Bishop Auckland will give two new defenders their debuts in their local STL Northern League derby at West Auckland today.

Bishop boss Colin Myers, who is keen to strengthen his defence for their battle against relegation, has signed former Darlington defender Phil Brumwell from Shildon, and former Spennymoor defender Ian Dixon from Jarrow Roofing.

Bishops ended an eight match losing run when they beat Esh Winning in midweek, and Myers said: “We’ve got a few youngsters in the team, and we need experienced players to help them.” Midfielder Steve Salvin is missing because of injury.

West, meanwhile, will be close to full strength, except for suspended midfielder Tom Berj.

League leaders Consett are at Jarrow Roofing, who have won only once in 17 league and cup matches. Striker Lewis Teasdale is missing because of injury, while midfielder Andy Cuthbertson is unavailable. Roofing, who have won just once since mid September, will probably make changes after losing at Sunderland RCA in midweek.

Shildon, who are third after a good win at Newcastle Benfield in midweek, go to Sunderland RCA, and will be at full strength with defender Darren Hollingsworth added to the squad. The RCA, who are in midtable, are without Scott Richards and Marc Ellison, who are both injured, while midfielder Michael Coghlan and David Duke have asked to leave the club.

Billingham Town are at West Allotment having lost their last three matches, and they are hoping that striker Steve Roberts can return after a long injury, but defender Richie Dacombe is missing.

Tow Law, who had a good win in midweek at Penrith, are at home to South Shields, and welcome back top scorer Greg Halliday and defender Jonny Hewitson, but they are missing Matty Scott and Mike Hall. Shields will add defender Paul Stoneman to the squad that came from behind to win at West Allotment in midweek.

Second bottom Esh Winning are at home to high flying Newcastle Benfield, and they welcome back defender Andy Carr. Esh are six points adrift of safety, and have played more games than every other club around them.

Stokesley, who are third bottom, go to Bedlington and will have a squad of 19 that includes midfielder David Wells, signed from Norton. Bedlington have signed Steven Baptist, a midfielder from Gateshead.

In the other first division game, Penrith are at home to bottom of the table Ryton.