian Mulligan will be helping him.

* Bishop Auckland manager Brian Healy is hoping for another improvement when his side go to Rossendale in the First Division today.

Bishops lost 2-1 at home to Clitheroe last Monday but Healy was heartened by the performance.

"It was as good as we've played while I've been in charge," he said. "There were some very good signs, but what we need most of all is a little bit of luck."

Injured midfielder Dale Mendum is missing while Steve Winspear will have a fitness test.

Whitby, who are at Gateshead, have been hit by the news that midfielder Nicky Scaife will be out for the rest of the season because of a shoulder injury, while keeper David Campbell will also miss today's game because of an ankle injury.

Blyth have a tough game at league leaders North Ferriby.