League chairman Mike Amos insists the Football Association is still ignoring the plight of the Northern League - and there could even be a plan to amalgamate the league with another.

Amos believes that the ANL is becoming more and more isolated within the pyramid system, because of the FA's failure to address the problems raised by the league's geographical location.

And with a reshuffle inevitable because of the proposed new Conference North - 14 clubs could leave the UniBond League, to be replaced by clubs from the same level as the Northern League - then Amos feels that the league could be completely ignored.

Amos said: "All clubs at our level three will be asked by the end of September to give a statement of intent on whether they would accept a move to a higher level, in our case the UniBond First Division, not necessarily precluded by failure to finish in the top two or three.

"Whilst we really do want to play an active part in the National League system, it's hard to imagine that clubs who for several years have been reluctant to seek promotion to the existing UniBond First because of the geography and cost involved will want to move into a demonstrably weaker league with the same formidable spread, across the width of the country.

"No one has addressed our geographical isolation, the bridges continue to burn, and we're in danger of being cut off for ever."

Amos believes that there is a growing threat to the league's existence.

"The FA has the stated aim to reduce the number of level three leagues - our level - from 15 to 12. I asked at last week's meeting that someone explain the possible timetable and mechanics and was told it would be addressed later in the day, but it never was."

Amos suspects that there could even be the chance of a new league being formed by the FA which would combine the Northern League and the Northern Counties East League, to feed into the UniBond First Division and not the Premier Division and Amos said: "I don't think we'd be keen on that at all. We would have to think very hard before taking such a step and certainly wouldn't, I'm sure, if the identity of the Northern League were to be lost." Amos suggested a Tweed-Humber League, under the control of the Northern League two years ago to feed into the UniBond Premier, but this was turned down.

The NCEL was formed two decades ago when the pyramid was originally set up, whereas the ANL is well into its second century.

But if the notion of an amalgamated league is proven, then alarm bells will be ringing throughout the league.

Benfield Saints midfielder Stephen Young achieved a first for the club when he scored for his club last Saturday against Seaham Red Star - the first goal scored by Benfield Saints in the Northern League. However, they finished as losers, and will be hoping to win their first game at home to South Shields this Saturday. Meanwhile, Saints have signed keeper Andrew Grainger, who has been playing for England - at beach football.

Evenwood's 1-0 win at Northallerton last Saturday was their first win over their opponents at 13 attempts, and only their second win over them in 26 matches.

Former Darlington defender Mark Sunley has returned to Guisborough.

Sunley, who was at Feethams for four years, had moved to Gateshead during the summer, but returned to Guisborough in time to play in the home defeat by Horden on Saturday.

Billingham Town manager Alan Robinson is looking for at least a top six place again this season.

Town had their best ever season last year by finishing third in the table behind Brandon and Bedlington, and Robbo will settle for a repeat.

"It was great to finish third last season, so we're aiming for a top six place again.

"But we won't find it any easier, because teams will be ready for us."

Town got off to a great start last Saturday when they won 3-1, without several players because of injury.

Meanwhile, Town are hoping to have their floodlight system up and working again within the next month, after it was damaged by bad weather last season. They had to switch their midweek game against Whitley Bay because of the situation.

Shotton are looking for a new manager following the resignation of Mark Watson. Anyone interested should contact Billy Banks on 0191 5267134.

Crook Town will be without first choice keeper Andy Robinson for the rest of the season.

Robinson was carried out off after 35 minutes of Crook's 3-3 draw with Willington last Saturday, and chairman Stephen Buddle said: "Andy is going to be operated on this week, because he has cruciate and cartilage injuries. We wish him the speediest of recoveries.

"Micky Sanderson will take over, but there's no problem with him because he did well against Bishop Auckland and Tow Law in pre-season friendlies."

Crook have signed former keeper, Andrew Dolphin, as cover.

Newcastle Blue Star have signed John Ludlow, cousin of their striker Lee. He was part of the squad which won the opening game of the season against Norton last week.

League champions Brandon have signed striker Tony Healer after he was released by Durham City, and he celebrated by scoring two goals against Chester-le-Street on his debut in midweek.

Northallerton's new signing, Anthony Roberts, could be looking at a year-long ban from the Northern League.

Roberts is alleged to have spat at an opponent during Northallerton's 1-0 home defeat by Evenwood, and will be probably be reported to North Riding FA. If the county authority finds him guilty of the offence - which according to the club, he has strenuously denied - then he could be banned by the Northern League for up to a year. The Northern League management committee has taken a dim view of such an offence in the past.

Tow Law, who signed nine new players before the start of the season, have put striker Paul Richardson and midfielders Gavin Naylor and David Bellamy on the transfer list at their own request.

Shildon keeper Adam Clementson, who has been replaced by John Jackson, has been placed on the transfer list, and already three clubs have made enquiries about him.

Horden manager Tommy Garside reckons that striker Chris I'Anson scored one of the best goals he has ever seen on Tuesday night against Billingham Synthonia in their 2-1 win.

I'Anson levelled with a long range shot before half time, and Garside said: "It was a once in a lifetime goal for a local footballer.

"He cut in from the right, beat a man, then drove the ball home from 35 yards. It was one of the best I've seen."

Brandon will be without several players when they take on Esh Winning in the First Division tonight at Welfare Park.

Striker Andy Purvis and midfielder Andy Cuthbertson are both suspended, while Chris Leighton and Johnny Mann are working.

However, midfielder Steve Huggins and defender Darryl Smith return. Esh are without Johnny Turnbull, but keeper Lee Robinson is expected to return after spending the week on trial at a couple of league clubs.

Fixtures

Tonight - Division One: Brandon v Esh Winning

Tomorrow - Division One: Bedlington v Thornaby, Billingham Synthonia v Washington, Guisborough v Billingham Town, Horden v Durham City, Peterlee v West Auckland, Shildon v Morpeth, Tow Law v Chester-le-Street, Whitley Bay v Marske Utd

Division Two: Ashington v Crook Town, Easington v Murton, Kennek Ryhope CA v Seaham Red Star, Newcastle Benfield Saints v South Shields, Prudhoe v Willington

FA Cup extra preliminary round: Dunston v Abbey Hey, Garforth v Whickham, Holker Old Boys v Penrith, Norton v Evenwood, Oldham Town v Northallerton, Ossett Albion v Alnwick, Shotton v Newcastle Blue Star, Washington Nissan v Jarrow Roofing

Monday (all 11am) - Division One: Dunston v Brandon, Durham v Chester-le-Street, Esh Winning v Tow Law, Horden v Peterlee, Morpeth v Bedlington, Thornaby v Penrith, Washington v Jarrow Roofing, West Auckland v Shildon

Division Two: Newcastle Blue Star v Newcastle Benfield Saints, Northallerton v Norton, Seaham Red Star v Easington, South Shields v Kennek Ryhope CA, Washington Nissan v Hebburn, Willington v Consett.