Bishop Auckland manager Brian Honour is facing an important month as he prepares for this afternoon's away game at Rossendale.

Bishops have climbed out of immediate danger in recent weeks with some good performances, but Honour knows that his team must maintain that progress.

"We have a very difficult period coming up," he said.

"We've played teams in the top eight, and done reasonably well against them, But now we have some six-pointers coming up against teams who are just above us in the bottom half of the table."

Defenders Paul Moss (hamstring) and Craig Lake (ankle) are both struggling to be fit. Bishops also have cup ties coming up against Birtley in the Durham Challenge Cup and Blyth in the League Cup.

Spennymoor yesterday signed their fifth new player inside a month when they brought in Steve Preen from Gateshead - but he can't play in today's FA Trophy tie against Witton Albion.

Former Tow Law player Preen, who had a brief spell at the Brewery Field before he moved on to Gateshead, has been a regular scorer on Tyneside, but the club's recent problems have prompted his exit.

Moors manager Tony Lee said: "Steve is one of the best forwards in the North-East at our level.

"We're looking at him as being our main striker, and he will provide plenty of competition for places up front."

Midfielder Stephen Bell misses today's game because of suspension, while midfielder Jon Cullen is carrying a thigh injury.

Whitby go to Stocksbridge and are without four players, including recent signing Andy Wright from Scarborough.

Tom Wade is in temporary charge of Blyth Spartans at home to North Ferriby. Gateshead have a chance of progressing against Hyde United at the International Stadium.