Shildon have signed several players as they prepare for their pre-season friendly at home to Bedlington tomorrow.

The Second Division club have brought in two players who have good pedigrees in the First Division - Peterlee pair John Outhwaite and Brian Fairhurst, who has also played in the UniBond League for Spennymoor.

And Shildon boss Ray Gowan is heartened by the pre-season so far, especially as 27 players trained at the club earlier this week.

"We have had two very good games against Whitby and Durham City, and played some very good football," he said.

"Now that we've signed John, I feel that we have a very good striking combination with him and Nigel Bolton, while the midfield is looking strong now.

"I believe that we can seriously threaten the top of the Second Division

this season."

Crook Town have had to abandon the usual four-team format for their annual pre-season tournament, the Herbert Hutchinson Memorial Trophy, because their Millfield pitch is not ready due to re-turfing.

The trophy will now be contested in a one-off game on Saturday, August 11, when Crook will entertain last year's winners Consett (3pm).

The Ernest Armstrong Memorial Trophy semi final game between Willington and Tow Law Town has been switched from Wednesday August 8 to the following day with a 7.30pm start.

Stanley United are at home to Crook Town on Tuesday August 7 (7pm), and the final will be on Wednesday, August 14.

Crook are away to Annfield Plain in a friendly tomorrow (2.30pm) and at home to Workington on Tuesday (7.45pm).