West Auckland manager Peter Dixon says that his side will have to be at their best to advance in the FA Vase when they tackle Shildon in the first round on Saturday.

Previous games between the two clubs have been eventful affairs, and Dixon said: “We’re going well, but we must remember that Shildon are one of the best teams in the league, and by their standards haven’t had a good start. We must make sure that we’re on our best form if we want to progress.”

Defender Paul Garthwaite is missing because of injury, otherwise West will be at full strength.

Shildon, who reached the quarter finals two years ago, will probably be without four players because of injuries. Central defender Justin Keegan, full back Chris Hunter, midfielder Lee Chapman and striker Wayne Gredziak will all be missing, while midfielder Chris McCabe is unavailable.

Hebburn, on the crest of a wave at the moment, are at Newcastle Benfield, and manager Paul Bennett might have to play in goal himself, as Dan Regan is cuptied, and number two Jak Wells has a finger injury. Hebburn have seven keepers registered, and six of them are injured.

Guisborough face Consett at the King George, where they have already lost to them in the league. Striker Richie Walker has been transfer listed, but striker Chris I’Anson and former Hartlepool midfielder Willie Boland both return.

Consett are decimated by injuries, with Jonjo Dickman, Sean Best and Michael Pearson all injured, while Marc Walton, Craig Robson, David Scorer, Jamie Poole and Anthony Lund will all have fitness tests.

Crook Town are hoping to spring a surprise at Jarrow Roofing, and they will be without striker Andy Appleby, who has already played in the competition for Newton Aycliffe, while striker Kevin Devine will have a fitness test. Roofing, beaten semi finalists in 2005, welcome back Chris Scott, Ian Moore and Karl McMann, but Josh Allen is injured.

Sunderland RCA, the first division leaders, are at Bedlington, and manager Neil Hixon will be without defender Ian Maddison, buy midfielder Kieran Edwards returns. Bedlington’s recent signing, Steven Baptist, is unable to play as he has already turned out for Shildon in the competition.

Billingham Town are at home to South Shields, and will be without keeper James Briggs, so Darren White replaces him. Striker Micky Dunwell returns, but midfielder Martin Butterworth returns. Shields will probably be unchanged, and include Alex Benjamin, who scored a 50 yarder in midweek at Newton Aycliffe.

Darlington RA play Gillford Park in their all Second Division clash at Brinkburn Road, and player manager Nick Harrison returns to the line up, as well striker Paul Freary. However, James Howlett and Michael Barnett are both missing.

The Carlisle club will be at full strength, while they have added former Hibernian player Derek Townsley to their coaching staff.