Bishop Auckland's enforced relegation from the First Division has ruled out the possibility of a local derby in the play offs.

The news which Bishops feared, arrived yesterday in a phone call from league secretary Duncan Bayley that they will be relegated to the First Division at the end of the season, because their proposed ground at Shildon doesn't reach Premier Division standard, although the league has told the club that it will be acceptable for the First Division when the stand is completed.

Bishops play their last game of the season at Colwyn Bay tonight, and it hasn't become clear what will happen to the play offs now.

One of the possibilities is for the fifth placed team in the First Division - which is due to play the Third bottom Premier Division club - could be given a bye to the play off final. Another possibility could be for second bottom Hyde United to be reprieved from immediate relegation and given a second chance in the play offs.

But the whole play off idea could be scuppered if Bishops decide to appeal against being relegated.

Spennymoor, who clinched their play off place with a win on Tuesday against Harrogate, go to Gretna tonight, and cannot finish any better than their current fourth spot.

Gateshead will be continuing next season. Their future was plunged into doubt earlier this year when Cameron Hall withdrew their sponsorship, but a big fund raising campaign, including a contribution by Paul Gascoigne, has succeeded and they will be playing UniBond League football next season.

Stalybridge Celtic are returning to the UniBond League after a six year absence after they were relegated from the Nationwide Conference.