Bishop Auckland defender Micky Nelson is on his way to Second Division Bury.

The Lancashire club have been tracking the former Spennymoor player for several months and Nelson isn't on contract at Kingsway, so Bury can sign him on a free.

Bishops, meanwhile, are aiming to beat Hucknall for the second time in four days following their 5-2 win on Tuesday night.

Steve Hutt, Steve Bell and Mark Salmon are all struggling with injuries, but manager Tony Lee believes that his side can still pick up three vital points in their quest for third place.

He said: "We have to give the lads credit with all the injuries we've got. There's a really good spirit, and they've set themselves high standards."

Spennymoor, who are already relegated, are at Barrow, and have doubts over Rob Jones, Andy Howarth and Craig Veart, while Terry Harris is unavailable.

l Following Wolviston's unexpected Wearside League defeat in mid week, either Nissan or North Shields look set for the championship.

Wolviston have dropped back into fourth behind Boldon CA who have played more games than the leading pair.

Nissan, hoping to win the title and step up into the Albany Northern League, visit third-bottom Cleadon SC buoyed by their emphatic victory over Jarrow on Wednesday.

The leaders have tasted defeat in only four League games and will start firm favourites against a Cleadon side which has lost its way.

North Shields face a stiffer test at home to Annfield Plain especially as the visitors' manager Kevin Drinkeld will be in charge of a full squad. The Robins, who became the first side to score 100 goals this season when they put ten past Whitburn, expect to recall Neil McCulloch for his centenary appearance.

Also available is the experienced Paul Ross, who was rested on Wednesday, together with Martin Lamb and Anthony Robson.

Wolviston are without a game and Boldon CA, in the top three for the first time, will be out to consolidate their lofty position when they host Whitehaven.

A big boost to Boldon is the return from South Shields of powerful central defender Jason Jones who was playing exceptionally well before he made what turned out to be a temporary move into the Northern League.

Craig Metcalfe was an absentee from Boldon's 5-0 win over Birtley Town on Wednesday but having scored five times in the three previous games will come into the reckoning of manager David Jones.

Jones considered Birtley Town to be one of the best footballing sides Boldon have encountered this season and a good game is anticipated when Birtley visit New Marske, especially after the Seasiders' superb win at Wolviston.

Stanley United are at Stokesley SC minus the injured Micky Sander, suspended Greg Chapman and unavailable pair Shaun Gregory and Chris Burn. Manager Vince Kikup though, is pleased that strikers David Craig and Thomas Bushby, midfielder Patrick McArdle and defender Alan Humble are all able to resume.

Redcar Town could move into seventh position if they defeat basement side Whitburn, who have managed just seven points in 30 outings. David Tait returns following injury and Redcar will hand a home debut to 16-year-old striker Adam Henry.

l Leeds United chairman Peter Ridsdale believes Gerard Houllier and not his own boss David O'Leary should be manager of the year.

The Elland Road supremo acknowledges the remarkable job O'Leary has done at the club but maintains that the Liverpool boss is the top manager this season.

''Gerard has won one cup and is in the final of the FA Cup and has a great chance of winning the UEFA Cup,'' he said.

''Leeds have so far won nothing and Sir Alex Ferguson looks like he has won the championship again with Manchester United.''