Darlington RA are hoping for a higher attendance than usual when they play Northallerton in their local derby.

The RA, who are fourth, have offered reduced admission to Darlington season ticket holders on production of their season ticket at the Brinkburn Road turnstiles today.

Strikers Fred Huscroft and Michael Barnett are both missing because of injury, while defender Karl Hewitt will have a fitness test.

Northallerton, who are two places and two points behind the RA, are without striker Darren Mowbray, but keeper Steve Craggs and striker Peter Bulmer both return.

League leaders Team Northumbria are at home to Chester-le-Street, who are steadily climbing away from trouble. Chris Dukes returns from holiday, while there are question marks over Sam Renwick and Dan Curry.

North Shields have a really tough test at home to Hebburn, and manager Anthony Woodhouse has a squad of 21 to choose from now that striker Mark Rasmussen returns after injury. Hebburn, who have five of their last six matches, welcome back their top scorer Liam McBryde as well as Lee Harrison, Chris Jewels, Dan Kirkup and Jeff Forsyth, to give them a squad of 19.

Fifth placed Esh Winning, who scored five away from home in midweek, are at home to Thornaby, and they welcome back Stephen Oakley, Scott Richards and Luke Wilson, but defender Alex Wilson is missing.

Thornaby, who haven’t won in eight league matches, are without defender Steve Hodgson.

Second bottom Horden can do themselves a power of good if they can beat Ryton, and they include three new signings, but Daniel Davis, Steve Jackson and Josh Glazier will all have fitness tests.

Third bottom Seaham Red Star include two new signings in their squad at home to Gillford Park, striker Danny Corbett from Crook, and defender Peter Henderson from Birtley. Defender Adam Ward returns after being cuptied in midweek, while Michael Turnbull, Michael Chapman and Marc Moon will all have fitness tests. Gillford Park, who have lost just once away in the league this season, include striker Dean Douglas, signed from Bedlington, but Matty Lea and Tyran Taylor are both out.

Crook, who were below par when they were beaten at Wearside League Ryhope CW in midweek, have a chance to make amends away to Washington. Defender Brian Fairhurst is missing with a broken toe, while Chris Wallace, Kyle Davis and Ben Riding all return.

Birtley play Whickham in a local derby, both clubs on the fringe of the promotion race. Birtley’s top scorer Danny Smart returns after injury, but midfielder Craig Marron is doubtful.

Bottom of the table Easington, who are five points adrift of the rest are at Alnwick, and manager Andy Colledge welcomes back Rob Huntley, Johnny Bowes and David Laight, who all missed last week’s game. In the other game, Brandon are at Whitehaven.