Shildon manager Gary Forrest knows that his side can't afford to lose their six-pointer against Tow Law this afternoon.

Both clubs are looking over their shoulders at third-bottom Ashington, and Forrest whose side is eight points ahead of Ashington having played two games more, said: "This is a very important game for us.

"Our next two matches are against two of the leading sides, Blue Star and Billingham Synthonia, while Ashington have the two bottom clubs, Esh Winning and Brandon, coming up. We need some breathing space."

Striker John Ryan returns to what will probably be a full strength side. Tow Law, meanwhile, are just one place and one point above Shildon.

Manager Graeme Clark includes new signing Mattie Gowland, while Ian Davison returns.

Billingham Synthonia can do themselves as well as Shildon and Tow Law a favour by beating Ashington at Central Avenue.

Synners need to win to stay in the hunt for second place, and they will be without striker Lee Flanagan (hamstring), while Ashington include former Hartlepool striker Paul Beavers, signed from Whitley Bay.

Leaders Newcastle Blue Star, 14 points clear, are at Jarrow Roofing, and they will be missing defender Chris Neil(suspended), and striker Ray Booth (injured).

They have also signed youngster Levent Yalcin, once with Middlesbrough. Roofing are without suspended midfielder Stuart Dixon, but they have signed Colin Nesbitt from South Shields, while Paul Wardle and Andy Davies both return.

Second-placed Bedlington will be without suspended Gary Pearson at home to Chester-le-Street, while keeper Marc Riches should return.

Chester are without leading scorer Phil Bell (suspended). Dunston face Billingham Town who are fourth. Striker Chris I'Anson is injured, while Ian Dixon, Scott Robson and Nathan Jameson have fitness tests.

West Auckland, just behind the top four after a run of nine games unbeaten, are at home to another in-form side, Sunderland Nissan, unbeaten in eight.

West will be at full strength, while Nissan are without midfielder Tony Skedd because of suspension. West striker Mattie Moffat, who recently scored in seven successive league games, is interesting Crystal Palace.

Durham City, unbeaten in seven, face Newcastle Benfield, and will be at full strength, while Benfield will be without Dean Fuller, who is suspended.

Bottom club Esh Winning have signed former Shildon full back Steve Ritchie, but he is unavailable against Horden.

Midfielder Lee Suddes will have a fitness test, while striker Nigel Bolton makes his home debut. Tony Hall and Andy Bowes return for Horden.

Troubled Thornaby are at West Allotment, and are missing James Magowan and Andy Harbron because of suspension, while Simon Shaw, Mark Salmon and Luke Allen all return. They could be in trouble with for using suspended Andy Harbron in the League Cup in midweek.

Second Division leaders Consett, unbeaten in 24 league games, are at Guisborough who are undergoing a revival. Strikers Michael Mackay and Scott MacDonald as well as midfielder Colin McKenzie, are all doubtful with injuries, but another striker, Andy Bulford, will return.

Third-bottom Guisborough hope to sign a keeper because Danny Yates is unavailable.

Northallerton, second, include new signings Drew Lambert and Peter Boldison at home to North Shields, but midfielder Steve Cochrane is suspended.

Third-placed Darlington RA are at home to Seaham Red Star, and welcome back striker Paul Freary, but they are missing Lee Johnson and Marc Radmore. Seaham have signed Matty Hyson.

FA Vase heroes Crook need to beat Ryton to keep their promotion hopes alive. Midfielder Neil Robinson is suspended and defender Les Langley has been made available for transfer.

Norton who are at Prudhoe, have re-signed former player Liam Aldridge, while Darryl Tomlinson returns.

Bottom club Peterlee are at home to Marske United, who are missing Simon Millington. Kennek Ryhope CA face Penrith.