The Albany Northern League is to continue with the golden goal format in cup ties.

The world governing body, FIFA, has decided to abolish the golden goal rule in international cup competitions, and revert back to a full 30 minutes of extra time.

And there have been suggestions that other national associations and leagues would have to follow suit.

But so far, the league has heard nothing official, and is still fully behind the means of deciding cup ties, which was introduced a decade ago.

A spokesman said: "We believe that the golden goal has worked well in cup ties. It certainly provides an added edge of excitement, not only for players, but also for supporters. For example, last year's league cup final was end to end in extra time, with first one team and then another having good chances to win.

"We have no plans to amend it."

However, the league is considering Second Division play-offs.

"I'm happy for it to be discussed at the Annual General Meeting if somebody proposes it. I think it would make the Second Division much more interesting and competitive.

"This season, for example, it looks as if the top three may already be decided, but there would certainly be a lot more interest if we have play offs to decide the third promotion place."

There is sure to be a mixed reaction from clubs about the proposal. Some might welcome it as a means of gaining promotion to the First Division, but whether clubs would be prepared to go to the extra time and expense of running a team until the middle of May, remains to be seen.

It would also probably mean that there were would be no extension to the regular playing season, as there will be this season, because of the backlog of fixtures.

Tow Law have parted company with manager Steve Smith.

Smith, who was with Prudhoe last season, was appointed in July after the departure of Graeme Forster, but Lawyers have spent most of the season in the bottom half of the table and they are in the thick of the relegation fight.

Secretary Bernard Fairbairn, who held a meeting with Smith and his assistant Lee Collings straight after the 1-1 draw at Morpeth on Tuesday night, said: "Steve has done his best for the club, but we feel that we've given him a fair crack of the whip.

"He came in very late before the start of the season and he's had to put up with injuries to several players, but we felt that something had to be done."

Lawyers have yet to appoint a successor, but whoever it is will be expected to prevent the club dropping into the Second Division for the first time in its history.

Shildon have handed over almost £8,000 to local charities as a result of their FA Cup run.

Shildon reached the first round proper in memorable style, beating clubs from higher leagues before they lost to Notts County at Meadow Lane, and by doing so they qualified for a share of the proceeds of the FA Community Shield.

The club decided to donate £7,000 to the Shildon Centre Minibus Appeal and £900 to the Shildon Jubilee Centre.

Shildon secretary Mike Armitage said: "We are absolutely delighted that our FA Cup run has enabled us to put something back into the local community. The town gave us tremendous support during our run and the opportunity to do something in return gives us great pleasure."

On the field, Shildon are out of the title race after being top of the table early in the season.

They drew 1-1 with Bedlington last Saturday, and manager Ray Gowan said: "We needed three points to keep life interesting.

"We've still got eight games to go, and we'll be using them to try and learn as many lessons as we can in time for next season."

Kennek Ryhope CA are looking for a new chairman to help the club progress.

The Second Division club is on the verge of a bright future, with new developments on the horizon at the club.

Secretary Owen Haley said: "The club is pushing hard for the future.

"We have a very good youth set up with a Charter Standard, the local community is providing us with plenty of support, and financially the club is stable.

"But in order to advance, we need somebody who can come along and provide us with good sponsorship, drive and enthusiasm."

Seaham manager Peter Mulcaster blasted his players after they were beaten 1-0 at home by Alnwick last Saturday.

Seaham are back in the relegation fight, and Mulcaster said: "For some of our players, it was a matter of turning up and just putting a strip on, and that's unacceptable.

"Not enough of them were hurt in defeat, and were going through the motions."

Jarrow Roofing's application to the UniBond League is still valid. After being inspected by officials last month, they have now been asked to supply a floodlight chart to the league. The club has been informed that it must carry out some ground improvements before they will be considered for entry.

Northallerton signed much travelled striker John Outhwaite from Horden last week.

Outhwaite failed to find the back of the net in their midweek at Newcastle Benfield Saints, but he scored both goals in their 2-1 win at Whickham on Saturday.

Northallerton manager Paul Burton said: "John is an infectious character. His enthusiasm and charisma rub off on others."

Outhwaite's last venture into Second Division football saw him win the title with Shildon two years ago.

West Auckland striker Phil McGuire could be out for the rest of the season.

McGuire scored a hat-trick a fortnight ago against Morpeth, but 24 hours later damaged his ankle ligaments in a Sunday game.

Bedlington are hoping that their Northumberland Senior Cup final will be played at St James Park.

Bedlington will play the winners of the Blyth and West Allotment replay later in the season, and joint manager Tony Lowery said: "The final has been at St James' in the past, and we're hoping that Newcastle will give it the go ahead. There's not many better places to hold a final than there."

Norton manager Ray Morton was delighted with his team's goalless draw against high-flying Benfield Saints on Saturday.

Norton inched further away from the relegation zone with the point, and Morton said: "I was delighted with the way the players battled all the way through the game from start to finish.

"We knew that it was going to be a tough game because of how well Benfield have been playing this season, and our players' attitude and approach were spot on.

"It was a good rearguard action, and now we need the same again at Ryhope this week."

TOMORROW'S Fixtures: Division One: Billingham Synthonia v Durham City, Billingham Town v Thornaby, Brandon v Peterlee, Guisborough v Chester-le-Street, Horden v West Auckland, Marske v Dunston, Penrith v Shildon, Tow Law v Jarrow Roofing, Washington v Morpeth, Whitley Bay v Esh Winning

Division Two: Alnwick v South Shields, Crook v Newcastle Blue Star, Hebburn v Evenwood, Kennek Ryhope CA v Norton, Newcastle Benfield Saints v Prudhoe, Northallerton v Consett, Seaham Red Star v Willington, Shotton v Whickham, Washington Nissan v Ashington