Second-Division Eppleton are facing almost certain relegation after having 15 points deducted by the Northern League for fielding ineligible players.

The league's management committee met Eppleton to discuss the non-return of their match forms on Thursday, and found them guilty of five instances of playing unregistered players. They also fined them £4,075, most of which has been suspended.

League chairman Mike Amos said: "Our investigation has revealed maladministration on an unprecedented scale, covering several months, many matches and at least five players.

"They have had 15 points deducted, as per rule, for examples of playing five different players who were either unregistered or for whom a transfer form had not been received (or both).

"The League is mindful of the very severe consequences for Eppleton FC and aware of the Eppleton secretary's efforts in many other areas to try to sustain the club. Against a background of sustained maladministration, we had no option, however, but to apply the provisions of the League rule book.

"Eppleton were fined a total of £2,050, plus a previously suspended £2,025.

"Of that total, however, all but £750 was again suspended - they must pay £250, as per rule, for playing five unregistered players, £250 (the rest suspended) for late or non-existent match returns and £250 of the original suspended sentence."

Clubs against whom Eppleton have played ineligible players will be able to ask for a replay, which will be good news for promotion-challenging Horden, with whom they drew 3-3 this week.

The deduction means that Eppleton are now well adrift at the bottom, and with only one club likely to go down, Willington, Crook and Norton, who have all been struggling against the drop, will be saved.

Brandon manager Kenny Lindoe expects the title race to go all the way to their last game of the season as he prepares for the visit of Jarrow Roofing this afternoon.

The title pendulum has been swinging non-stop over the last few weeks, and this morning Brandon are four points ahead of champions Bedlington with just three games to play - the last of which is at Bedlington next Saturday.

"The title is getting closer and closer, but we must keep winning games," said Lindoe.

"I expect Bedlington to win every game bar one - the game against us next Saturday.

"Maybe we're not flowing as much as usual, but we're looking fairly solid and not conceding many goals."

Brandon's defence will need to be at their best, as Roofing will include the league's leading scorer Paul Chow, with 32, and his strike partner Craig Nelson, who has 16.

David Johnson and Anth McStea both return to the squad after injury for Brandon, while keeper Gary Hoggeth returns for Roofing.

Bedlington, who have won just twice in their last five games, are at fourth-bottom Prudhoe, and could make changes from the team which drew with Chester-le-Street in midweek.

Prudhoe, who can almost ensure safety if they win following Consett's defeat on Thursday, have signed former Hartlepool midfielder Tony Skedd, but midfielder Brian Fairhurst is missing.

Durham City need to win at Esh Winning if they are to keep their hopes of finishing third alive. However, they have eight players injured, including defender Sam Kitchen, who broke his nose last weekend.

Esh, who lost 6-0 at Guisborough in midweek, welcome back four players to their squad, including keeper Lenny French and centre half Marc Irwin.

Billingham Town, also chasing third spot, need to win at home to Marske United. They are without keeper Darren Collier, so manager Alan Robinson is looking for a replacement. Striker Carl Chillingsworth is suspended, while Micky Ward and David Gallagher are both injured. Marske are without keeper John Jackson, defender Michael Kinnair and midfielder Andy Metcalfe.

Shildon, who have won their last two matches, are at home to Whitley Bay and could keep the team which beat Morpeth on Tuesday, which means leading scorer Lee Ellison might be on the bench.