Bishop Auckland are going full steam ahead with ground improvements at Shildon to meet the UniBond League's deadline.

Bishops announced yesterday that they have signed a two- year groundshare deal with Shildon, while their old ground Kingsway is sold and their proposed stadium at Tindale Crescent is built.

But the clock is already ticking on the ground improvements, which are required by the end of April.

Club spokesman Terry Jackson said: "Shildon are already putting plans in place - their chairman Gordon Hampton is very keen.

"We have to build a stand for covered standing accommodation, a new turnstile, segregated directors' boxes and a covered walkway for players.

"We know that there is a lot of work to do, but we think that it will be worth it.

"Shildon have some good facilities for matches and training, plus our fans won't have very far to go for home games.

"We're awaiting confirmation from the UniBond League, but we expect it to go through."

Crook and West Auckland were also in the running, and Jackson said: "We must thank both those clubs most sincerely for the help they've given us." Assuming Bishops avoid the dreaded play-offs, their last home game at Kingsway will be part of a gala day against Bradford Park Avenue on Saturday April 20.

Bishops have another home game today, against Accrington Stanley, and need points to help them climb out of the bottom three.

Striker Kevin Shoulder is suspended, while defender Steve Hutt is doubtful because of injury.

However, defender Mark Salmon and midfielder Paul Proudlock both return, while there could be a debut for defender Andy Hill, who has just been released by Hartlepool.

Manager Alan Shoulder said: "We're getting there slowly but surely, but we need to take our chances.

"We had some good opportunities at Gateshead the other night, but didn't take them."

Whitby, one point and one place above Bishops, have a very difficult game at league leaders Burton Albion, and they could be unchanged from the team which drew with Blyth in midweek.

In the First Division, Spennymoor are looking to stretch their unbeaten league run to 12 matches at home to Belper, whom they beat in the reverse fixture last month.

Midfielder Stephen Bell will probably be missing because of injury, and manager Tony Lee could sign a new player before the game.

"We've got 12 games to go, and we must keep on winning if we want to be in the play-offs," he said.

Moors are currently four points adrift of the play-off zone.