Moors ready for their ‘cup final’

Town go into the game at the Brewery Field fourth in the table, but they are just four points off the top, with at least four games in hand on the clubs above them.

They lost at fellow title rivals Newcastle Benfield in midweek, and Ainsley said; “This is a massive game for us, because we need to start winning again.

“All games are difficult at this stage of the season and there are always going to be upsets when you play so many games in such a short space of time. The lads have done brilliant to get us into this position and they have to keep battling away.”

Defenders Mark Foster and Leon Carling could both return after missing the midweek defeat, while striker Chris Lawther will have a fitness test.

Consett, who dropped points in midweek against Seaham Red Star and have been joined at the top of the table by Newcastle Benfield, are at home to Billingham Town, and manager Kenny Lindoe could make changes.

Town, who haven’t won since Boxing Day, will be at full strength, with Richie Walker added to the squad.

The race to avoid relegation intensifies in the first division.

West Auckland, who haven’t won for four matches and are now joint bottom, are at home to Chester-le-Street, and they add Garry Barnes and Neil Lowden to their squad, but recent signings Tony Callaghan and Daniel Kent are both out through injury.

Striker Lee Ellison is also added to the squad after missing the midweek game.

Chester will have a full squad to choose from.

Northallerton, who are now third bottom, face Sunderland Nissan, who are playing their third game in five days.

Northallerton manager Mark Fanning adds Kallum Holbrook, Ross Hodgson and Grant Hickman to his side, while Nissan will be at full strength.

Bishop Auckland play Ashington for the second time in three days, this time at Woodhorn Lane, Bishops having won 4-0 on Thursday night to lift them out of the bottom three. Manager Colin Myers could pick the same team.

Seaham Red Star, who are joint bottom with West Auckland, play Shildon, and will be without Josh De Silva and Paul Griffiths because of injury.

Shildon, who are also playing their third game inside five days, are without midfielder Daniel Moore, while Mark Tinkler, Mattie Gowland and Justin Keegan will all have fitness tests.

Monday’s Durham Challenge Cup finalists Billingham Synthonia take on Penrith at Central Avenue, and manager Chris Rooney could rest some players with Monday’s crunch against Durham City in mind, but striker Jamie Magowan is missing anyway because of suspension.

Tow Law, who have still got ten games left, head to Morpeth and will give striker Lee Hamilton a fitness test.

In the other game, Ryton take on Bedlington.

In the second division, Horden, who need two wins from four games to win promotion, can move one step closer if they win at Guisborough, and manager Simon Corbett adds John Cullen to a squad of 20.

Guisborough, who haven’t scored in their last two matches, could be close to full strength.

Sunderland RCA, the only real threat to the top three, are at Jarrow Roofing, and manager Neil Hixon could make changes after dropping points in midweek at Marske.

Roofing are missing three players, Paul Catto, Craig Tate and Martin Thompson because of suspension, while striker Craig Nelson is unavailable.

Two clubs who have missed out on promotion, Crook and Marske, meet at the Millfield.

Crook will be close to full strength, except for midfielder Tom Berj, who is suspended, while Marske, who can still finish fourth, welcome back striker Craig Skelton and midfielder Derek Bradley, but Richie Ward is injured.

Darlington RA, who are safe from relegation, have another keeper crisis at home to North Shields, and they have put 46-year-old Craig Watson on standby as nine keepers are unavailable. They’ve got plenty of outfield players though, and should have a good squad.