Northern League Division Two
Easington Colliery expect to hand a debut to new signing Tom Goundry as they welcome Division Two leaders Northallerton to the Welfare Park tomorrow.
Goundry has signed from Brandon United and is ready to make his bow.
Club captain Chris Pearson missed the recent cup game at Seaham Red Star, but will return alongside Jack Pounder, who will return after being cup-tied that night.
David Vincent and Chris Freeman both require late fitness tests for Easington.
Chester-le-Street travel to Whickham and have a few players out injured.
Kieran Megran, Josh King, Daniel McGuire and Callum Greaves all miss out.
Injury doubts surround Michael and Daniel Hepplewhite, Aaron Thompson and Danny Naylor, but Aaron Reynolds and Conor Lyons return after holidays.
Manager Colin Wake said: “Whickham, earlier in the season, gave us a real hammering at our place, so we go there knowing what to expect.
“They are an all-action, very mobile side, who play to their strengths and at home they make it very difficult for opposing sides, to settle into the game.
“They are a side I fully expect to see in the mix at the end of the season for the top three spots, so we go there knowing we have to be at our very best to try to get anything from the game.”
Durham City take on their landlords at Willington, with Steve Malloy back from a holiday.
Manager Ollie Hotchkiss said: “Ross Simpson is in the squad, but Jeremy Allen is out with knee injury.
“We are looking forward to it if it’s on. It has been a frustrating few weeks with the weather making it difficult to get a game in, but we are excited for the game and hopefully we can continue our form.” Crook Town journey to Ryton & Crawcrook Albion, with manager Chris Lax hoping to add a couple of players to his squad in time for kick-off.Central defenders Matty Stephenson and Ryan Coles both miss out, while forward Kyle Morris is still a doubt with a hamstring strain. Lax said: “I will be a tough game at Ryton, another must win game.” Ryton miss Ben Miley, Philip Hodges, Harry Mitchell and Anthony Brown, but have new signings Martin O’Dowd and Jamie Dunn available for selection.
Tow Law Town, in second place, are away to Billingham Town.
Billingham have striker Ash Lavan back after a lengthy ban made even longer due to the winter break and games being postponed. Mark Dixon starts his ban for a red card at Hebburn and Elliott Beddowis unavailable due to work.
Hebburn Town, in sixth place, travel to fifthtop Heaton Stannington, missing only Dave Coulson and Ian Bickerstaff.
Brandon United welcome Jarrow and will be at full strength.