Carlisle City will have to contest the rest of the season without top scorer Callum Birdsall.
City boss Dan Kirkup had already lost key defender Sam Smith to go travelling earlier in the season and now Birdsall is off to see the world.
Kirkup said: “Two top dogs of the team, Callum and Sam, are done for the season as they are travelling the world and both have been key players for us.
“We haven’t played since Boxing Day so hopefully we can this one back on and into action again.
“We are as strong as we can be with only Romeo Park on the injured list.”
City are at home to North Shields which has the makings of a close contest. Shields are ninth in the table, two points and two places better off than their hosts.
Penrith have the toughest test, a trip to leaders Guisborough after Tuesday’s trip to Thornaby was postponed.
It’s a two way fight for the title between Guisborough and Shildon, with the eventual runners-up having to settle for the play-offs.
Those positions are starting to develop although several clubs on the fringe will still feel they can make it.
Jim Nichols, the Penrith manager, expects to be able to field a full-strength side with the addition of defender Jamie Hodgson who has joined on loan from Carlisle.
Certainly in the mix are Kendal Town, currently lying third in the table, although 16 and 13 points behind the top two.
The Mintcakes are at home tomorrow to one of the other contenders for the play-offs – seventh-placed Easington Colliery.
Kendal have had gates of over 400 for their last three home games and are looking to break the 500 barrier against Easington.
