The Albany Northern League have accepted an invitation from Darlington chairman George Reynolds to stage next year's Albany Northern League cup final at Neasham Road.

This season's final, between Shildon and Billingham Synthonia was staged at Feethams and attracted a crowd of around 800, who saw a very entertaining game which Shildon won 3-2 on a golden goal.

Next season's final will again be held on May Bank Holiday, with an 11am kick off.

League chairman Mike Amos said: "We are very grateful to George and accept his offer."

Eppleton chairman Ralph Lawson has resigned from the club after several years in the chair. His resignation is understood not to be connected with the recent events regarding Eppleton's massive points deduction and relegation to the Wearside League.

Second Division Horden have won one of the Northern League's Performance of the week awards for their victory over Billingham Synthonia in the Durham Challenge Cup final on Easter Monday.

The other award winners are: Willington for a 3-2 home win over Washington Nissan on April 5, Alnwick for a 1-0 home win over Thornaby on April 12, Brandon for the 1-0 away win at Bedlington on April 19, Thornaby for a 1-0 home win over Penrith on May 3.

ANL Second Division club Crook Town have appointed Dennis Dolphin as their manager on a permanent basis.

Dolphin was joint caretaker manager for the closing weeks of the season after Dave Taylor resigned, and he helped to guide the club to Second Division safety, going unbeaten in the last five matches.

Paul Bayles senior has taken over coaching responsibilities, while Andrew Dolphin will be goalkeeping coach.

Tow Law have confirmed they have parted company with manager Graeme Forster.

The chairman, John Flynn, wouldn't go into details but said: "We are extremely grateful for everything he has done. We reached the league cup semi final twice, and finished second in the table, but things weren't working out."

Forster had been in charge of the club for almost three seasons.

The club is now looking for a replacement to take up the reins. Any interested parties should write to Ironworks Road, Tow Law, Co. Durham, DL13,4 EQ.

Alternatively the club secretary may be contacted on (01325) 350743.

Newcastle Benfield Saints are now almost certain to be playing Northern League football next season, after they clinched one of the top two places in the Northern Alliance at the weekend. The other club looking for promotion, West Allotment, won't finish in the top two.

Eppleton, who finished bottom of Division Two, are expected to move into the Wearside League.

West Auckland are still looking for a manager following the departure of Alan Oliver. Anyone interested should contact Stuart Alderson on (01388) 834211.

Washington Nissan manager Gavin Liddle resigned from the club during the week after four years in charge.

Liddle, who managed Harrogate Town in the UniBond League previously, won two Wearside League titles with Nissan, as well as helping them to top seven finishes in the ANL Second Division twice.