Bishop Auckland striker Danny Mellanby could be playing his last game for the club at home to Burscough today.

Mellanby, who has made a big impact at Bishops this season, has spent this week on trial at Darlington, and Quakers manager Gary Bennett could offer him a full time contract.

But Bishops will expect a fee. Manager Tony Lee said: "We would expect a nominal fee for him with a sell-on clause inserted in the deal.

"We have helped Darlington over Danny. We agreed to waive the seven days' notice of approach, then we agreed to allow him to play in their reserves.

"There is a lot more to come out of Danny - he's the sort of player who will improve with full time training. I am thrilled that he has got his chance. It is up to Darlington now."

Lee, meanwhile, still has his sights set on the leadership. "We've got a lot of games to play, and we can still catch up."

Striker Andy Shaw has overcome an injury, but striker Micky Dunwell has gone to Durham City. Defender Micky Nelson is also missing because of suspension.

Spennymoor manager Peter Mulcaster last night paid tribute to Darlington manager Gary Bennett and chairman George Reynolds.

Mulcaster has been desperate to strengthen his squad in recent weeks in Moors' battle against relegation from the Premier Division, but now Bennett and Reynolds have come to the rescue.

After a meeting yesterday in Shildon, Bennett agreed to loan striker Graham Williamson and defender Graham Liddle to Moors.

Mulcaster said: "Darlington have been fantastic towards us.

"We approached Darlington several weeks ago about trying to help us out in some way, and they agreed. Gary Bennett has been on the phone to me several times about the various possibilities, and when he made a couple of suggestions, George Reynolds backed him up straight away.

"It's really good of them to help us out in this way."

Spennymoor, meanwhile, desperately need the points at home to Droylsden to give themselves a chance of climbing away from the bottom of the table.

Whitby Town are hoping to recover from their defeat at Emley when they go to Gainsborough.

Manager Harry Dunn could be without five players for a variety of reasons.

Gateshead, who are at Stalybridge, have been hit by the news that striker Richard Tracey, who joined them from Carlisle, has gone to Macclesfield.