In the EBAC Northern League, Shildon manager Danny Moore believes that is team is now firmly in the title race as they prepare for today’s away game at Northallerton.

The Railwaymen have climbed up to third place in the table thanks to five straight wins, the latest of which was a 4-0 home win over leaders Hebburn in midweek.

“We’ve got some good momentum going now, and I don’t want us throwing it away,” he said.

“Instead of being on the fringe of the title race as we were a few weeks ago, I reckon that we’re well and truly in it now, and we’re in a position to push for the title.

“All of the players are buying into what we’re doing, and we have to keep the pressure on the other teams.”

Moore expects to choose an unchanged side, which means that 22 goal striker Billy Greulich-Smith continues up front.

Northallerton are second from bottom, and manager Darren Trotter said; “We are expecting a few players back from other commitments so we will have a stronger squad available, which we will need because Shildon have won their last five in the league and have climbed back up to third so they will be wanting to maintain that momentum. We have to grind out a result.”

Leaders Stockton, meanwhile, are at home to Penrith, and second placed Hebburn are at home to Billingham Town.

Newton Aycliffe, who are in sixth place, have a tough away game at North Shields who are just below them on points.

Manager Colin Stromsoy could make changes to the team that lost at Ryhope CW in midweek.

Bishop Auckland, who had an excellent 4-1 win at Guisborough in midweek, are at home to Whitley Bay, the old club of Bishops boss Ian Chandler.

Defender Darryl Hall will be missing because of injury, and Chandler said; “We are looking forward to Saturday and hopefully a third win on the bounce. It’s always a nostalgic game for me when we play Whitley, but I only want one team to win this weekend, and that of course is Bishops. “ Whitley are currently seventh bottom of the table, while Bishops are in eighth.

West Auckland are at Newcastle Benfield, looking for revenge for their 3-1 home defeat earlier in the season.

Manager Gary Forrest will be missing six players – David Dowson, Chris Hunter, Ross Colquhoun, Adam Burnicle, Tom Price and Jamie Harwood.

In the second division, Crook, who came from behind to beat Jarrow in midweek, are at home to Washington.

Alex Wilson and Matty Crossen are both unavailable, while Joey Smith will have a fitness test.

They’re fifth in the table, three points below the top three, and manager Jamie Tunstall said; “Following Wednesday night’s win, I don’t expect too many changes. To come back from a goal down on Wednesday is a testament to the lads who have got a winning mentality at the moment. Washington pose a different test to us, we’ve played them three times already this season, so we know what they are about. They’ll be desperate to pick up some points, so we know they’ll be giving everything to get a result.”

Chester-le-Street are at home to eighth in the table Heaton Stannington, and if they win, could go sixth themselves. Michael Hepplewhite is out because of suspension, while Andrew Clarkson and Owen Henderson are both doubtful.

Manager Colin Wake said; “After a good performance in midweek, we should go into the game with a little more confidence that when we apply ourselves in the right manner for 90 minutes, we can be a match for most sides in the division. Heaton Stan will give that theory a stiff examination. We will have to be at our best to get anything from the game.”

Willington, who had an excellent win over Ryton in midweek have a tough home game against second placed Redcar.

Manager Ibby Hassan said; “If we approach the game in the same manner that we did in midweek, I expect it to be a very competitive game of football. On our day, we will match every team in this league, it’s important now that we find consistency and climb the table. Everyone is fighting to keep the shirts.”

Hassan will have a full squad to choose from, for only their second league game in seven weeks.

Durham City, who are second bottom, go to Easington; third bottom Esh Winning, who were beaten 5-3 at home in midweek, are at home to Tow Law, and bottom of the table Brandon are at Bedlington.