FOOTBALL: Newton Aycliffe have resigned from the Auckland and District Ebac Youth League.

They have withdrawn after players failed to turn up for matches and training.

"I have had my guts ripped out," said club chairman and Under-18 team manager Joe Blackett. "We have 22 players on the books, but only six turned out for our last game. We gave up training months ago because the players just would not come."

Blackett is at a loss to explain why youngsters keen on football should drop out of the game. "It is not the first time it has happened, but it is hard to put your finger on why," said Blackett. The Newton Aycliffe Youth FC continues to run junior sides from U9 to U16 level.

Newton Aycliffe's resignation brings the league back to eight teams. There will now be two groups of four teams in the qualifying stage of the league cup.

FA YOUTH CUP: Durham's home quarter-final tie with Hampshire scheduled to take place tomorrow at Durham City has been postponed. Hampshire beat Middlesex 2-1 in a third-round tie but fielded an over-age player. The FA have ordered the game to be replayed. The winners will be away to Northamptonshire in the semi-final.

FA SUNDAY CUP: Hartlepool Lion Hillcarter are away to Grosvenor Park of Birmingham in the quarter-finals on February 4.

RUGBY UNION: Bishop Auckland host two inter-county youth matches on Sunday, involving U-15 sides from Northern County rivals Durham and Cumbria.

The half-hour games start at 2pm and 2.30pm at West Mills where full club house facilities will be available to spectators.

FOOTBALL: Baldock Town, the former club of Sunderland ace Kevin Phillips are gunning for promotion. They are second, behind leaders Chelmsford City in the Eastern Division of the Dr Marten's League after a 6-1 win at Corby and a 3-0 victory at Bashley. Last summer they toured the North-East as part of their pre-season campaign