Unibond League clubs will be playing at least two games in the new League cup format this season, writes Ray Simpson.

The much criticised group format has been ditched - much to the delight of the clubs - and instead all of them will be playing in the early rounds of the League Cup.

But the clubs knocked out in the early stages will then be put into the Chairman's Cup and Presidents Cup.

The bottom 13 clubs in both the Premier Division and First Division will play in the first round of the League cup, with the rest given byes. The thirteen losing clubs at this stage go into the chairman's cup, and the losing clubs in the second round go into the Presidents Cup.

The first round draw is: Belper v Matlock, Burscough v Colwyn Bay, Chorley v Bamber Bridge, Gateshead v Whitby, Hucknall v Gainsborough, Lincoln United v North Ferriby, Stocksbridge v Frickley, Workington v Kendal, Blyth v Bishop Auckland, Guiseley v Farsley, Hyde v Trafford, Rossendale v Droylsden, Witton Albion v Marine.

Billingham Town have had a slice of luck in the draw for the preliminary round of the FA Cup.

Town were drawn against Gretna, but then the Scots successfully gained admission to the Scottish League and withdrew from the competition, giving Town a bye into the first qualifying round in which they will now play either Glasshoughton or Jarrow Roofing.

Washington have appointed John Oliver as their new manager.

Oliver has been part of the Northern League circuit for several years, and his last post was assistant manager at Jarrow Roofing. Washington's previous manager, Dave Tate, has taken over at South Shields.

North Yorkshire football player Danny Farthing had little time to impress his new boss.

For after just five seconds of the action Danny was writhing in agony on the floor believing he had broken his leg in a tackle.

Danny, a newly-signed player for UniBond Premiership Harrogate Town from Pickering, was aiming to put on an eye-catching display in the pre-season friendly at Wetherby Road against a Manchester United X1.

Annfield Plain entertained Brandon United in their second pre-season match but it was Brandon who won 4-1.

A new look Annfield Plain side, had Richard Little to thank for their only goal.