Bishop Auckland manager Brian Healy gained plenty of encouragement from his side's 2-0 defeat at Brigg Town on Saturday.

Bishops are still bottom of the table after this latest setback, six points away from safety, but Healy said: "We just don't seem to have any luck at either end of the pitch.

"They were hardly in our half, and yet they scored from a header and an own goal, while we missed two open goals at the other end.

"The players are lacking in confidence, and not getting the rub of the green. I can't knock the players, because they did really well. I saw a big improvement, and if we keep improving, then I can see us getting out of trouble."

Bishops had some good chances early on, with Paul Campbell and Danny Fox both going close, but Brigg took the lead on 36 minutes when Michael Oliver deflected a Lee Warren cross into his own net.

Bishops looked capable of getting an equaliser but they were 2-0 down when Alex Allen headed in. Sub Mark Sheeran had a great chance late on, but was denied by the keeper.

Bishops' next game is tomorrow night when they visit Healy's old club, Billingham Town, in the Durham Challenge Cup.

In the Premier Division, Blyth are now up to sixth after winning 3-0 at Wakefield-Emley, all their goals coming in the second half through Rob Dale (two) and Gareth Williams.

Whitby easily beat AFC Telford 4-1. Aaron Wilford and Anthony Ormerod both scored before the half-hour mark, and after the break Chris Hudson and Scott Nicholson made it 4-0 before Telford replied.

Gateshead lost 3-1 at Ilkeston, Paul Taylor scoring their goal.