Second division champions Spennymoor breathed a sigh of relief yesterday when they learned that the town council will allow them to play on the Brewery Field, starting today against Seaham Red Star.

Moors were served with an eviction notice by their landlords a fortnight ago, but a meeting on Thursday has smoothed the way for Moors to play home games until September 4 - and there is optimism that the peace talks, brokered by league chairman Mike Amos, will lead to a permanent solution.

Moors secretary, Jon Le Poidevin, said: "Everybody is delighted a compromise has been reached which means we'll be able to play at least four home games."

Moors have signed keeper Phil Naisbett, plus defenders Neil Wilkinson and Karl Richards, as well as veteran Whitby striker Graham Robinson.

Seaham have signed a batch of new players themselves during the summer, principally former Hartlepool striker Steve Halliday.

Shildon, at home to Dunston, have received international clearance for former Darlington defender Chris Mason and he goes straight into the team, as well as other new signings Tyson Masters and Karl Everitt.

Dunston have almost completely changed their team and will include much-travelled striker Lee Ludlow and former Darlington youngster Andrew McIntosh, with new boss Perry Briggs taking charge for the first time.

Tow Law yesterday signed striker Craig Tate from Newcastle Blue Star ahead of their game at Northallerton. Tate was one of the leading scorers in the league last season and was under contract at Star.

New boss Micky Vasey only had five players left from last season but has built a big squad. Keeper Marc Riches is unavailable today, so they have signed Michael Robinson, while Scott Thompson has returned from the USA.

Northallerton boss Andy Toman, another new appointment during the summer, has had to make big changes as many of last season's squad have left.

Durham City are hit by suspensions at home to Bishop Auckland, with key midfielder Tommy English missing. However, most of their summer signings are available, but there is a fitness doubt over keeper John Mohan.

Bishops have lost several of last season's squad but in midweek signed Luke Allen and Scott Richards. However, striker Gavin Parkin is unavailable and defender Paul Crager is injured.

Billingham Synthonia, under new boss Bobby Scaife, include new signings Lev Yalcin, Christian Hanson and Jason Honeyman in a full-strength squad at home to West Allotment, who include striker Micky Dison on his return to the club after a year at Benfield.

West Auckland have a tough opener at Newcastle Benfield, and are hoping to sign a new keeper before the kick-off. They landed three players this week - Michael Gibson, Liam Hart and Gareth Sanders - but Lee Ellison, Danny Richmond and Kevin Bromley are all struggling with injuries.

Benfield, who signed three players from Newcastle Blue Star during the summer, are without one of those, David Colvin.

Consett have lost striker Ian Robson to Gateshead, while they have seven players missing for various reasons for their home game with Ashington. However, striker Mattie Moffat will make his debut. Chester-le-Street, who are at home to Morpeth, are without new signing Scott Emmerson because of suspension, while defender Elliott Milburn is injured.

League champions Whitley Bay start the defence of their title at promoted Washington, and they will be without injured pair Chris Moore and Andy Dugdale. Washington have kept most of last season's squad, although striker Roy Allen has gone to second division Horden.

Jarrow Roofing, who have lost striker Paul Chow to Whitley Bay, are without injured keeper Garry Hoggeth at Bedlington, while defender Gary Brown is suspended.

Bedlington have recruited several new players, including former Tow Law striker Lee Hamilton.

In the second division, Brandon have been given the go-ahead by the league after an inspection to stage their home game with Guisborough, but they have lost most of last season's squad. Big-spending Guisborough, who have recruited several first division players, are boosted by the news that Craig Skelton is fully fit.

Newcomers Birtley begin life in division two with a tough game at Marske, and have lost top scorer Tony Thirkell to Chester-le-Street.

Darlington RA are without two of their summer signings, defenders Tom Ptak and Paul Wardle at Prudhoe, but they will still have several new signings in the side. Crook Town include recent signing Christoph Georgius in their squad at home to Norton.

Stokesley will give former Darlington midfielder Paul Campbell his debut at home to Penrith, while new signings David Turner and Martin O'Riordan line up for Thornaby against Esh Winning.