Darlington RA manager David Woodcock has set his side a five-win target to clinch promotion, starting today against Alnwick at Brinkburn Road.

The RA have surprised everybody by climbing up to second, but last week their 17-game unbeaten run was ended at Whickham.

Woodcock is now pushing his players for one last effort over the last eight games.

"The promotion race is going down to the wire," he said.

"I've said for weeks that it isn't done and dusted and several teams can still pip us, especially as we've still got some of the teams around us to play.

"I believe that five more wins might be enough - but if we play like we did last Saturday against Whickham, we won't get any."

Steve Johnson faces a fitness test and there is also a doubt over another striker, Chris Creamer.

In the first division, West Auckland could go second if they beat Tow Law.

West are missing suspended duo Chris Renshaw and Dale Jardine. Lawyers, fifth bottom, welcome back midfielder Stuart Niven, while Carl Pepper has a fitness test.

Billingham Synthonia are at home to Shildon, who need the points to stay out of relegation danger. Synners are at full strength, while Shildon include Daniel Cooper, once of Mansfield.

Billingham Town, who are fifth, are at West Allotment and will be without Richie Ward and Andrew Burton because of injury

Dunston, who are sixth, are at relegated Esh Winning and are still without injured duo Chris I'Anson and Richie Pitt.

Esh, who were relegated a fortnight ago, are without striker Chris Smith.

Sunderland Nissan face Bedlington for the fourth time this season, having lost to them in the league and a Vase replay. Leading scorer Gavin Cogdon is missing because of a hand injury, while midfielder Kevin Bruce returns after a year out because of injury.

Third bottom Ashington are at Horden, who are without suspended pair Steven Bell and Tony Hall, while Martin O'Riordan is injured.

The teams fighting relegation are trying to overtake Thornaby, who haven't won in 14 matches and are sixth from bottom.

Under new manager Steve Todd, they're at home to Whitley Bay and striker Neil Campbell is suspended.

Chester-le-Street go to Morpeth with Jonny Wightman and Mark Errington back in the squad, while Brandon will be down tonight if they lose at home to Newcastle Benfield, who will give leading scorer Micky Chilton a fitness test.

Third-bottom Guisborough could be safe if they beat second-bottom South Shields.