Bishop Auckland are hoping their appeal against demotion to the UniBond League First Division will be heard next week, writes Ray Simpson.

Bishops were told last week their proposed groundshare at Shildon did not reach the required standard at the time of inspection, but now Bishops have appealed to the FA on the grounds that the April 30 deadline date is purely arbitrary.

And they are also bemused about the fact that Dean Street has been passed as suitable for the First Division, even though their proposed stand wasn't completed at the time of inspection.

Work on the stand has continued briskly, and should be finished by the weekend.

The UniBond League looks as if it will organise its series of ground inspections and play offs better next season.

The League has been strongly criticised this season for inspecting grounds so close to the play offs, and leaving it with no breathing space to consider any disputes and appeals, such as the current situation with Bishop Auckland and Ossett Town.

Whatever the outcome of Bishops' appeal to Lancaster Gate, the league now looks set to inspect grounds in March, with decisions announced by April 1.

This year's play-offs took a farcical turn last Friday, when Bamber Bridge, who thought they were relegated as bottom club, were told that they were reprieved to play a part in the play offs, and Hyde United, who finished second bottom, had their hopes of total escape confirmed when Ossett Town failed their ground inspection.

Bamber Bridge won their play off game against Radcliffe Borough, and last night were playing Ashton United, Spennymoor's conquerors, in the final.

And if they won, then only Harrogate Town will be promoted and Bishops relegated.

Durham City's victory over Shildon in the Northern League Cup final on Monday was the first time they had ever lifted a trophy.

The match was decided on a golden goal by Micky Dunwell two minutes into extra time after Shildon twice pulled back from a goal down. During the game, Steve Walklate scored his first goal for Durham, and striker Lee Ludlow his 45th of the season.

Shildon's goals came from Les Langley and Danny Richmond.

Manager Brian Honour said: "The game summed our season up, really. I've lost count of the number of times we've been in front in a game, and then let it slip."