Second division South Shields appear certain to resign from the league this week after owner John Rundle decided to pull the financial plug.

Shields were due to play Alnwick on Saturday, but Rundle contacted team manager Paul Bennett the night before and told him he was withdrawing his backing from the club, which has been in the league for 11 seasons.

The club has had a turbulent season, which has seen them go through three managers and two secretaries, while they have also had points deducted for fielding an ineligible player.

Club secretary Phil Reay, who is expected to send a letter of resignation this morning, said: "The last six to eight weeks has seen the club at the lowest ebb ever known and literally on its knees.

"The loss of the manager and assistant manager three weeks ago, together with a fine and deduction of three points, was the straw that broke the camel's back.

"As a result, the chairman found himself unable to provide finances for the running of the club and had no alternative other than to fold the club."

League chairman Mike Amos held a long conversation with Rundle - whose son Adam plays for Mansfield - on Saturday morning, but to no avail.

Amos said: "I tried to get John to change his mind, but he refused to budge. If he says it's a non-starter, then so be it. Once we receive the club's resignation, then their record for this season will be expunged as per rule."

Shields' departure will have a knock on effect for several clubs, who will now lose the points they have gained from victories this season.

There is also the possibility that only one club will be relegated from the league, as the rules provide for one of the clubs going down to be saved in these circumstances.

The possibility of no relegation is there, because the Wearside League have failed to notify the league of any interested clubs by the deadline, while the aspiring Northern Alliance clubs have yet to meet Northern League standards.

On the field, West Auckland warmed up for tomorrow's Durham Challenge Cup semi final by thrashing Brandon 7-0, five of their goals coming in the first half.

Brian Fairhurst scored from an Adam Reid pass, then Reid got the second following a four man move. Lee Ellison pounced on a loose ball and fired into the top corner from 25 yards, then Mattie Moffat dribbled through to score the fourth, Kevin Hamilton scored the fifth before the break.

Dale Jardine beat the keeper with another 25 yarder and Darren Kokes finished the scoring with seven minutes left.

Newcastle Blue Star are on course for the title. They are 13 points clear after they beat Ashington 3-0 on Friday night, and their main rivals, Billingham Synthonia and Bedlington, both dropped points.

Synners were held to a 1-1 draw at West Allotment. The home side took an early lead through Paul Willary, but Synners levelled within a minute when Liam Smith was brought down and David Wells scored from the spot.

Allotment had Scott Duncan sent off for his second bookable offence on 47 minutes.

Bedlington lost 2-1 at Durham City. Terriers' former Durham keeper Marc Riches, brought down Gareth Bainbridge and was beaten by Michael Coghlan's penalty. Bedlington levelled with a Gary Pearson penalty after Stephen Hutt handled.

However, Riches gifted the winner to Durham when his mis-hit clearance went straight to Bainbridge, who put the ball into an empty net.

Sunderland Nissan stretched their unbeaten run to six with a 1-0 win at Chester-le-Street. Anthony Lund scored and they played with ten men after Anthony Skedd was sent off before half time.

Shildon are 12 points above the relegation zone following their 2-1 home win over Newcastle Benfield BP.

Ralph Petitjean put them in front with a header 20 minutes, then Andy Howarth got the second with a twice taken penalty. Benfield pulled one back with a penalty by Michael Chilton.

Horden are in the bottom five after they were beaten 4-1 at Dunston.

Graeme Armstrong scored in the opening minute, then new signing Kevin Dixon was dismissed for violent conduct after ten minutes.

Horden held on until half-time, but Dunston took command. Graham McTaggart, Armstrong and Benjamin scored before Lee Ure scored a late consolation.

Jarrow Roofing are also hovering near the drop zone after they were easily beaten 4-1 at Morpeth. Kevin Henderson scored a first half hat-trick, then Craig Tate scored a fourth just after half-time. Paul Chow pulled a late goal back.

Tow Law drew 0-0 with Whitley Bay at Ironworks Road. Whitley's Brian Rowe missed a penalty.

In the second division, Consett are unbeaten in 24 matches thanks to a 3-1 win at Crook Town.

Crook had a penalty appeal turned down, and Consett went straight up the other end and scored with a 20 yarder from Kraig Wilkinson.

Michael Mackay got the second, and even though Roy Allen pulled a goal back in stoppage time, sub Colin McKenzie sidefooted in.

Northallerton still have a strong grip on second place with a 3-0 home win over bottom of the table Peterlee, Karl Charlton, Carl Chillingsworth and Steve Cochrane on target.

Darlington RA stay third after they came from behind to beat North Shields at Brinkburn Road.

Andy Bowman put Shields ahead, but Michael Carter levelled with a header, then Neil Jackson beat two men and crossed for Stephen Johnson to head them into the lead before half time.

They made the game safe in the second half when Martin Brown headed in.

Spennymoor's promotion hopes were rekindled after their second successive away win, 4-1 at Norton, with striker Warren Byrne scoring a hat-trick for the second successive week

Washington beat Seaham Red Star 1-0 with a first half goal by Tony Healer.

Second bottom Guisborough picked up a point from a 0-0 draw with Kennek Ryhope CA.