Northern League chairman Mike Amos has warned that the league won't accept some groundshares as he revealed that Shildon were facing relegation to the Wearside League if they had gone ahead with a groundshare plan at Bishop Auckland's new stadium.

The two clubs were rocked last weekend when it was revealed that Bishops had called an EGM to discuss a possible groundshare at Tindale Crescent. But Shildon poured cold water on the idea.

Amos has warned that the league won't tolerate groundshares which aren't in the favour of Northern League clubs.

"Both as league chairman and a supporter and a very minor shareholder of Shildon FC I was delighted to learn that the board of directors has no intention of moving from the town or from the Dean Street ground," he said.

"I've spoken to the Shildon chairman Gordon Hampton and made quite clear my view that, unless Shildon had first call on the ground - something which Bishop Auckland and the Unibond League would be unlikely to accept - then the club couldn't play in the Northern League and would probably be relegated to the Wearside League.

"Losing Northern League football in Shildon after 70 years would be a sporting tragedy, as would losing Dean Street, recently much improved, after 100 years.

"I am happy to accept Mr Hampton's assurances that to all intents and purposes the issue is now dead."

Northern League rules permit groundshares - such as Shildon possess at the moment with Bishops at Dean Street - but the Northern League club must have priority for fixtures.

Shildon are at home to Dunston today, and will be without suspended midfielder Brian Nelson. Danny Richmond is back after illness. Dunston welcome back defender Mark Taylor, who missed the midweek cup defeat at Billingham Synthonia.

Leaders Bedlington have midfield general Ian Bogie suspended at home to Billingham Town, while keeper Gareth Powell is unavailable.

Town are also without their regular keeper, Darren Collier, because of suspension, and they are hoping to sign a replacement in time for the game.

Brandon, who are level on points with Bedlington, visit the division's highest scorers, West Auckland. They will be without injured midfielder Steve Huggins, but Andy Purvis, Chris Neil and Anth McStea return. West defender Simon Rogers is injured.

Durham Challenge Cup finalists Billingham Synthonia, who are third, recall Neil Radigan, Lee Flanagan and Richie Watson for the home game with Tow Law, who welcome back Scott Nicholson and David Bellamy.

Durham City are at full strength for their trip to Jarrow Roofing, who include new signing Craig Coates from Easington.

Esh Winning, beaten at home in midweek, are hoping to bounce back at Morpeth, but full back Jamie Howe is suspended.

Washington, who have won their last five matches, are missing Stuart Dixon and Neil Hood because of suspension at home to Whitley Bay, who are without Mark Taylor and Andy Bowes, both suspended.

In the relegation zone, third bottom Consett have a six-pointer at bottom club Newcastle Blue Star, and they will be without Scott Wilson and Johnny Brown because of suspension. Chris Hodgson returns after injury.

Second bottom Peterlee are without three midfielders at home to Marske United, but striker Paul Hinton returns.

Marske, who have won just once on a Saturday this season, welcome back Neil Hodgson and Steve Murphy after suspension.

Prudhoe include new signing Nicky Evans, once of Hartlepool, in their squad at Chester-le-Street, who are missing David Turner and Daniel O'Brien. But strikers Steve Cuggy and Andy Blower both return

Second division leaders Washington Nissan, who lost to Penrith in midweek, welcome back midfielder Gary Coatsworth at South Shields.

Easington, who are fourth, will give keeper Paul Pringle a fitness test at Evenwood, who expect to be unchanged from the team which drew with Crook.

Horden welcome back Craig Stephens, Kevin Devine and Lee Dixon for their home game with second bottom Eppleton, who include new signings David Tate and Steve Cockerill.

Northallerton's leading scorer David Onions is suspended for the visit of Seaham Red Star, who are missing defender Michael Rogers because of a broken nose.

Crook's home game with Kennek Ryhope CA is off because of a problem with the gas supply to the Millfield changing rooms.