Former Darlington midfielder Gary Pearson will take charge of Crook Town’s away game at Morpeth today.

Pearson, the player-coach at the club, will help to pick the team along with another former Darlington player, Richard Hodgson, following the midweek dismissal of Paul Adamson and Brian Maitland. So far, the club hasn’t made any decision on who will take over on a permanent basis.

Chairman Kieron Bennett said: “These two are helping out until as a club have time to convene and to decide a way forward.”

Keeper Marc Riches and defender Elliott Woods are both missing because of groin injuries.

, leaders Team Northumbria go to fifth placed Gillford Park in the game of the day – weather permitting -- and they will give leading scorer Peter Watling a fitness test, as well as former Darlington player Dan Riley, Dean Critchlow, John Redhead and Jack Palmer. Several players are also suffering from a virus. Gillford rested several players for their midweek cup tie win at Seaham Red Star.

North Shields, who are five points behind TN, are at Ryton and Crawcrook, and they will be missing Scott Blandford, who scored the winner in the last minute against Thornaby last week. Striker Mark Rasmussen is doubtful because of work.

Darlington RA, who are in fourth place, have a tricky home game against fifth bottom Whitehaven, who have improved considerably recently. Strikers Graham Whitehead and James Evison will both return, as will midfielder Dan Howlett. Striker Paul Freary will have a fitness test.

Seaham Red Star, who are at West Allotment, recall defender Craig McManus to their side, while striker Tim Bowman is expected to pass a fitness test. Michael Turnbull and Michael McKeown will also return. Allotment are without Chris Rue and Liam McIvor because of suspension.

Northallerton, who have steadily climbed the table in recent weeks, welcome back midfielder Dan Clayton at home to Horden, but midfielder Gary Cook and striker Gary Shardha are both missing. Second bottom Horden, who have lost only once in four games, will give a fitness test to former Northallerton player Aaron Ramsbottom, as well as midfielder Jack Honour and striker Phil Robinson.

Andy Colledge, manager of bottom club Easington, is hoping to add several players to his squad for the home game against Hebburn, one of them being former player Dale Crawford from Ryton.

Birtley, who are at home to Brandon, are missing their first choice keeper Andy Hunter, so he is replaced by Phil Holgate. Midfielder Kevin Dixon is also out with a hamstring injury. Mark Brischuk, Gerard Wraith and Conor Winter all return for Brandon, but Richard Mundell, Phil Robinson, Ryan Hindhaugh, Richard Oliver and Michael Nichol all missing.

Chester-le-Street, who are third bottom, are at home to Washington, and are almost at full strength, except for injured defender Dan Smith. Another defender, Lee Chapman, has left the club, but striker Sam Renwick is now fully recovered from injury.