West Auckland are hoping to reproduce their midweek cup form when they go to Billingham Synthonia today.

West were knocked off the top last weekend when they produced one of their worst performances of the season at home to Newton Aycliffe, but they bounced back in perfect style in their midweek Durham Challenge Cup win at neighbours Bishop Auckland.

Manager Peter Dixon is expected to choose from a full squad, while Synners, who are in seventh, add five players to the squad that lost to Spennymoor in midweek -- Nathan Jameson, David Hillerby, Michael Dalton, Danny Wray and Ross Gardner.

Sunderland RCA, who have lost their last two league games, are at home to Spennymoor, and they will be without suspended midfielder Ian Davison, while former Spennymoor defender Carl Beasley will have a fitness test. They have also signed keeper Neil Atkinson from Ryhope CW.

Moors are without full back Steve Capper because of injury and centre half Steve Foster because of injury. Keeper Craig Turns and midfielder Sam Garvie both return.

Bishop Auckland are at league leaders Dunston, hoping to bounce back from their midweek defeat by neighbours West Auckland. Manager Colin Myers is almost certain to make changes after a poor defensive display, while Dunston add midfielder Steve Pickering and defender Michael Robson to their squad.

Shildon, who are in midtable but have games in hand on all but one of the clubs above them, are at home to Jarrow Roofing and will be at full strength.

Roofing, who are just two points above the relegation zone, will be without defender Dave Anderson because of suspension, while midfielder Kris Hughes is injured.

Tow Law have a tough away game at Bedlington. Defender Luke Thompson returns to the squad after a trial with England Colleges in midweek, while midfielders Mark Jamieson and Michael Hall both return. Defender David Fitzpatrick will have a fitness test. Keeper Sam Gordon will be added to the squad after receiving international clearance for him from the USA.

Newton Aycliffe, who have lost their last three home league games but have played well away from home, face Whitley Bay at Moore Lane, and will be at full strength except for midfielder Josh Gray, who is injured. Whitley are without striker Paul Robinson, midfielder Damon Robson and defender Brian Smith are all injured, while midfielder Callum Anderson is suspended.

Consett are at home to South Shields, of whom former Consett player Jon King is in charge. Midfielder Jonjo Dickman is out with a broken leg, but defender Michael Pearson returns. Shields could have three new signings in their squad, but defender Dan Kirkup and striker Andrew Brabbs are both ruled out. Four other players return to the squad after losing at Gateshead in midweek.

Billingham Town, who have won seven of their last ten games, are at Penrith, and add keeper Jonathan Grounds and outfield player Ben Turner to their squad.

Marske face Ashington on the Northumberland side’s return to league action following their FA Cup heroics. Marske, who are sixth from bottom, will be missing defender Adam Wheatley and striker Danny Brunskill, but three players who missed their midweek game, Adam Gell, Glenn Wesson and Steve Cochrane, will all return. Ashington are without long term injured trio Darren Lough, Gareth Bainbridge and Stephen Young, but otherwise they will choose from the squad that was on FA Cup duty.

In the other first division game, Newcastle Benfield are at home to bottom club Stokesley.

In the Durham Challenge Cup, Norton complete the first round ties with an away game at Wearside League club Jarrow.

The draw for the last 16 of the Durham Challenge Cup is: West Auckland v Consett, Newton Aycliffe v Shildon, Seaham Red Star v Esh Winning, Billingham Town v Dunston, Sunderland Ryhope CW v Crook Town, Jarrow or Norton v Gateshead, Sunderland RCA v Spennymoor, Darlington v Wolviston or Hartlepool. Ties are due to be played by January 7th.