Ill health has forced Spennymoor secretary Brian Boughen is step down.

Boughen, who has been at the Brewery Field for six years, will quit at the end of the season, regardless of whether Moors win promotion or not.

"I've decided to resign because of health reasons," he said.

"I haven't been in the best of health recently and I've decided that it's best to resign.

"If somebody comes along, I'm willing to train them."

Moors are at Burscough tomorrow in the League Cup and their away game on Boxing Day at Whitby kicks off at 1pm.

Bishop Auckland manager Brian Honour is hoping to make a new defensive signing in time for tomorrow's league cup tie at home to Prescot Cables.

Honour is concerned about his team's ability to give away goals, and said: "It's time to shake things up a bit.

"The form of one or two players has dipped in recent weeks, and they won't have an argument when they're dropped.

"Saturday's Cup tie is crucial. I'll be up well up for it, and hopefully the players will be."

Bishops game at Gateshead on Boxing Day will kick off at noon instead of 3pm.

Issue seven of Two Blues News - the newsletter of Bishop Auckland Independent Supporters' Club - is out now. Copies are free of charge, and can be picked up at the following points in the town: Woodhouse Leisure Centre, Bishop Auckland Town Hall, Ethringtions Newsagents - Cockton Hill, Pointdexters Computer Shop - Victoria Avenue, Bakers Newsagents - Princes Street, NewsForce - St Helens, St Helens newsagents and off licence, Tindale Crescent Newsagents, BP petrol station Parkhead.

Darlington have recalled striker Mark Sheeran from Whitby following completion of his month's loan. Sheeran scored four times for the Seasiders during his loan. Whitby could also be losing midfielder Lee Ure back to his previous club Billingham Town.

UniBond have agreed to extend their sponsorship of the league until June 2005, bringing their total input to over £1 million in 11 years.

League Chairman Peter Maude said: "I know I can say that all member clubs will be equally delighted to hear this news, especially in view of the current restructuring of non-league football."

Midweek results: Premier Division: Altrincham 0 Lancaster 0.

First Division: Hyde 4 Colwyn Bay 0.

Tomorrow's fixtures: UniBond League Cup: Altrincham v Vauxhall Motors, Bishop Auckland v Prescot Cables, Burscough v Spennymoor, Hucknall v Lincoln United, Matlock v North Ferriby, Southport v Guiseley, Whitby v Radcliffe Borough, Witton Albion v Droylsden.

UniBond League President's Cup: Alfreton v Harrogate Town, Barrow v Bradford PA, Belper v Marine, Bridlington v Rossendale, Chorley v Lancaster City, Ossett Town v Worksop, Stalybridge v Ashton United, Workington v Frickley.

UniBond League Chairman's Cup: Colwyn Bay v Kidsgrove, Farsley v Bamber Bridge, Leek v Runcorn, Wakefield and Emley v Gateshead.