Bishop Auckland manager Colin Myers says that his team must make a “massive improvement” if they are to have a chance of beating Whitley Bay at Heritage Park on Saturday.

Myers was highly embarrassed by Bishops’ 7-1 capitulation at Ashington in midweek, and he said: “Some players hid on Tuesday night and didn’t want to know. They’re in a comfort zone, and think they’re assured of their places – in that case, they’re in for a shock. We must be better to give Whitley Bay a decent game, and those players owe the club a performance.”

Whitley Bay, meanwhile, were stunned by a 5-0 exit from the Northumberland Senior Cup by Team Northumbria in midweek. Striker Robbie Dale is definitely out with knee injury, while midfielder Craig McFarlane, defender Gareth Williams and midfielder LeePaul Scroggins are all doubtful. Midfielder Gary Ormston, keeper Kyle Hayes and defender David Coulson will all start the game after missing the midweek game.

League leaders West Auckland are at bottom club Stokesley, and manager Peter Dixon still has fitness problems to contend with regarding Danny Hindmarch, Stephen Brown, Alex Francis, Andrew Green and Stuart Banks. He only had 14 players available on Tuesday night against Spennymoor.

Dunston, who are second a point behind West, are at South Shields, and apart from suspended defender Kane Young, are at full strength. Striker Andy Bulford needs just four more goals to break the club’s all time league scoring record.

Shields, who are unbeaten in their last three matches, recall five players who missed the midweek win over Jarrow Roofing, but striker Stephen Ramsey is struggling because of injury.

Spennymoor, who are up to third following their midweek win, are at home to Newton Aycliffe, and will be without striker Gavin Cogdon, who is unavailable.

Aycliffe are missing midfielders Josh Gray and Ben Wood, while they could make a new signing before the game.

Former Sunderland and Darlington midfielder Jonjo Dickman returns to the Consett squad for the first time since August when they face Marske United at Belle Vue, but the Steelmen have a doubt over defender Carl Piecha. Striker Dave Molloy also returns after missing the midweek win over Northallerton.

Marske, who won at Consett in the Vase three seasons ago, are without striker Chris McGill and midfielder Anth Ormerod, while defender Lee Donachie is suspended.

Shildon are at home to Newcastle Benfield, and manager Gary Forrest will choose from a full squad. Benfield’s form has improved recently, and they have won their last six matches, include a win against Blyth in midweek in the Sage Northumberland Senior Cup.

Tow Law need to beat Billingham Synthonia at Ironworks Road, otherwise they risk being further marooned in the bottom two. They are currently eight points adrift of safety, and will give midfielders Simon Maguinness and Derek Waters fitness tests. Synners are without defender David Abel, who is suspended and striker Nathan Jameson, who is injured, but defender Robbie Bettson returns.

Ashington go into their home game with Penrith in excellent spirits following their 7-1 home win over Bishop Auckland in midweek, and they are strengthened by the returns of defender Matty Grieve and midfielder Dean Deagle to the squad.

Fourth bottom Jarrow Roofing are at home to Bedlington, and they will be missing injured pair Kris Hughes and Liam Robinson, while Anthony Myers is unavailable.

Roofing striker Aris Guerin-Lokonga has returned to the club after ending his trail at Plymouth because of injury.

Sunderland RCA return to action after a fortnight’s break at home to Norton, and they will be missing recent signing, defender Richie Paxton, while midfielder Ian Davison and striker Gary Shields are both injured.