Ken Houlahan yesterday resigned as Evenwood's director of football because he is "unhappy" at recent events.

Houlahan, who has been one of the driving forces behind the club in recent years, says: "It's in the best interests of the club that I resign.

"I'm unhappy with events that have occurred since the beginning of the season.

"There was the issue with the league over our three points deduction, and there have been fines against the club. It just seems to be one thing after another."

Houlahan has relinquished his official position with the club, but he will continue in his role as secretary of Evenwood AFC Community Amateur Sports Club, a separate entity.

Richie Hill, who has been assistant manager, now becomes manager and takes charge of this afternoon's Second Division game at promotion chasing Washington.

Evenwood beat leaders Prudhoe in midweek and will be unchanged, while Washington are without striker Owen Peterson, who has damaged ankle ligaments.

In the first division, Tow Law are hoping to avoid a fifth straight defeat when they go to Benfield Saints, who are fourth in the table.

Lawyers have a doubt over keeper Andrew Spence, so Andy Collings stands by. Carl Beasley and Scott Richards are both suspended.

Saints expect to have new signing Lee Ludlow from Bishop Auckland in their line up after completing his Northern League transfer from Newcastle Blue Star.

Chester-le-Street, who lost in midweek to leaders Dunston, should be at full strength for their away game at Morpeth.

Brandon, who are unbeaten in their last seven league and cup games, can climb further away from danger if they beat third bottom Consett, and they will be without striker John Harrison because of injury.

Consett could make changes to the team which lost 3-1 to Brandon last Saturday Shildon include new keeper Richard Swan in their squad away to Peterlee.

Swan will replace Liam Lowe, who is now recovering after collapsing during last week's game against Jarrow Roofing.

West Auckland face Ashington, who beat them in the FA Cup earlier in the season, and they include new signing Darryl Hall, a defender who is the son of former West manager Dave Hall.

Chase McMullen and Dean Forrest will have fitness tests In the other second division matches, Crook are looking for their fourth successive win at Newcastle Blue Star, and they welcome back Lee Ellison, who missed the 9-0 midweek trouncing of Willington.

Willington are hoping to end a run of three defeats at home to Kennek Ryhope CA.

Manager Stan Cummins will name his team shortly before kick off, while Ryhope include new keeper Chris Trotter in place of the Craig Shields, while striker Gareth Hill has a fitness test.

Willington have conceded 21 goals in their last three matches.

Washington Nissan, third, are at home to Marske United and will give former Hartlepool players Jon Cullen and Steve Halliday fitness tests.

Marske could give a return debut to former player Greg Booth, who hs returned from Guisborough. Northallerton, who are fourth, are at home to third bottom Hebburn, and welcome back defender Micky Waller.

Norton, who have lost their last two, are at home to Penrith.

North Shields, who haven't lost in six league games, are at Whickham, and are missing top scorer Andy Bowman.