The Second Division title won't be decided until next week after leaders Ashington were given an unexpected boost yesterday.

Ashington lost 3-1 at Washington Nissan on Tuesday and, after Benfield Saints beat Seaham Red Star 5-0 on Wednesday, the teams were level on points with just two goals separating them, going into what everybody thought would be a dramatic last day.

Consett, in third, were ready to pounce if the top two lost and they defeated Norton.

However, Nissan used substitute Michael Dibie in their game on Tuesday, but he was suspended by the league for failing to reply to correspondence four months ago after he signed for Gateshead.

It now means the game between Nissan and Ashington will have to be replayed, possibly next Thursday, which means Ashington's goal difference is now four better than Benfield's, and the title cannot be decided today.

Nissan will also have three points deducted.

League chairman Mike Amos said: "Nissan reported the player to the league and because he didn't reply to correspondence, he was suspended."

Ashington play their last home game against Kennek Ryhope CA, who are hoping to finish in their best position for ten years.

However, Ryhope are missing keeper Gary Ventress and strikers Phil Bell and Jonny Wightman because of cricket commitments.

Benfield Saints must try to pile up the goals against Willington and hope Ashington slip up in their last two games. Gary Forbes returns to the Saints midfield and Willington recall Gary Ankers.

Consett take on Norton at Belle Vue, hoping for slips by the top two.

Jonny Brown, Paul Bryson and Darren Grimes will all have fitness tests, while Norton have a doubt over striker Chris Garbutt.

Newcastle Blue Star are now guaranteed fourth place. They are at home to Whickham and have a doubt over striker Chris Rue.

Nissan are at home to Crook Town and recall keeper Frank Johnson and defender Paul Moss. Crook are without several players.

Northallerton can still finish sixth and are without Darren Paul and David Cooke at South Shields.

Bottom club Shotton are at Seaham Red Star and if they win, will overtake Easington.

Darryl Evans and Sean Gregory both return for Shotton, while Seaham welcome back Andy Lumsden.

In the first division, Whitley Bay include Wayne Edgcumbe in their squad after a spell at Gateshead, while Paddy Little and Leon Ryan are both missing at home to Tow Law. Lawyers have a doubt over keeper Gary Shields, so youngster Lee Furber, who has goalkeeping experience even though he was originally signed as a striker, could play in goal.

Billingham Synthonia are without several players because of injury and suspension at home to Penrith.

The league is expected to make an announcement next week about its recent ground inspections. It is understood that one of the Second Division clubs could be suspended for failing to bring its ground up to standard and that might be good news for one of the relegated clubs.

* Stokesley SC, who are still challenging for the Wearside League title, are involved in two crucial cup ties this weekend, writes Malcolm Pratt.

Today, they host Cleadon SC in the semi-finals of the Wearside League Cup before again having ground advantage over Boldon CA in the final of the Monkwearmouth Charity Cup on Monday.

Dean Talukder and Nathan Haslam return from injury today, but Martin Ball is playing cricket.

Cleadon boss Doug Key misses Philip Shakespeare, Philip Brand and Lee Auty, but Andrew Quinn and Dean Gladstone come into his plans. His biggest doubt surrounds goalkeeper Gary Brand and if he is unable to turn out, Liam Rochford will deputise.

Birtley Town are at home to Wolviston in the other semi-final. Manager Dave Smith is pleased that Mark Dale, Craig McManus and Shaun Devlin all resume but Carl Pennington is away. In addition, he awaits news on the availability of Anthony Lynch, Keith Foster and Kevin Murphy.

After last week's poor performance at Windscale, Wolviston take a stronger squad to Birtley. Back in contention are John Patterson, Paul Edwards and Kieron White. Assistant manager Craig Watson is optimistic that Paul Kreczek and David Johnson will return from injury but youngsters Matthew Martin and Emrys Sheldon are unfit.

In the League, North Shields will extend their lead to 11 points if they defeat Harton and Westoe. Ferryhill meet Windscale, with Michael Weston and Stuart Illingworth available.