Bishop Auckland manager Colin Myers is hoping that his team can give unbeaten Spennymoor their usual close game in their local derby this afternoon.

“I think since I took over at Bishops, there has only been one game that Spennymoor have dominated, all the others have been really tight affairs. This could be a banana skin for them, the pressure is on them to win.”

Keeper Jake Jackson returns in goal after missing the midweek win over South Shields, while midfielders Adrian Webster and Dale Jardine, plus striker Arran Wearmouth will all have fitness tests.

Second in the table Spennymoor, who have dropped only two points in 14 league games, are without winger Craig Ruddy, while striker Mark Davison, midfielder Keith Graydon and defender Micky Laws could all return to the starting line up after being rested in midweek.

Bottom club Newton Aycliffe have a local derby at home to West Auckland, and they will give fitness tests to striker Danny Earl and Danny Mellanby, while defender Mark Peck returns after suspension.

West, who are in fifth place, are without striker Mattie Moffat and defender Andrew Green, both because of suspension.

Billingham Town and Sunderland RCA face each other for the second time in four days, the RCA having won their Durham Challenge Cup tie by the best of nine goals in midweek.

Town, who are third bottom, include new full back James Crossman, signed from Norton, and he begins his second spell at the Town. Striker Micky Dunwell and midfielder Chris Garbutt could both return after injury.

The RCA include new signing Elliott Cutts from Durham, while midfielders Brian Close, Scott Richards and Steve Halliday all return.

Shildon are at Guisborough, where they won 6-0 in the FA Cup earlier in the season. Shildon boss Gary Forrest has several injury problems to contend with, as Billy Greulich-Smith, Chris Hughes, Sam Garvie, Lee Chapman and Justin Keegan are all missing. Guisborough will give defender Jamie Poole another debut after returning from a brief spell at West Auckland, while they are missing three players, top scorer Austin Johnson, Bryan Stewart and Michael Jameson, while five more are doubtful because of injury.

Dunston face fifth bottom Norton at the UTS Stadium, and they will be at full strength, except for injured midfielder Steve Shaw.

Norton manager Andy Campbell has managed to strengthen his squad this week, with the arrivals of midfielder Ross Gardner from Billingham Synthonia, defender Steve Oakley from Esh Winning, and defender Callum Wilson from Marske. However, midfielder Andy Harbron is struggling because of injury.

Second bottom South Shields, who have only 7 points to their credit, are at home to Bedlington, who include new signing Martin Brittain, who was released by Gatehead recently, but they are missing defender Chris Carr, who is suspended after being sent off for his previous club West Auckland.

Hebburn, who have only won once at home this season, face Marske United. Midfielder Aaron Croft is missing because of work commitments, while defender Jeff Forsyth and striker Stuart Nicholson will have fitness tests.

Marske boss Ted Watts has no injury problems, and he could make a new signing before the game.

Billingham Synthonia go to Penrith, and they welcome winger Dan Johnson and midfielder Aidan Cattermole back into their squad, but striker Nathan Jameson ahs a back injury.

Newcastle Benfield manager Anthony Woodhouse takes charge of his first home game, the local derby against Team Northumbria, and he is hoping to include at least two new signings, one of whom is defender Peter Snowdon from Bedlington.,Another defender, Kevin Leighton is doubtful.

Ashington, who are at home to Consett, are missing long term injury victims Jonny Godsmark, Phil Bell and Josh Gray, and now defender Craig Scott has been added to the list. Consett are hit by injuries, with five players missing, Carl Piecha, Steve Aiston, Luke Sullivan, Ryan Bell and Ryan King.

In the second division, second placed Northallerton are at home to Washington, and they have a doubt over top scorer Carl Chillingsworth, but defenders Danny Shoulder and Ian Smurthwaite both return. Manager Mark Fanning has also re-signed striker Peter Bulmer, who has had brief spells at Consett and Norton since leaving at the end of last season. Washington welcome back midfielder Nicky Evans and striker Mark Covell back into their squad, but they are missing Alan Oliver and Graham Carter because of injury.

Darlington RA, who are in third, level with Crook, are at home to Ryton, who have been improving recently, and manager Nick Harrison will choose from a full squad.

Birtley, who took West Auckland all the way to a penalty shootout in midweek, are at North Shields, and manager Scott Oliver will leave himself out after playing in the midweek game , because seven players return including keeper Andy Hunter.

Chester-le-Street are at home to nearby Esh Winning, and they are missing Tommy Alderson and David Henderson, but Kieron McDonald, Marc Nixon, Stephen Buzzeo and Nick Doyle. Esh have an injury doubt over striker Ian Ward, while midfielder Alex Wilson is missing because of work.

Tow Law, who have had three games postponed recently, are at home to Thornaby still looking for their first home win of the season. Shaun Ryder is suspended and Jonathan Kemp is injured.

Horden are at home to Whickham, and they include new striker Lee Bishop, signed from Conference club Harrogate Town, while Lee Burnell also returns to the squad.

Stokesley, at home to bottom club Alnwick, will give new midfielder Derek Bradley, signed from Marske, his debut, while defender Greg Upton will return after recovering from illness.

West Allotment are at Jarrow Roofing, and are missing their first choice keeper Adrian Ames because of injury, while striker Tony Lancaster and midfielder David Henderson are also ruled out.

In the other game, Brandon play their second game inside 48 hours at home to Whitehaven.

In the Durham Challenge Cup, Durham City are at Wearside League club Jarrow, and Seaham Red Star go down the coast to Hartlepool from the Wearside League.

The draw for the last sixteen of the Durham Challenge Cup is: Shildon v Consett, Dunston v Gateshead, Hebburn v Jarrow or Durham City, Norton v Crook, Billingham Synthonia v Seaton Carew, West Auckland v Spennymoor, Sunderland RCa v Bishop Auckland, Hartlepool (Wearside League) or Seaham Red Star v Jarrow Roofing. Ties to be played on or before January 12 next year.