BISHOP Auckland are on the road to safety after they came from behind to beat Stocksbridge 2-1 at Dean Street.

Bishops are now third from bottom and if they continue this form then they should soon reach midtable.

Manager Brian Honour said: "It was a bit of a test for the players after we went a goal down early on, but they grafted really hard.

"They have done really well in our last three games. Their confidence has improved a lot, and they are getting more of a rub of the green.

"With the positive news last week about the new ground, then things are starting to take off."

Honour also gave a debut to midfielder Stuart Irvine, signed from Durham on the morning of the game.

Stocksbridge, who scored 17 in an FA Cup tie earlier in the season, took the lead after four minutes with a goal from James Tevendale, but Brian Fairhurst levelled after 20 minutes from the spot.

And on the half hour, Andrew Shingleton, signed from North Shields a fortnight ago, headed the winner.

Former Hartlepool and Darlington midfielder Jon Cullen and centre half David Goodchild made their debuts for Spennymoor, but they finished on the losing side by 2-1 at home to Alfreton.

Moors seemed to have the FA Cup on their minds, and after a scrappy first half, Moors 'keeper Adrian Swan dropped a cross and Ryan Hindley pounced on the rebound.

Moors levelled when Chris Lynch scored from an Anthony Lee corner, but Alfreton won the points when Mick Godber scored from a rebound after his shot hit the bar.

Tony Woodhouse missed two good chances for a Moors equaliser.

In the Premier Division, Whitby lost 2-1 at Altrincham, Craig Veart equalising for them at one stage with a penalty.

Gateshead drew 4-4 at Stalybridge, after they led 3-2 at one stage. Steve Preen gave them a deserved draw with a goal late in the game. Their other scorers were Lee Flannigan, Preen and Rob Jones.

Blyth won 2-1 at Colwyn Bay, thanks to goals from Steve Stewart and John Hutton.