Crook Town know they need to win at Darlington RA this afternoon to stay in the second division promotion hunt.

Crook's involvement in the FA Vase, until they were knocked out three weeks ago, has meant they have fallen behind in their league games and still have enough games in hand to make a major impact on the promotion race.

"We must keep winning but we know this will be a tough game because they are going well," said manager Alan Oliver.

Striker Danny Mellanby has recovered from the ankle injury he picked up in the Vase and will be on the bench, but midfielder Karl Everitt is suspended.

The RA, who are second in the table pushing for their second successive promotion, have several injury problems, with strikers Steve Johnson and Chris Creamer ruled out, while Mark Wheldon and Neil Jackson will both have fitness tests.

In the first division, the game between Newcastle Benfield BP and Horden has been postponed with the league's permission because of the death of Susan Jones, the wife of Horden secretary Rob.

Tow Law are looking for their fourth successive win at home to Thornaby, who are fourth bottom. Keeper Darren Horrigan has a knee injury and defender Carl Beasley is suspended, but midfielders Stuart Niven and Gavin Maughan return.

Thornaby, who haven't won in 13 league matches, are without suspended striker Neil Campbell. Defenders Simon Shaw and Chris Lynch have gone to Bishop Auckland.

Shildon can do themselves a power of good in their relegation fight at Dean Street if they can beat Jarrow Roofing, who are two places and three points above them. Midfielder Neale Bartlett returns, but Andy Howarth and Andy Richardson are missing.

Jarrow, who have five games left, are without the suspended Paul Wardle.

Ashington could move out of the relegation zone if they beat Sunderland Nissan and Thornaby lose.

Leaders Newcastle Blue Star, who have been wobbling recently, are at home to Billingham Synthonia, with whom Star manager Tony Lee won the league almost two decades ago. Striker Ray Booth is suspended and striker Garry Barnes injured for the Star, while Synners are without injured defender Mark Sunley.

Dunston, who are second, are at Morpeth and will give defenders Michael Robson and Billy Irwin fitness tests.

West Auckland, who are sixth, face second-bottom Esh Winning. Striker Mattie Moffat appeared for Doncaster reserves in midweek, while Dale Jardine will have a fitness test. Relegated Esh are without striker Nigel Bolton, Jamie Arthur and Chris Smith, but hope to sign defender Jason Ritchie from Ashington.

Chester-le-Street are hoping that Jonny Wightman and Mark Errington return for their home game with West Allotment.

In the second division, leaders Consett go to Prudhoe without regular keeper James Platten, who has a hand injury.

Northallerton, who have won their last ten matches, go to full-strength Whickham and welcome back Peter Boldison and Micky Waller.

Guisborough, who are third bottom, add keeper Kevin Martin to their squad at Washington.

Spennymoor are at home to Ryton and will give leading scorer Warren Byrne a fitness test.

Norton striker John Outhwaite returns after suspension at home to North Shields.

Teesside Athletic, who have games in hand of all the six sides above them in the Wearside League, are in with a chance of clinching the championship but they must defeat Annfield Plain today.

The fixture has been switched to Green Lane, Redcar, because work is being carried out at Derwent Park.

"We are 13 points behind the leaders but they have played three games more. We still believe we are in with a shout but need a win again the Plain," said secretary Kevin Fryett, who reports that Ian Johnson, Simon Tonge and Gary Young are out. Steve Hodgson and Simon Welch, could play.

Fifth-top Stokesley SC go to Boldon CA, whose winning sequence ended last weekend. Stokesley miss Matthew Homan and Ben Walker, while Boldon include Wayne Goodwin and Graeme Nesbitt.

Wolviston are depleted for their game at New Marske. Richie Walker is suspended, Chris Allen injured and Paul Roberts is working.

At the bottom, Ferryhill Athletic line up against Cleator Moor Celtic with Jonathan Agar resuming as they attempt to avoid the wooden spoon for a second successive season.