Esh Winning striker Craig Mickle is looking for his third hat trick in as many games when they play Whitehaven at Waterhouses on Saturday.

Mickle has scored trebles in his last two matches against Brandon and Washington, and overall has scored 11 goals in his last five outings. Midfielder Chris Smith returns after suspension.

North Shields continue their quest to go through the calendar year unbeaten away from home when they go to Chester-le-Street, and they welcome back Paul Dunn, but Paul Watson, Mark Rasmussen and Craig Deighton are all out because of injury.

Chester-le-Street will give midfielder Dan Curry his home debut, while they could include two new signings. James Fairley and Brett Gillatt are both expected to return.

League leaders Team Northumbria, who have already played half their fixtures for the season, are at home to Brandon, and Arron Brookbanks, Jonny Redhead and Tom Davies are all missing. Brandon are without five players, including their top scorer Mark Brischuk, but John Meehan and Richard Oliver both return.

Crook, who have games in hand on everyone above them, are at home to bottom club Easington, and are hoping that Andy Appleby commits his immediate future to them, and not Whitby whom he played for in midweek. Marc Riches and Elliott Woods are both injured. Captain Michael Watson is missing for Easington because of suspension, while Martin Langley and Callum Sweeney are also missing. Ben Riding, David Doughty and Aaron Hopper all return. Manager Mark Proudlock could also include three new signings.

Darlington RA , who climbed up to fifth in midweek, are at home to Seaham Red Star, but Stephen Cheeseman, James Howlett and Richard Thompson are all missing. Dale Elgie will have a late fitness test with Paul Freary and James Evison returning.

Seaham, who beat leaders Team Northumbria last week, welcome back defender Adam Ward and midfielder Michael Turnbull after suspension. Striker Tim Bowman is available after recovering from a foot injury but Lee Peachey is absent through work. New signing left back Michael Stodard is also added to the squad.

Northallerton are at home to Alnwick, and Danny Shoulder and Stuart Jackson both return. However, Craig Winter and Stuart Hardy are both out injured.

Thornaby could go sixth if they beat Morpeth, and midfielder Marty O’Riordan and defender Rob Pearson both return for them and they also hope to sign a midfielder who has just been released by Middlesbrough.

West Allotment, who are sixth are at home to Birtley, and will be missing three players because of suspension – player-manager Paul Stoneman and strikers Chris Rue and Liam McIvor, while new signing Steve Swithenbank is unavailable.

Birtley include new striker Mick McCaffrey, once of Huddersfield, from Jarrow Roofing, but midfielder Kevin Dixon is doubtful.

In the other game, Ryton and Crawcrook are at home to Hebburn