Billingham Synthonia’s hold on the Durham Challenge Cup will be severely tested when they go to Spennymoor’s Brewery Field in the quarter final this afternoon.

Moors are firing on all cylinders, and are well in the running for three other prizes, the league, league cup and FA Vase. Manager Jason Ainsley said: “This is a massive game for us, because we want to reach the final for the first time in a few years.”

Midfielder Alex Francis is ineligible, while keeper Craig Turns and striker Craig Hubbard are both injured.

Synners, meanwhile, haven’t played for well over a month, and assistant manager Lee Tucker said: “It’s like the season starting all over again. Sometimes after a break you see some shock results, so let’s hope we can pull one off.” Midfielder Andy Harbron is missing because of suspension.

In the STL Northern League, second placed Shildon were hoping to close the gap on leaders Consett, but their game at Newcastle Benfield has been postponed. Tow Law’s home derby with league leaders Consett is looking the most doubtful of all STL first division games, but should it go ahead, then Lawyers will be close to full strength except for Mattie Scott, who is injured. Consett, who are five points clear of Shildon, will be without former Tow Law striker Lewis Teasdale because of injury. If the game is postponed, it could be re-arranged for later in the week.

Second bottom Esh Winning need three points at home to Billingham Town. Esh manager Peter Mulcaster, who faces one of his old clubs, and gives defender Danny Lawson, signed from Billingham Town, his debut. He could also make another new signing.

Fourth bottom Bishop Auckland go along the A66 looking for at least a point to inch away from the relegation zone. However, Wayne Clarke and Darren Richardson are both unavailable, while new signing Karl Everitt and Steve Salvin and Joe Grant both return to the squad.

The game between West Auckland and Stokesley at Darlington Road was postponed on Sunday afternoon. Whitley Bay should hold on to fifth place at home to bottom of the table Ryton, and manager Ian Chandler adds defender Chris Fawcett to the squad that beat West Allotment in midweek. Ryton haven’t won in the league since the opening week of the season.

Ashington face West Allotment without Paul Dunn and James Harmison, while Bedlington, who are at home to South Shields, have put striker Wayne Gredziak on the transfer list.