The big game in the second division is between leaders Newton Aycliffe and sixth placed Marske United.

Aycliffe went eleven points clear on Tuesday with their win at Gillford Park – although how long that result will stand depends on Gillford Park’s future in the league – and they will give a fitness test to striker Danny Mellanby, while defender Mark Peck returns. Marske recall Derek Bradley and Owen Dixon to their squad, but they will be missing Rob Jones, Lewis Wood, Jon Seaton and Josh Myers because of injury.

Guisborough, who are second, have a local derby at Northallerton, and are missing midfielder Gary Wood, while striker Austin Johnson will have a fitness test.

Northallerton who played their first game in two months in midweek, have doubts over Peter Bulmer, Stuart Hardy and Steve Butler, while they have signed Sean Lambert from Norton.

Whickham have a promotion chasing clash against Team Northumbria, and they will be missing striker Andrew Snaith, who is injured, while midfielder Paul Cavanagh returns after suspension.

Crook go to Horden, having beaten them in the reverse fixture earlier in the season, and they will give winger Sean Joseph his debut. Horden will be without defender Ash Corker who is having trials at Grimsby, while Chris Rookes, Andrew Richardson and Gary Redman are all doubtful.

Two clubs whose future in the league is threatened if they don’t bring their grounds up to standard, meet at Welfare Park. Brandon, who have yet to win at home this season, will give fitness tests to Tom Ptak, Anthony Verity and Marc Costello.

Opponents Thornaby include midfielder Jamie Blyth, signed from Yarm Juniors, while Gez Wraith and Matty Crossan both return. They could also have a new signing.

Chester-le-Street, who are at home to troubled Gillford Park, are without Kyle Bird and Lee Harrison. Gillford Park face a crunch meeting with the league next Thursday over their ground.

Darlington RA, who had an excellent win at Whickham last week, will have to reproduce that form against third placed North Shields. Striker Garry Barnes and defender Dave Young are added to the RA squad. Shields are without six players for various reasons, while striker James Luccock will have a fitness test.

Hebburn, who have won their last three matches, add captain Paul Catto to the squad on his return from suspension, with Scott Donaldson, Colin McKenzie and David Thompson also returning. Bottom of the table Morpeth, who have yet to win a league game this season, are without injured trio Ryan Elliott, Paul Joyce and Robbie Eastway.

Washington, who are at Whitehaven, will give keeper Dan Molyneux and midfielder Ian Davison fitness tests, while defender Graham Liddle returns.

Birtley, at home to Seaham Red Star, include new signing Andrew Grant-Soulsby from Hebburn – this will be his second spell at the club – while Mick Latimer and Dan Regan are both suspended. Seaham are missing defender Gary Anderson, while striker Michael McKeown will have a late fitness test.