Billingham Town manager Allan Robinson has told his players that they must raise their game for this morning's Durham Challenge Cup final against Bishop Auckland.

Town pulled off a shock in the last round when they defeated Gateshead - a defeat which spelt the end of Paul Proudlock's reign as manager - but Robinson is anxious that his players don't mislead themselves by Bishops' third bottom position in the UniBond League.

"We haven't played at all well in our last two matches," he said.

"If we play like we have done in those games, then we won't win the cup this morning.

"Maybe the lads' minds are on the game, because we've tended to bounce back and play well against the better sides.

"But if they're thinking that because they've beaten Gateshead, then they'll beat Bishop Auckland, they're making a mistake."

Midfielder Neil Bishop is struggling with a toe injury, while defender Stuart Jackson has an ankle injury. Midfielder Andy Swalwell is cup-tied having played already for Spennymoor, while midfielder Steve Osbourne has an arm injury.

Second Division Murton have been told that their ground reaches the required standard - but only just.

The club was threatened with fines and possible expulsion from the league if they didn't bring their ground up to Second Division standard, but they scraped through after an inspection last week.

The club has been badly hit by vandalism, so the league has agreed that in order to reach the required standard for covered seated accommodation, then the club can install the seating on match days, and then put the seats back into storage after games.

Whitley Bay have officially confirmed that they won't be taking promotion from the Northern League at the end of the season.

Whitley, who were relegated two seasons ago, expressed an interest last year, but a ground inspection revealed that they needed to erect a new stand, and planning permission wouldn't be granted in time.

Ironically, when Whitley Bay left the Northern League over a decade ago, they had no problems meeting the requirements of the UniBond League at the time.

Durham manager Brian Honour is determined that his players will bounce back for tomorrow's FA Vase semi final with Whitley Bay.

Durham let themselves down last Saturday in the first leg against Whitley, and Honour admitted that his team was lucky to escape with just a 2-1 defeat.

"We've had a good week so far in training, and everybody is hoping that they've put last Saturday behind them," said Honour, who is hoping to have a full squad to choose from.

A big crowd is expected at New Ferens Park, especially as Sunderland are at Arsenal tomorrow afternoon, and Newcastle are playing Everton today.

Whitley Bay have now been installed as the 11-10 favourites to win the FA Vase after their first leg win over Durham, and the surprise defeat of Sudbury by Tiptree, who are now second favourites at 11-8.

Durham are 13-8, and Sudbury are rank outsiders at 6-1.

And after two thrilling Vase encounters, Durham and Whitley Bay clash again in midweek when they face each other in the semi final of the League Cup on Thursday.

The other semi final, between Tow Law and Shildon, will be played the night before.

There are just three league games on Easter Monday - Billingham Town v Billingham Synthonia, Durham City v Tow Law and Marske v Guisborough.

Shildon's home game with South Shields, which was postponed last Friday night because the pitch was unfit, will now be played on Thursday April 18. Shildon are still in two cups, and have ten league games still to play by the end of April.

Billingham Synthonia striker Lee Flanagan took his season's tally to 35 with both goals in his side's 2-1 home win over Ashington on Tuesday night.

He scored his first from a Tony Wood pass after 20 minutes, but Ashington equalsied five minutes later with a header by Tom Vickers from a Steve Johnson cross.

But Flanagan grabbed the winner after 72 minutes with a right foot shot into the top corner of the net.

West Auckland's chances of finishing second suffered a blow when they lost 2-0 at home to Jarrow Roofing.

James Lang had a moment to forget after 25 minutes when he dribbled past five men and the keeper but with an open goal in front of him, hit the post.

Roofing then took the lead when Paul Chow crossed low from the left for David Hague to score wit ha diving header, and midway through the second half Chow fired the second into the top corner of the net.

On Wednesday, Bedlington maintained their 19 point advantage at the top with a 0-0 draw at home to Dunston.

Tow Law are third on goal difference above West Auckland after a 4-1 win at Washington, who held a half time lead through Steve Burns.

But Tow Law roared back in the second half to win through Marc Eccles (2), Kraig Wilkinson and Lee Innes

Consett and Brandon drew 0-0 in a dull game, while Peterlee defeated Newcastle Blue Star 3-0.

Second Division leaders Esh Winning held on to their four-point lead at the top of the Second Division with a 5-0 home win over fourth-placed Washington Nissan.

Micky Parkinson opened the scoring for them just on half time, and in the second half, Gary Messer and Gary McDonald scored two apiece.

But Esh secretary Roli Bell knows that there is still plenty of work to do. "It's in our hands, but we look as if we'll need around 86 points to go up."

Second placed Penrith beat Evenwood 1-0, thanks to a 7th minute goal from Lee Taylor, while Prudhoe are still in the hunt after they won 2-1 at South Shields.

Shotton won only their third game of the season with a 1-0 victory at Willington, Steve Digby scoring.

Shildon hit one of their highest ever scores in a cup tie when they crushed Whickham 9-0 in the Craven Cup on Tuesday night.

Chris Burn opened the floodgates with an early goal, then before half time, Brian Fairhurst (2) Danny Richmond and Mark Ash added further goals. Mark Rutter (2) and Richmond made it eight, with David Bayles scoring the goal of the night with a rocket near the end

Shildon, who have transfer-listed Mattie Sowden and David Brumpton at their own request, also struck the woodwork several times, including one instance of three times in quick succession.

Shildon now play Washington Nissan in the semi final on Monday April 8.

South Shields have brought forward their ANL Division Two game with Shotton from tomorrow to midday today.

Former Sunderland striker David Buchanan made a surprise return to action last Saturday.

Buchanan was one of the stars of the Blyth team when they won the league in the 80s, and he was signed by Sunderland boss Lawrie McMenemy at the time.

However, he didn't play in the forward line for Crook, where he is currently general manager - he had to play in goal.

Secretary Alan Stewart said: "We have three keepers registered, but for various reasons, none of them could play.

"We spoke with David, as well as coach Dennis Pinkney before the game, and David said without hesitation that he would play in goal.

"He conceded a goal early on, but he appeared to be fouled, but after that he didn't have much to do."

Crook won the game 2-1, but Andy Dolphin returns tomorrow