Bishop Auckland midfielder Craig Robson is having a trial at Vancouver Whitecaps.

The unlikely move has come about through Newcastle legend Peter Beardsley, who is a close friend of Bishop Auckland boss Brian Honour, and played for the Canadian club early in his career.

"I think he's capable of playing at a much higher level," said Honour. "Peter has had a look at him too, and he feels the same way."

Robson has flourished for Bishops over the last few months, as they have climbed away from the foot of the table.

Meanwhile, recent signing Micky Taylor has been appointed player-coach. "Micky has done very well for us since he arrived as a player," said Honour.

"I've spoken to him about the job several times, and he's said that he's enjoying himself here.

"Tony Boylan is going to be my assistant - he's not having his nose pushed out all. He's still going to be a valuable member of the management team."

On Wednesday evening Bishops were wondering whether they were going to be hit by the Team of the Month curse when they trailed 3-1 to Rossendale, who lost their keeper through injury when Bishops opened the scoring.

Bishops defence was found wanting when Rossendale stormed into a 3-1 lead and the new keeper hardly tested, but it all changed in the second half, although Rossendale claimed they should have had a penalty before Bishops got going. Lee Maddison drove home from the edge of the area, then Steve Salvin levelled with a powerful shot on 59 minutes. Chris Hughes made it 4-3 from a Maddison pass, and Maddison made sure with five minutes remaining.

Spennymoor United edged closer to the automatic promotion spots with a 1-1 draw at leaders Alfreton on Tuesday night. They took a first minute lead through Stephen Bell, who was later dismissed for two bookable offences. Alfreton levelled just before half time.

Assistant manager Jason Ainsley, who is in charge of the team tomorrow in Jamie Pollock's absence, said: "I thought that was one of our best performances for a long time. We would have done even better with 11 men."

Spennymoor are now preparing themselves for a hectic end to the season, beginning tomorrow at Eastwood Town.

Moors have still got six matches left this season, two at home and four away - the other away games are at Workington on Tuesday, Bishops on Easter Monday morning, and Stocksbridge on April 24. Rossendale, on April 19, and Witton Albion on the last day of the season are due to visit the Brewery Field.

In the Premier Division, Blyth Spartans are still in trouble after they lost 3-1 at Harrogate Town. They are fourth bottom, five points above Gateshead, who occupy the relegation play off spot.