Former Newcastle star Peter Beardsley is lending a helping hand to Bishop Auckland boss Brian Honour.

Honour took over at Bishops a fortnight ago, and has now started rebuilding his team in an effort to get away from the bottom of the UniBond League First Division.

He has seven new players signed up to play at Witton Albion tomorrow, and said: "I've spoken to Peter, and he's keen to let us have a couple of players, because he feels that it will do them a world of good playing at this level of football. We need new blood, and I've only just started the surgery."

However, Honour has failed in a bid to sign midfielder Stuart Irvine from Durham City. He went back to his old club for the former Hartlepool player, but it looks as if Irvine has turned down the chance to play for Bishops in the UniBond League, at least for the time being.

Gateshead have appointed Derek Bell as their new manager. Bell, a former player at the International Stadium, quit along with Brian Honour at Durham a fortnight ago, and took over in time for Gateshead's 2-1 defeat at Wakefield and Emley on Tuesday night. Gareth McAlindon scored late in the game.

Spennymoor, meanwhile, warmed up for their FA Cup tie with Droylsden at the weekend by beating Trafford 3-0 at the Brewery Field on Tuesday night.

Tony Woodhouse (2) and Leigh Grant scored the goals, but Woodhouse won't be available for Moors because he has already played in the competition for Ashington. One plus for Moors is that defender Richie Watson came through a 15 minute spell as substitute without any ill-effects after injury, and he will be added to the squad which travels to the UniBond League Premier Division club.

Moors will play Witton Albion in the next round of the FA trophy after the Cheshire club won their midweek replay against Rossendale. Whitby will now be away to Stocksbridge.