Evenwood Town have sent their thanks to Darlington chairman George Reynolds for a "wonderful gesture", writes RAY SIMPSON.

The Albany Northern League Second Division club are due to make the long trip to Lancashire in the FA Carlsberg Vase on September 22 to play either Oldham Town or Chadderton, and were facing transport difficulties.

They decided to contact the multi-millionaire in an effort to borrow the Darlington team bus, and to their delight, he agreed.

Evenwood committee man Craig Latcham said: "We were struggling to find a way of getting there instead of using cars, so we contacted Mr Reynolds, and he kindly agreed."

Reynolds has loaned the team bus to local non-league clubs in the past, as part of his pledge to help local football.

Meanwhile, Evenwood are looking for a new secretary to replace Jim Coates, who has retired. Anyone interested should contact Craig Latcham on 07970-311030.

The Northern League Management committee have refused an application from Peterlee to change the colour of their strips.

Peterlee had arranged a new sponsor for the forthcoming season, on the proviso that they played their games in the sponsor's colours.

Peterlee approached the league last week for permission, but were turned down because under the league rules, clubs aren't allowed to change their choice of colours after June 15th.

Manager Eddie Freeman said: "To say we're not happy is an understatement because we lost a potential sponsor. We even considered resigning from the league."

A spectator who verbally abused referee Russell Tiffin in an ANL Second Division game in March has been banned from football until the end of 2004.

The spectator, a Mr T Marron, has been suspended from any sort of participation in football - management, administration and spectating - while Esh have been fined £100 by Durham FA, £50 of which was suspended, for club misconduct.

They have now been charged with undesirable conduct by the league.

Esh's game against Penrith was abandoned at the start of the second half by referee Tiffin after he received verbal abuse from some members of the crowd.

Dunston chairman Malcom James and assistant manager Perry Briggs have been charged with undesirable conduct and must appear in front of the league.