Spennymoor manager Jason Ainsley says that today’s FA Vase first round tie at Bridlington will be very difficult.

Moors have won all 11 of their EBAC Northern League games to make them favourites to win the title again as well as the Vase, especially after emphatically winning 6-0 at third placed Bedlington on Wednesday night.

“Today will be a very difficult game,” said Ainsley. “Barring the Northern League teams, it’s the toughest draw we could have got, but we go there on the back of a tremendous win at Bedlington and a large away support to cheer us on.”

Full back Dan Groves and central defender Bobby Moore are both doubtful because of injury. Bridlington, managed by former Darlington player Mitch Cook, are currently top of the Northern Counties East League, having lost only three of their 15 league matches so far this season.

Durham’s new manager, Adam Furness, takes his side to Pickering from the Northern Counties East League, and they’ll be without keeper James Winter and midfielder Craig Hindmarch.

Because of their success against clubs from outside the north east in the earlier rounds, there are several all Northern League ties.

Shildon go to South Shields, whom they beat 11-0 in the league at Dean Street a few weeks ago, but Shields have improved since then, as they proved in midweek when they almost held Darlington. Shildon boss Gary Forrest is missing six players, including three strikers, because of injury, but he expects to complete the signing of a new striker before the game, while another new signing, former Boro midfielder Mark Hudson, plays in midfield. Shields are without striker Jonny Wightman because of injury.

Bishop Auckland are at Sunderland RCA, with manager Colin Myers facing an injury crisis. Striker Sonny Andrews is out for the season, keeper Peter Jeffries is missing for at least six weeks, so he has been frantically looking for cover. Myers yesterday signed midfielder Adrian Webster from Newton Aycliffe.

The RCA have a different crisis, this one of a defensive nature as they have conceded too many goals for manager Neil Hixon’s comfort recently. Captain Brian Close and striker Josh Home-Jackson are both missing, while new left back Chris Lund from Crook will make his debut.

First division Norton have a tricky away game at second division Jarrow Roofing, and manager Andy Campbell could make changes’ following their defeat at Shildon in midweek. Roofing are without midfielder Michael Hedley and striker Josh Allen, but another striker, Chris Hepple, returns.

Guisborough will have their work cut out at Morpeth, who are unbeaten in the second division. Lee Bythway is missing for Guisborough, but his brother Luke returns. There will be fitness tests for Craig Bishop and Nathan Evans.

Newton Aycliffe are looking for a morale boosting victory at home to Esh Winning, and they are missing defender Mark Peck, but new player-coach Danny Mellanby, defender Darren Craddock and midfielder Sean Tarling all return. Esh are without new signings Dean Thexton and Chris Renshaw because they’re cuptied, and midfielder Chris Smith is a major doubt, but defenders Dan Reeves and Lee Farrington come back into the squad.

Second division Northallerton could cause an upset against first division Consett at Ainderby Road. Northallerton, who have lost only twice in the league this season, add defender Stephen Banks to give them a full squad, while Consett could welcome back Scott Martindale,Ian Davidson and Jack Stanger but Ryan Bell could miss out after picking up an injury at Newton Aycliffe in midweek.

In the other tie, Penrith are at home to Bedlington.

In the first division of the ENL, Billingham Synthonia have steadily improved in recent weeks, and they’ll be hoping to avoid a repetition of last season’s 9-1 defeat when they go to West Auckland.

Keeper Josh Moody, midfielder Nathan Wilson and defender Andy Burton are all expected to return to the Synners squad. West, who are in fourth place and unbeaten at home following their win over Bishop Auckland in midweek, expect to be at full strength.

Two clubs who were promoted last season, Celtic Nation and Hebburn, face each other. CN, who have appointed veteran boss Tony Lee as their joint manager to Steve Skinner, will give fitness tests to Jeff Smith, but keeper Dan Lowson is out because of injury. Hebburn, who are unbeaten in five away league games, add David Borley, Martin Hunter, Paul Wardle and Lee Harrison to their squad.

Marske, who have won one and lost one under new boss Ted Watts, are at home to Dunston, and he includes recent signings Jordan Hugill, a striker, and Callum Wilson a defender. Dunston welcome back strikers Dale Burrell and Steve Goddard, as well as defender Micky Robson into their squad.

Billingham Town are hoping to recover from last week’s 7-1 home drubbing by Darlington when they go to Newcastle Benfield. Defender Jamie Middleton returns to the centre of defence, but another defender, Danny O’Brien, is missing, while striker Craig Norman is struggling because of injury. Benfield manager Perry Briggs is certain to make sure changes after they lost to West Allotment in a midweek Northumberland Senior Cup tie.

Whitley Bay are also on the up – they’ve climbed into 7th place in the last fortnight -- and they’re at home to Team Northumbria. Midfielder Lee Paul Scroggins, and strikers Ash Davis and Paul Robinson all return to the squad. The game will be covered live in full on BBC Radio Newcastle.

In the second division, Ryhope CW can extend their lead at the top to eight points if they win at Birtley, and they welcome back joint leading scorer Jon Butler after suspension, but Nathan O’Neill and Dean Arkley are both missing because of injury. Phil Hall and Richie Jordan will both have fitness tests. Birtley are without Ben Johnson and James Alsop because of injury, but Peter Henderson returns.

Crook Town are hoping to recover from their 6-2 defeat at Esh Winning in midweek when they host North Shields at the Millfield. Defenders Corey Barnes and Graham Liddle are both missing as well as midfielder Ian Bickerstaffe, but Craig Hughes, Chris Lawther and Robbie Bird all return.

Former Tow Law manager Ian Davison, returns after injury to face his old club for Chester-le-Street , along with Michael Robson. Recent signings Gary Turton and Lewis Lynch are both missing. Lawyers are missing strikers Anth Lee and Matty Scott, but hope to include new striker John Harrison, signed from Esh Winning.

Darlington RA, who lost badly at North Shields last Saturday, are at home to Seaham Red Star, and they have signed midfielder Chase McMullen from Newton Aycliffe, but they have lost three strikers for various reasons. Steve Allison has gone to South Shields, Fred Huscroft is injured, and Graeme Whitehead is working. Seaham, who are up to fifth in the table, could be unchanged.

Third bottom Thornaby, who have lost their last five matches, are at home to West Allotment, and manager Neil Radigan will be without several players because of injuries and work commitments.

Whickham are at home to Brandon, and manager Robin Falcus welcomes back top scorer Tony Thirkell, plus Alu Bangura, Ross Peareth and Jordan Lee back into their squad.

In the other games, Stokesley go along the A66 to Whitehaven, while Ryton and Crawcrook are at home to Washington. Horden are away to bottom club Alnwick.