Spennymoor boss Tony Lee has told his players that they can play for other clubs until the Moors' suspension is lifted.

Moors look as if they're going to be banned from playing by the FA until after the weekend, which will mean that they will have missed four league games.

Lee said: "I don't mind if the players want to keep fit by playing for other clubs in the Northern League, but I won't allow them to play in the FA Cup, because we will probably need them for the competition later.

"All the lads want to play for Spennymoor, but for obvious reasons at the moment, they can't."

Andrew Shaw, Lee Ellison, Michael Robson, Mark Taylor, Jason Ainsley and Carl Beasley have all turned out for various Northern League clubs this week.

Meanwhile, Lee is as angry as chairman Barrie Hindmarch over the delays in lifting the FA ban.

"Until 6.15 on Wednesday night, we didn't know exactly why we'd been suspended. We've now received a fax from the FA itemising the problems, and they're all basically things which can be sorted out.

"But the FA have been obstructive. It's been very difficult tracking people down."

Bishop Auckland have just one point from their two home games in the First Division after they lost 3-1 to North Ferriby on Wednesday night.

One bright spot for them was the second half goal by Brian Rowe, a powerful low shot for his second goal in two games.

However, manager Alan Shoulder is now intensifying his search for players to strengthen his squad.

Blyth Spartans are the best priced of all the north east clubs to win the FA Umbro Trophy.

Spartans, who started the season with a 4-1 win at Lancaster City on Saturday, are at 80-1 to win the competition according to a southern bookmakers, with Gateshead at 125-1, the same price as Whitby.

First Division clubs Bishop Auckland, who reached the quarter finals not so long ago, and Spennymoor, are at 200-1.

None of the North-East clubs have lodged applications yet for promotion to the Nationwide Conference. The most interesting is Harrogate Town, who were promoted from the first division of the UniBond League only last season.

Blyth have signed former Darlington utility man Phil Brumwell, who was released by Quakers at the end of last season.

Brumwell made his debut last week at Lancaster City, and created one of the goals in a 4-1 win. Another former Darlington player, Robbie Painter, has signed for Bradford Park Avenue after being released by Gateshead.