Bishop Auckland manager Brian Honour blasted the referee after his side's 3-3 draw with Rossendale on Wednesday night.

Bishops' defender Steve West was dismissed for allegedly headbutting one of the Rossendale strikers late in the game, with Rossendale equalising from the resultant penalty.

"Steve was sent off on the advice of the linesman, and yet we feel that he was headbutted first. We were also annoyed about the reactions of some of their players," said Honour.

"We felt so let down by a poor refereeing display, especially after everybody had worked so hard to make sure that the game went ahead."

Honour himself was also sent from the dugout for protesting at the sending off decision, and now faces a touchline ban if the FA decide to take action.

Rossendale were delayed on the way to the ground, so the kick off was delayed by 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, Honour says his side will adopt their usual approach in their League cup semi final at Droylsden tomorrow.

Bishops have already beaten Bradford, Burscough, Prescot Cables and Blyth in the competition and Honour said: "In every league cup tie this season, we've been underdogs. Bradford, Burscough and Blyth are in the Premier Division, plus Burscough won the FA Trophy last season. Prescot Cables are going well in our division, and most people thought they would beat us.

"This game will be no different, because Droylsden are second top in the Premier Division, and could win the league. We've done well to reach this far, when you consider who are left in it. There's Hucknall, who are top of the Premier Division, and Matlock who are going well in our division.

"There's no pressure on us whatsoever, but on the other hand, we won't be casual, because nobody likes to lose a semi final.

"I'm confident that the players will raise themselves for the occasion."

Bishops are facing two games in three days, because they have now brought forward their home game with Gateshead to Monday night at Dean Street, kick off 7.45pm.

They have also been given re-arranged dates for some of their postponed matches; Monday March 15 Leek (away), Monday March 22 v North Ferriby (home) Wednesday April 7 v Witton Albion (home), Wednesday April 14 v Bridlington (home), and Wednesday April 21 v Farsley (home).

Spennymoor, who are at home to Southport in the Premier Division tomorrow, are hoping to complete the signing of striker Tommy Raw from Scarborough in time for the game. If he does sign he is likely to make his debut against the former Football League club.

Spennymoor's game at Hucknall has been moved from Tuesday, March 9 to Monday, March 22 because Hucknall are involved in a County cup tie.

The new Conference North and South has been given the go-ahead following an arbitration hearing at the FA.

The Ryman League had challenged the new set up because they won't be one of the feeder leagues into the Conference, and after a costly legal battle, they are now set to lose many of their clubs.

However, it is now feared that some of the legal costs will be handed out to clubs in the leagues concerned, which could mean bills for the five UniBond clubs in the North-East.

The UniBond League, meanwhile, has welcomed the judgement.

A statement released by the League said: "The UniBond League welcomes the decision of the arbitration panel as it removes the uncertainty and frustration caused by the Isthmian League's challenge. The decision leaves all UniBond clubs now in a position to approach the rest of the season knowing what is required to achieve their aims of membership of the Conference North or promotion to the UniBond League Premier Division as the case may be.

"Although disappointed with the actions of the Isthmian League, the Conference, Northern Premier and Southern Leagues all now hope the Isthmian League officials accept what was an unanimous decision by the Tribunal with dignity and contribute positively to the smooth implementation of the agreed restructuring process for season 2004/2005. The Alliance will now push ahead to ensure the transition to the new set up is achieved successfully and to achieve this objective the Conference, Northern Premier and Southern Leagues hope they will receive the full co-operation of the Isthmian League in all aspects of the new structure that still remain to be finalised."

Therefore, this means that the top 13 clubs in the UniBond League could be promoted to the new Conference North, with the next seven all going into a play off with the First Division champions.

The Ryman league is looking at a big legal bill, because they employed a specialist legal firm who are also used by Manchester United

It is also looking more and more likely that, unless Barrow win the UniBond League title, there will be nobody promoted from the UniBond League to the national Conference because only they, out of the leading clubs, have a ground up to Conference standard.

The FA has been asked to clarify whether Barrow would be allowed to go up in second place, because the Conference rules appear to be contradictory.