Sweet in line to make debut for Shildon
Northern League Division One leaders Stockton Town face a tough test of their title credentials as they entertain Teesside neighbours Guisborough Town on Saturday.
With only one league defeat this season, Town stand 15 points clear of secondplaced Hebburn Town. But Guisborough have proved themselves to be a capable side and still harbour hopes of a top three finish.
New signing Michael Sweet could make his Shildon debut when the Railwaymen entertain Whitley Bay in another Division One contest.
North Shields striker Gareth Bainbridge is challenging for a starting place as his side visit Bishop Auckland.
James Frazer returns to the Billingham Town squad for their visit to Thornaby and Ashington will be without Lewis Davison for their home game against Northallerton Town.
Newton Aycliffe could move into the top four with an away win, but face a tricky trip to play a West Auckland Town team that have gone unbeaten in their last nine games.
Hebburn Town and Consett will hope to continue their history-making FA Vase runs by progressing into the semi-finals this weekend.
Hebburn will be without the suspended Darren Lough as they prepare to host Western League promotion contenders Plymouth Parkway.
And Consett have a full squad available for their visit to Midland League Division One side Atherstone Town.
Jarrow manager Dave Bell believes a win is “an absolute must” as his side prepare to entertain bottom of the table Durham City in Division Two.
Last weekend’s defeat at Redcar Athletic dealt Jarrow a severe blow in their challenge for a first-ever promotion into the Northern League’s top tier. But Saturday’s game aga inst the struggling Citizens offers them a big chance to resurrect hopes of securing a top four place by the end of the season.
“This is a really important game for us and we are taking absolutely no notice of our respective positions in the league table,” said Bell.
“What is vital is that we perform at the right tempo and with the correct desire as three points is an absolute must for us if we want to keep in with a chance of challenging the top teams.”