Bishop Auckland have announced that they are to groundshare at Spennymoor's Brewery Field next season - to save themselves from relegation from the UniBond League.

Bishops have been told by the UniBond League that unless their groundshare at Shildon's Dean Street reaches the UniBond League "B" standard, then they will be relegated at the end of the season, even if they finish in a promotion position. Bishops were relegated from the Premier Division two seasons ago because of ground standard problems.

The main issue has been the size of the officials' changing room at Dean Street. At an inspection last year Bishops were told that they had to enlarge it by one square metre, but this is almost impossible as it is situated between the changing rooms of the two teams.

Bishops vice chairman Richard Treharne said: "The cost of enlarging the changing room would have been prohibitive. If we had taken space away from one of the other changing rooms to enlarge the match officials' changing room, then that would have caused a problem in that area.

"The UniBond League told us that we would not have a dispensation, or an extension to next month's deadline, so we approached Spennymoor about a groundshare.

"The UniBond League is fine about that, because Spennymoor's ground meets their A grade.

"We have signed a two year groundshare with Spennymoor, which should be enough while we carry on with the project at our proposed new ground in Tindale Crescent. We are grateful for all the help Shildon have given us in the last two years."

Moors, for so long fierce neighbours and rivals of Bishops, are happy with the deal. Club owner Benny Mottram said: "We're happy to help them out, plus financially it's a good deal for us."

On the field Bishops are aiming for their second cup final of the season when they go to Droylsden in the League cup semi final today.

They have already reached Easter Monday's final of the Durham Challenge Cup, and manager Brian Honour said: "There's no way that we are satisfied reaching just one cup final. We do feel that this is a big cup final to reach, and to get there would represent massive progress for us.

"We have a busy schedule of fixtures left, but we could be on the verge of a treble if we get promotion as well. When I first came to the club eighteen months ago, to talk of two cup finals and promotion was pie in the sky. That shows how well we have done."

Droylsden are second in the Premier Division, but Honour said: "There is no pressure on us whatsoever. The longer the game remains goalless, then that suits us."

However, Honour has selection problems. Midfielder Steve Salvin is out with a knee injury, while Brian Ross is also struggling with a knee problem.

Spennymoor are at home to Southport in the Premier Division. Manager Tony Lee said: "I'm looking for us to bounce back from last week's defeat at Burscough."

Striker Danny Brunskill is missing, so new signing Tommy Raw could make his debut as his replacement.

Whitby Town go across the Pennines to Stalybridge, and recall four players who missed the midweek defeat at Alfreton, but defender Adam Reed is missing because of injury.