Bishop Auckland had mixed feelings after Sunderland withdrew from the Durham Challenge cup before their scheduled game on Tuesday night.

Bishops were looking forward to the game against the second string reserve outfit of the Black Cats, but Sunderland contacted Durham FA on Monday morning to inform them that they couldn't raise a team, meaning Bishops gets a bye to the semis.

Bishop Auckland manager Brian Honour said: "It's a weird feeling being in the semi finals.

"The lads and I were really looking forward to playing on a really good surface at Durham against a pro team. When I told the players in our squad on Monday morning about what had happened, they were really gutted, because it was a chance to compare themselves against pros, and maybe get into the pro game themselves.

"We prepared for the game all weekend after we heard our game was off last Saturday. We couldn't understand why Sunderland, who have teams at several levels, couldn't raise a team, but I'm sure Mick McCarthy must have his reasons."

Sunderland are understood to have had several players out through injury and suspension, but County FA officials could take a dim view when they discuss the matter.

Bishops have also missed out on a good pay day, because Sunderland have donated their share of gate receipts in previous rounds to the opposing club.

Bishops have yet to decide whether to ask Sunderland for some sort of gesture as compensation.

The competition rules state that a Football League club cannot use players in a game if they have appeared in the club's first team in the previous 28 days, and any new players must be registered at least seven days before the game.

Bishops are holding an evening with Peter Beardsley at Tindale Crescent WMC on Friday, January 16. Tickets, £10 each, are available from Dave Illingworth on 0773 6050739.

Bishops' league cup tie with Prescot Cables, which was postponed before Christmas, has been re-arranged for Wednesday, January 14 at Dean Street. If they win, Bishops are at home to Burscough on January 24.

The full draw of the league cup quarter final is: Vauxhall Motors v Hucknall, Bishops or Prescot Cables v Burscough, Matlock v Guiseley, Whitby v Droylsden.

Bishops have switched their league game with Bamber Bridge from Saturday, February 21 to the night before to avoid a clash with Shildon.

Spennymoor, meanwhile, have started a fundraising campaign to rebuild the clubhouse. One of their first ideas has been to contact all of the Premiership clubs, and ask for a shirt or other memento for a planned auction.

On the pitch, they have released former Darlington and Hartlepool midfielder Jon Cullen, who scored a hat-trick of penalties in a game earlier in the season.

Manager Tony Lee was delighted with the response of on loan Hartlepool striker Jermaine Easter in midweek.

Easter scored a hat-trick for Moors at Billingham Synthonia to help them come back from 2-1 down to win 4-2 in the last eight minutes.

Easter was blasted for his poor attitude by Pool manager Neale Copper last week after he told Moors he wouldn't play for them any more, and Lee said: "He responded magnificently, and took his goals very well. I've asked Neale to come and have a word with the rest of my players!"

Along with Bishops, Moors are now in the semis with Jarrow Roofing and Billingham Town.

Whitby Town have been handed a long midweek trip in a re-arranged fixture - they must play at Alfreton in Derbyshire on Tuesday, March 2.