It was an eventful afternoon both on and off the pitch when Northallerton beat Shildon 3-0 last Saturday in a Division Two encounter.

Marton match referee Steve McCarten alerted club officials before the game started that he was feeling unwell, and advised them to have someone on stand-by in case he felt unable to continue.

However, he completed the first-half without any problems, but at half time, one of his assistants took ill and couldn't begin the second half.

Northern League referee Barry Sygmuta, who lives nearby, took over the assistant's duties for the second-half.

Northallerton led 3-0 at half time, and in the second-half, were awarded a penalty, which Shildon keeper Drew Inglis saved from Dave Lawson.

The home side had Andrew Brown sent off for violent conduct, and near the end were awarded a second penalty for another foul. By this time, Lawson had been subbed, so Paul O'Brien volunteered to take it, but again Inglis denied him.

Brandon manager Kenny Lindoe has thanked Wearside League club Annfield Plain for helping him field a full squad for the game at Dunston Federation last Saturday.

Brandon, who have a Durham Challenge Cup final to look forward to later in the season, were badly hit by injuries for the game at Federation Park, so when Lindoe heard that his old club's game was postponed because of the weather, he borrowed two players, with Annfield Plain's permission,

Lindoe said: "I'm pleased that we have a very good understanding with Annfield Plain.

"We wouldn't have been able to put together a full bench without them." Brandon had a good day all round, because they beat Dunston 3-1 to remain in sixth place

West Auckland full-back Steven West has been told that if he is found guilty of headbutting again in the future, then he could be handed a long ban by the Northern League.

West was sent off in a recent league game and suspended for 12 weeks by Durham FA.

Dunston boss Bobby Scaife was warned about his future conduct following an incident in a recent league game. Scaife was severely warned by Durham FA and fined £50.

Tow Law manager Graeme Forster has signed four players to strengthen his squad.

Forster has signed Whitley Bay pair David Hunter and Steve Walker, Peterlee's Ian McEvoy and Phil Jones from Horden.

"The squad has needed some extra players," said Forster. "In recent weeks, we have lost Wayne Edgcumbe, Dion Raitt and Marc Eccles, and that left some gaps."

Lawyers, meanwhile, are without a game tomorrow because scheduled opponents Newcastle Blue Star are involved in Northumberland Senior Cup action.

l Hartlepool United have approached the Northern League to enquire as to whether any club would be willing to stage Avon Insurance League games between November and March next season.

Pool stage their reserve games at Victoria Park at the moment, but are understood to be concerned about the state of the pitch for recent League games.

Durham City already stage reserve games for Sunderland and last season hosted Darlington while Billingham Synthonia likewise for Middlesbrough.

l Synthonia stage the FA Sunday Cup tie between Hartlepool Lion Hillcarter and Liverpool side Fantail.

Referee for the semi-final tie is Northallerton's Barry Sygmuta.