ALBANY Northern League clubs are likely to tell the FA to "leave us alone" after a meeting on Thursday night.

FA official Mike Appleby, in charge of the non league system restructuring, met league clubs at Seaham.

He outlined the proposals for football at the ANL level across the country, and in the process he virtually ruled out any possibility of the league feeding into a higher level than it does at the moment.

League clubs have campaigned for fairer restructuring to reduce potential costs for several years, but chairman Mike Amos said: "The general consensus of opinion was that we have been dealt a very bad hand by the FA.

"The whole idea of restructuring the non-league game was to reduce costs and to produce a fairer and more consistent system.

"We feel that hasn't happened, especially in comparison to the UniBond League First Division next season.

"Without doubt, we still want to be a part of the non-league system, but the clubs made it clear that they are dissatisfied.

"From our point of view, it seems to be going nowhere - the knot is no closer to being unravelled. They might as well leave us alone."

League leaders Dunston can step closer to the title if they win at Jarrow Roofing today.

Bobby Scaife's side returned to form in midweek when they won at Penrith in the league cup, and the squad is strengthened by the return of Micky Robson and Anthony March.

Roofing are without top scorer Paul Chow.

Shildon need to win their last game of the season against Chester-le-Street to have a chance of a top four place.

Midfielder Danny Key is missing because of injury, while the league's top scorer, Garry Barnes, returns after missing the midweek defeat at Whitley Bay.

Chester-le-Street will probably be close to full strength.

Shildon could be pipped for third by Bedlington, while Billingham Town still have plenty of games in hand.

Durham Challenge Cup winners Billingham Town are at home to relegated Washington, and welcome back the two players who scored in the final, David Turner and Andy Swalwell.

Washington expect Richard and Michael Latimer to return.

Billingham Synthonia, who have a League Cup semi-final date with Durham on Tuesday, are at home to Thornaby.

They have several injury problems, with strikers Lee Flanagan and Tony Wood, plus full back Ian Williams all missing. Striker Andy Fletcher will have a fitness test.

Horden are hoping to end a run of three successive home defeats against relegated Marske United.

Defenders Luke Allen and Darren Atkinson are both missing, while Alan Martin will have a fitness test.

Tow Law could climb two places if they beat Brandon at Ironworks Road.

Defender Carl Beasley and striker Andy McKenna are both suspended, while striker David Taylor will have a fitness test. Brandon will give defender Elliott Milburn a fitness test, while Rob Bowman returns.

Peterlee are without three defenders at home to Esh Winning. Danny Cobain,Calvin Foley and Lee Bytheway are all missing, so manager Andy Toman might be forced to play.

In the Second Division, Consett need to win at bottom club Shotton to revive their faltering promotion hopes after six without a win. Johnny Brown and Rod Butler are added to an 18-man squad.

Newcastle Benfield Saints, who can overtake Consett, are at Hebburn, and they are without Kevin Gustard and David Cooper.

Washington Nissan have still got faint hopes in fourth, but they have to beat Prudhoe to keep them alive. Defender Mark Nicholson is unavailable.

Newcastle Blue Star, with slim hopes of promotion, are at home to full strength Evenwood.

Easington need to beat Kennek Ryhope CA in their home game, otherwise they will be relegated, and they only have a small squad, as Tim Hood and Steve Larkin are unavailable.

Ryhope, who are on course for their best finish in several seasons, are without David Christie and Wayne Henderson.

Norton, third bottom, are without suspended striker Chris Garbutt at Seaham Red Star, who put seven past Willington in midweek.

Seaham will probably keep three juniors in their team, Josh Mincer, Richard Milburn and Neil Hamed.

Northallerton who can still finish in the top seven, are without Mattie Cooke because of suspension at home to Willington, for whom Liam Clough returns.