Tow Law manager Ian Davison says that his team is facing a “massive” spell of games beginning today at Billingham Synthonia.

Davison admits that he had sunk to one of his lowest points of the season when Lawyers lost 4-1 to Bishop Auckland in midweek, and he said: “We have a really big spell of games coming up that could mean us pulling away from relegation trouble, or getting dragged into it. Our work ethic is great, it’s just that we concede goals that are down to inexperience.”

Strikers Greg Halliday and Andy Thompson will returns to the squad today, but Davison himself is missing because of suspension. And on Friday afternoon, Davison completed the signing of defender Michael Coulthard from Consett.

Synners, who have a big Vase tie at Torpoint in Cornwall next Saturday, will be missing injured defender Danny Newby and midfielder David Yale because of injury, but first choice keeper Josh Moody returns.

At the top of the division, Consett, whose lead was reduced to just two points in midweek, have a tough away game at Bedlington. Manager Kenny Lindoe chooses from a squad of 21 players, with only striker Lewis Teasdale missing because of injury.

Spennymoor, in second, take on Ashington at the Brewery Field and will be almost at full strength, except for midfielder Alex Francis, who has a foot injury. Spennymoor manager Jason Ainsley has been studying closely a dvd of next Saturday’s Vase opponents, Poole Town, in action. Ashington expect to be at full strength.

West Auckland, who are in fourth place, are at home to South Shields, and will give fitness tests to Andrew Green, Ian Maddison and Mark Stephenson. Shields include striker Dan Olusoga, who was at West earlier in the season, and played against them for Bishop Auckland last month. However, another striker, Barrie Smith is missing because of injury.

Shildon are waiting to take advantage of any slips by the top two, and they’re away to Dunston. Glenn Robson, who returned to the club from Stokesley in midweek and scored in the league cup, could start the game again. Dunston, who are ninth, recall several players who missed the midweek win at Ryton, with Jack Burns, Fergal Harkin, Steve Goddard and Kane Young all back in the reckoning. However, striker Micky Dixon will have a fitness test.

Bishop Auckland, who have climbed to seventh bottom, face Whitley Bay at Heritage Park. Bishops could have midfielder Steve Salvin back in the reckoning.

Whitley are without defender Steve Gibson because of suspension, while midfielder Damon Robson has a calf strain.

Both clubs have asked for ground inspections by the FA, which will probably be carried out in the next fortnight.

Norton, who have struggled to score goals recently, are at home to Newcastle Benfield and they will be at full strength, with striker Jamie Clarke and midfielder Shaun Clarke both returning. Benfield, who are fifth, will give fitness tests to Phil Lumsden, Mark Turnbull and Kieron McDonald, while striker Ben Dodsworth is still missing because of injury.

Sunderland RCA can climb above Billingham Town in the table if they win their clash at Meadow Park, and they will give fitness tests to quartet Mark Ellison, Keith Graydon, Scott Richards and Carl Beasley. Town are without their top scorer, Micky Dunwell, who suffered a cracked fibia at Ashington in midweek, and could be out for the rest of the season. Sean Boynton, Richard Dacombe, Steve Flockett and Craig Norman all return to the squad.

Stokesley, who are third bottom, go along the A66 to Penrith, and they welcome back former Darlington midfielder Brian Close, while manager Ted Watts signed striker Adam Emson from Bishop Auckland on Friday afternoon.

Bottom club Ryton, who haven’t won since the opening week of the season, are at home to Jarrow Roofing, who have slid down the table to sixth bottom in recent weeks after a run of only one win in seven matches. Roofing are missing Dan Kirkup because of suspension, while Mick Rodenby is injured.

Second bottom Esh Winning need to win at West Allotment to keep their faint hopes of avoiding the drop alive, and manager Peter Mulcaster will choose from a full squad.