Bishop Auckland manager Brian Honour believes his side is showing plenty of signs of good form after their 3-0 midweek win at North Ferriby.

Two wins in two games have pushed Bishops up the table to seventh and Honour said: "I was very happy with the win at North Ferriby, because they have a very good home record. It gets us back in touch with the leading group, and it sets us up nicely for the six pointers ahead. We've got Bamber Bridge, Matlock, Guiseley and Prescot Cables to play, all clubs who are with us in the promotion race.

Meanwhile, Honour is delighted with recent signing Steve Manson.

Manson was part of the Hartlepool youth team last season, and Honour said: "Steve was top scorer for Hartlepool's youth team last season, and he's shown since he came to us that he's got an eye for goal.

"He scored two very good goals against Colwyn Bay last Saturday.

"I've also signed two more players from the same team, which did so well against Manchester United's youth team last season."

Meanwhile, defender Brian Rowe will be stopping at Bishops. Rowe signed a Northern League form for Durham City, but Honour said: "Brian has told us that he doesn't want to leave Bishops."

Bishops have switched their home game with Prescot Cables to Sunday, October 19 because landlords Shildon have an FA Vase tie the previous day.

Spennymoor manager Tony Lee admitted that he was furious with his side's cup exit last Saturday.

Lee was blazing mad after unfancied Warrington won 2-0, and he said: "The defeat hurt me considerably, not only the result, but also the attitude of some of the players. I was very disappointed that we didn't keep our composure. We should have won a game like that."

Spennymoor have completed the signing of striker Jonathan Milroy from West Auckland, and midfielder Jon Cullen, who will be starting his second spell at the club.

Lee has released striker Craig Skelton after a month at the Brewery Field, and he has returned to Billingham Town.

Worksop defender Mark Haran is steadily recovering after he suffered a serious injury in his side's game at Whitby last week.

Haran was involved in a clash with his keeper as Whitby scored, and was so badly injured that match officials decided it best not to move him.

Whitby boss Harry Dunn said: "As soon as we saw how serious the injury was, we offered to abandon the match. Nobody wanted to continue."

The scoring run of Gateshead skipper Paul Thompson came to an end when he drew a blank in Gateshead's 2-0 defeat at Prescot Cables on Saturday.

Thompson's run of scoring in six successive matches helped to lift Gateshead to the top of the table.

Fixtures

TOMORROW: Premier Division: Altrincham v Blyth, Ashton United v Spennymoor, Barrow v Wakefield and Emley, Bradford PA v Southport, Burscough v Alfreton, Droylsden v Frickley, Gainsborough v Lancaster, Marine v Hucknall, Radcliffe Borough v Harrogate Town, Whitby v Stalybridge, Worksop v Vauxhall Motors

FA Trophy preliminary round: Bishop Auckland v Farsley, Gateshead v Kendal.