Darlington RA manager Dave Woodcock has told his players to remain focused for their promotion battle against Washington today.

The RA are having a glorious season, and have climbed up to second in the table on the back of 13 unbeaten games, and, if they win today, they could be on the verge of a second successive promotion.

But Woodcock, without Andrew Singlewood today, isn't getting carried away.

"We mustn't take anything for granted, just because we're second,'' he said. "There are still a lot of tough games to come yet, and today's game will be one of the toughest.''

Washington, in fourth just six points behind, welcome back midfielder Richie Paxton.

In the first division, Shildon, who have dropped to fourth bottom, have a tough game at leaders Newcastle Blue Star.

Midfielder Neale Bartlett is playing for the Army, while Andrew Richardson is doubtful. The Star, 13 points clear, will give Garry Barnes a fitness test.

Tow Law are at Sunderland Nissan, and are missing midfielder Stuart Niven and defender Carl Beasley because of suspension, but defender Curtis Taylor returns. Nissan are missing striker Gavin Cogdon, who has broken a bone in his hand.

Both Shildon and Tow Law will be keeping an eye on the progress of third-bottom Ashington, who are at Thornaby.

Horden's new boss Brian Honour takes charge for the first time at West Allotment, but he will be missing Stephen Bell, Tony Hall and Anthony Dobell because of suspension, while Martin O'Riordan, Darren Atkinson and Darren Roulston are also missing. Midfielder Jason Ainsley has left.

Billingham Synthonia, second, are at home to Whitley Bay, missing striker Lee Flanagan, who has a hamstring injury.

Bedlington, who have five games in hand on Synners, are at joint-bottom Brandon.

West Auckland, sixth, are at Morpeth for the first of two games against their opponents in four days. Player-manager David Bayles returns along with midfielder Ian Maddison.

Billingham Town, fourth, go to relegated Esh Winning, and are hoping that Richie Ward can return. Esh have signed defender Allan Colledge from Consett.

In the other second division games, leaders Consett, who have lost just once in 26, can damage Penrith's promotion chances if they win at Belle Vue.

Recent signings Carl Piecha and David Anderson are included in the Consett squad, but they are missing injured pair David Johnson and Alan Oliver.

Northallerton, third, are at home to Seaham Red Star, and are without midfielder Steve Cochrane because of suspension, while defender Jock Williams has a rib injury.

Guisborough add keeper Danny Yates to their squad at home to Ryton.