Darlington RA manager David Woodcock wants his players to launch a determined effort for promotion, starting today at home to Peterlee.

The RA were well below par when they lost to Chester-le-Street in the Durham Challenge Cup in midweek and Woodcock wants them to bounce back today and stretch their winning run in the league to six matches.

Midfielder Jamie Chapman could return to the squad after injury, while Peterlee are hoping to tighten a defence that is just four short of conceding a century of league goals.

In the first division, Shildon can take another step towards safety by winning at Sunderland Nissan. They will give defender Andy Howarth a fitness test but are missing defender Tom Ptak and striker John Ryan.

Nissan, a point ahead of Shildon, may make a new signing because strikers Gavin Cogdon and Kevin Shoulder are struggling to be fit.

Tow Law can do themselves and Shildon a favour by beating Ashington at Ironworks Road. Lawyers, who have won their last two, are missing striker Scott Emmerson because of a hamstring injury, so manager Graeme Clark is trying to sign a replacement. Ashington are 11 points from safety and without midfielder Lee Anderson.

West Auckland, unbeaten in five, are at home to Jarrow Roofing and will keep the team that beat Bedlington 5-1 last week. Roofing have a doubt over defender Andy Davies.

Former Billingham Town manager Alan Robinson returns with his current club, Horden, who are without defender Andy Bowes because of a cruciate injury and striker Kevin Devine is unavailable.

Town, who are fourth, are without Stephen Flockett, who scored a hat-trick in midweek, but striker Jamie Clarke returns.

League leaders Newcastle Blue Star are at home to West Allotment and they should be at full strength.

Star are 11 points clear at the top, while Billingham Synthonia can go second if they beat bottom club Esh Winning, who haven't won in 12. Synners are without injured keeper John Jackson, but striker Micky Dunwell returns.

Esh, who have only scored three league goals in three months, are missing Rob Southern and Danny O'Brien because of suspension, but Ian Bickerstaffe and Michael Adamson return.

Durham City, who have won just once in 11, have a tricky game at Morpeth and hope to welcome back midfielder Chris Scott.

Chester-le-Street are at home to Brandon missing midfielder Robbie Houghton and defender Anth March because of injury, while midfielder Gary Andison needs a fitness test.

Injury-hit Thornaby face Dunston at Teesdale Park without seven players because of injury, but striker Steve Larkin and defender Andy Harbron return, while they have signed defenders Luke Allen from Horden and David Johnson from Seaham. Dunston have signed former Darlington midfielder Nathan Jameson.

In the other second division games, Spennymoor are hoping to end their run of nine league matches without a win at home to Penrith, but they will be without midfielder Stephen Houlahan because of suspension, while defender Simon Bates is doubtful.

Leaders Consett, who are unbeaten in the league this season, have a tough game at Whickham and have a doubt over midfielder Colin McKenzie, while striker Andy Bulford returns.

Seaham Red Star can go third if they beat Alnwick and other results go in their favour. They include new signings Micky Ford (South Shields), Danny Haley (Hebburn) and Paul Catto (Buckie Thistle).

Second-placed Northallerton face Hebburn and they welcome back David Goodchild and Andy Swalwell after suspension, while Simon Kasonali also returns. Hebburn include new striker Keith Hutchinson, signed from Jarrow Roofing.

Norton take on Marske for the second time in four days after their 2-0 Craven Cup win in midweek. Midfielder Graeme Baverstock will have a fitness test but striker Steve Pitman returns. Marske have an injury doubt over defender Michael Kinnair.

* Bishop Auckland manager Brian Healy makes five changes for their game in the UniBond League First Division at Bamber Bridge today.

Defender Matty Hyson and striker Mark Sheeran are back in the squad for the game that Bishops must win to end a miserable spell of almost four months without a league win.

In the Premier Division, Whitby, who are at Marine, are without injured pair Tommy Raw and Chris Hudson, while Blyth could give a debut to midfielder Lewis Dodds at Lincoln United.