Northern League: Pearson back, but Easington options reduced for Durham City clash

But his return is the only good news for the Colliers, with strike Joe Kerridge having joined First Division leaders North Shields and Shane O’Brien ruled out for an extended period after undergoing shoulder surgery last week.

Dylan Nesbitt and Shaun Smith are both still out injured to reduce the options for boss Paul Frame as Easington look to end a disappointing run of results.

Bottom club Esh Winning hope to move off the bottom of the table by beating Hebburn Town at West Terrace.

Manager Tony Boakes said: “Kai Hewitson should be back and new signing Nick Morley should be available, as well as Andrew Chester and Peter Ryder. Kieran Day is suspended, and Andrew Clarkson will be missing due to work.

“It will be a hard game, but we hope to get three points to pull away from the bottom of the league.”

Hebburn again miss Glen Hargrave, James Davidson and Adam Rundle, but Scott Wallace should return after having stitches below his eye last week.

Craig Malley and James Talbot should also be back after missing the 5-1 midweek defeat to Bedlington.

Hebburn manager Scott Oliver said: “Confidence is rock-bottom but we need to get back to doing the basics well and keeping clean sheets. It is no good feeling sorry for ourselves – we need to roll our sleeves up and get some wins.”

Tow Law Town, who have won their last six games without conceding a goal, entertain Heaton Stannington, who have won five of their last six.

Lawyers secretary Steve Moralee said: “We should have a full squad available and we are going into it on the back of six wins in a row, so obviously hoping to continue that run. Heaton Stannington are coming into it on the back of a good run as well. It should be a good game.”

Crook Town, just two points above the relegation trapdoor, travel to Whickham with a full squad to choose from, provided there are no new injuries in training.

Crook are hopeful of making a couple of signings ahead of kick-off.

Willington and Brandon United meet each other, looking for points to stay clear of trouble.

Second-bottom Darlington RA have a tough task at home to high-flying Stockton Town and will be without top scorer Dan Pigg and midfielder James Dawson.

Stockton have Liam Jordan back, but Kevin Hayes starts a three-match ban.

Third-top Billingham Synthonia have Jordan Wilson back for the trip to Bedlington Terriers, while Billingham Town, having rested seven players last week, host lowly Ryton & Crawcrook Albion.

Boss Barry Oliver said: “The main doubt is Elliot Beddow, who picked up a knock in the reserves. Ryton will be another tough game – we won’t underestimate them languishing at the bottom and we go into every game as though we are playing a top league team.”

Albion, 18 games without a win, have Eddie Keenan available ahead of a three-match ban.

Leaders Team Northumbria host Blyth Town in an intriguing game.

Uni boss Colin Stromsoy said: “Blyth are a big and direct team, where we are a small pass and move team. So conflicting styles will be on show. If we avoid allowing Blyth to impose themselves, I’m confident we’ll get a good result.”