South Shields manager Jon King takes charge of his first game when Shildon visit Filtrona Park today in the STL Northern League first division.

King took over from Gary Steadman, who quit the job after they were beaten 5-2 at Billingham Town last Saturday in the FA Vase.

“We haven’t had a good start to the season, but I’m determined to get into the top half of the table,” he said.

King will have a full squad to choose from, except for midfielder David Colvin, who has a foot injury, and defender Michael Rodenby who has work commitments.

Shildon, who are in midtable, are without first choice keeper Keith Finch, so recent signing Dan Molyneux deputises. Central defender Justin Keegan will have a fitness test, but there will probably be changes after the midweek defeat at Norton.

Second placed Dunston are at improving Billingham Town, and they will have defender Steve Pickering and striker Steve Goddard back in their squad.

Town, who have won their last three matches, are without strikers Jamie Owens and Nicky Martin, while midfielders Steve Flockett and Craig Norman are both injured. Keeper James Briggs and striker Micky Dunwell both return. They also expect to complete the signing of James Cronesberry from Spennymoor in time for the game.

Tow Law are looking for their first home league win of the season at home to third placed Sunderland RCA, and manager Ian Davison will probably choose from a squad of 20.

The RCA welcome back midfielders Scott Richards and Bryan Stewart, but former Darlington midfielder Brian Close is unavailable. They signed midfielder Ian Davison from Jarrow Roofing yesterday.

Champions Spennymoor, who are at home to Jarrow Roofing, are without suspended full back Steve Capper, and midfielder Sam Garvie who has a knee injury.

Roofing, who are without a win in seven matches, are without defender David Anderson because of suspension, while Josh Allen is missing because of injury.

Bishop Auckland are at Newcastle Benfield, and are badly hit by injuries. Keeper Peter Jeffries and outfield players Adam McLane, Dion Raitt, Arran Wearmouth, Chris Lawson and Darren Richardson are all missing. Benfield have only won once in eight league games.

Billingham Synthonia, who are seventh, are at Penrith and hope to complete the signing of Ross Gardner from Spennymoor in time for the game, otherwise they will be at full strength.

Fourth bottom Guisborough, who are at home to Bedlington, will give fitness tests to midfielder Luke Bythway and defender Tommy Marron, but midfielder James Decosmo, striker Liam McPhillips and defender Mark Casey all return.

Whitley Bay, who are at home to Norton, are without defender Brian Smith and striker Paul Robinson, but defender Darren Timmons and midfielder Gary Ormston and David Pounder all return. Defender Callum Anderson is suspended.

Third bottom Marske could do with the three points from their trip to neighbours Stokesley, and they welcome back five players who missed the 2-2 draw with Bishop Auckland last season. Bottom club Stokesley are still looking for their first win of the season.