ONE of the country's most famous amateur football clubs is saying a sad farewell to its famous ground this weekend with the future of both still up in the air.

After more than a century at Kingsway, ten-times FA Amateur Cup winners Bishop Auckland are bidding to build a new stadium a few miles away at Tindale Crescent.

The Unibond League side plays its last home fixture tomorrow, when it welcomes Bradford Park Avenue.

But the honour of turning out in the final game in the ground, which has played host to some of the top teams in the land, is going to the Two Blues' loyal fans.

The Bishops' Independent Supporters Club is giving people the chance to pay £5 for 15 minutes playing time in a special match, which kicks off at 3.30pm.

Ex-player Derek Lewin, one of a trio of stars who was sent to help out Manchester United after the 1958 Munich air crash, has gathered together a glittering line up of former team members, including many amateur internationals.

They include goalkeeper Harry Sharratt, Dave Marshall, Ron Fryer, Corbett Cresswell, Warren Bradley, Ray Oliver, Len Langford, Mick Greenwood, Bobby Watson, Les Dixon and Bobby Thursby.

Discussions are being held with the Football Foundation over grants for the new stadium, while Northern League side Shildon has agreed to share their Dean Street ground for the next two years.

Bishop Auckland has less than two weeks to get Dean Street up to Unibond League standards and must make improvements including building a new covered terrace and putting in extra turnstiles.

Club chairman Tony Duffy said: "It is very difficult but we are confident we will do it. We have to move to progress."

The club and police are asking fans to arrive early for tomorrow's match and use public transport if possible.