SHILDON are poised to give a debut to former Darlington midfielder Phil Brumwell in today’s derby at West Auckland.

Brumwell stunned Whitby Town, where he had been joint manager, last week by quitting, stating that he wants to concentrate on playing for at least two more years.

Another former professional, Mark Tinkler, who played for Hartlepool and Leeds, joined the Railwaymen from Whitby a fortnight ago.

West are trying to end a run of nine league games without a win, as they have slipped down the table to 17th.

Leaders Consett, who haven’t played a league game for over a month, have a tough home game against Dunston, who have an injury doubt over former Consett midfielder Stephen Brown, as well as Jack Burns and Mark O’Bern.

Chester-le-Street, who haven’t won in five, welcome back Robbie Draper, Craig Price and Steven Stewart at home to Tow Law,, who should be at full strength.

Whitley Bay, who have steadily climbed the table into fifth place, will be without injured defender Chris Timmons at home to West Allotment, who welcome back defender Steve Locker.

Northallerton, who haven’t won for seven to drop to fourth bottom, are without suspended striker Carl Chillingsworth for their game at Penrith.

Seaham Red Star, fresh from their win over Bedlington last week, are looking for another against bottom club South Shields, but they are missing five players because of injury.

Ryton, who have announced that chairman Steve Murray has left the club, are without keeper Ben Starford at home to Sunderland Nissan, who could make changes to their side following their defeat by Spennymoor last week.

Nissan have transferred former Aston Villa and Darlington striker Neil Tarrant to his home town club Darlington RA.

In the second division, third-placed Horden could give former Hartlepool and Darlington midfielder Jon Cullen his home debut against Sunderland RCA, but they have doubts over Ian Clark and Steve Thomas.

The RCA hope that striker Adam McGuinness will return, but Glenn Moan and Gary Anderson are both injured.

Esh Winning are without Chris Smith because of suspension at home to Brandon, but Robbie Blemmings and Shaun Gregory return.

Birtley, who are hoping to stage only their second home game in three months against Washington because of pitch problems, will be missing defender Scott Garrett, while Washington are missing midfielder Richie Paxton.

Crook Town manager Peter Dixon makes changes for their trip to Ashington following their 6-1 home defeat last week, and one of those could be Andrew Green, who returns from suspension.

Bishop Auckland have arranged to play South Shields in a first division game on Tuesday night at West Auckland, kick-off 7.30.

Four of the five leading sides play in today’s reduced Wearside League programme and Newton Aycliffe will still be in pole position regardless of the result at New Marske.

Aycliffe have taken the league by storm during their first season and enjoy a sevenpoint lead over Coxhoe Athletic. They are 13 ahead of New Marske, who have four games in hand.

The Seasiders have hit form in recent weeks and their chances are boosted with the signing of two players.

Phil Northway has been out of the game for some time recovering from a car accident and Jamie Dewing has moved from Marske United. Sean Mackin misses out with an ankle injury and Danny Wilkinson is doubtful.

Newton Aycliffe name Danny Mellanby after a swift return to fitness after being sidelined for nearly two months. The former Darlington player scored four goals in his last outing against Boldon CA and his inclusion is a major advantage to Aycliffe as Stuart Meney, Michael Leighton and Paul Stout are all out. Wolviston cannot name Ian Bishop, Guy Whatmore or Lee Butterworth at home to fourth-top Easington Colliery.