Spennymoor's Brewery Field has been given the thumbs-up by Nationwide Conference inspectors.

As part of their application to join the new Northern Conference next season, the ground was inspected by representatives from the Conference on Tuesday, and everything went well.

Secretary Brian Boughen said: "The inspectors were very impressed with our facilities, particularly those in the main stand.

"They took a good look around, and the inspection lasted around two and a half hours.

"There are one or two things we need to address, but nothing major. For example, we need to improve the terracing, and get rid of the grass in spectator areas.

"They looked at our plans to improve the ground - such as the extension of the main stand - and were very impressed.

"The inspectors also said that ours was one of the better grounds they had visited so far, which meant a lot to us."

Moors, currently sixth, must finish in the top 13 of the UniBond Premier to go into the Conference.

Moors, who have signed keeper John Mohan from Billingham Synthonia, have arranged their Durham Challenge Cup tie at Washington for Wednesday night.

Bishop Auckland manager Brian Honour has thanked neighbours Hartlepool and Darlington for lending him players.

Honour feels that the youngsters who have played for his side have been a great bonus and he said: "Both clubs have helped us in our time of need by loaning players.

"Last season, Martin Gray at Darlington let us have Chris Hughes, and he did very well. Martin has now sent Andy O'Shea and hopefully he can improve his game as well as helping us.

"Hartlepool let us have players last season, and they've let us have keeper Kevin Duncan this season. He's done very well. Both clubs have been magnificent."

Bishops have arranged their Durham Challenge Cup tie at Murton for Tuesday night, and will now be away to Sunday's opponents, Prescot Cables, next Saturday.

Ten-goal Stuart Irvine is the highest scorer in the UniBond First Division up to last weekend. He is level with Danny Holland of Matlock.

Northern League sponsor Brooks Mileson has agreed a sponsorship deal with UniBond First Division club Workington.

Mileson, who owns Scottish Third Division club Gretna, has already agreed a similar deal with Northern League club Tow Law after the transfer of Marc Eccles.

RESULTS: Premier Division: Droylsden 2 Stalybridge 0,Blyth 1 Wakefield and Emley 0, Hucknall 3 Worksop 1, Radcliffe 3 Marine 1, Spennymoor 2 Barrow 4.

First Division: Bamber Bridge 2 Hyde 3, Colwyn Bay 1 Leek 3, North Ferriby 0 Matlock 2, Ossett Town 1 Farsley 2, Prescot Cables 0 Workington 2, Witton Albion 3 Kendal 1, Bishop Auckland 1 Guiseley 0, Gateshead 2 Bridlington 3, Kidsgrove 2 Belper 0.

FIXTURES: Tomorrow: Premier Division: Burscough v Blyth, Frickley v Ashton United, Harrogate v Droylsden, Hucknall v Altrincham, Lancaster v Whitby, Southport v Radcliffe Borough, Spennymoor v Gainsborough, Stalybridge v Runcorn, Vauxhall Motors v Barrow, Wakefield and Emley v Marine

First Division: Bamber Bridge v Stocksbridge, Belper v Bridlington, Chorley v Lincoln United, Colwyn Bay v Ossett Town, Gateshead v Witton Albion, Guiseley v Hyde, Leek v Kendal, Matlock v Farsley, North Ferriby v Rossendale, Workington v Kidsgrove

Sunday: First Division: Bishop Auckland v Prescot Cables (2pm).