Bishop Auckland have launched a search for a new manager after they parted company with Ian Chandler in midweek.

Chandler was appointed in the summer of 2018 following the departure of Colin Myers. Bishops finished third in his first season, but were midtable last season. However, they were humbled at home by Billingham Synthonia in the Vase last Saturday, and in midweek went out of the Cup at Stalybridge Celtic. The former Whitley Bay manager was relieved of his duties at a meeting on Wednesday A brief statement from the club said that the Board had made “the difficult decision asking Ian to stand down with immediate effect.”

For today’s game against Seaham, chairman Steve Coulthard will take caretaker control, with the help of senior player Chris Winn.

Seaham are expected to include former Bishop striker Andrew Johnson, who moved there during the summer.

West Auckland surprised a few in midweek by signing central defender Gary Brown from South Shields.

Brown, who won three promotions with Darlington, has been at Shields for three years, and was on the verge of another promotion last season when Covid intervened.

He’ll go straight into the West squad which is looking for their first league win of the season at Whickham. Adam Mitchell, Leon Scott and Marc Ellison are also back in the reckoning, while Arron Thompson will have a fitness test.

Manager Gary Forrest said; “We’re getting players back fit again, which will be a big help.”

Shildon, who are second, go to North Shields and are without strikers Billy Greulich-Smith and Michael Sweet who are both injured, while midfielder Jordan Lavery is suspended.

Manager Danny Moore said; “North Shields is always a tough place to go to, but if we are as a defensively solid as we have been in the majority of our games, then it’s down to taking our chances when they come along.”

Northallerton, who are fifth, go to Stockton Town who are four places below them.

The North Yorkshire side will be missing John Howard and Andrew Shepherd through suspension, while several other players are struggling with injuries.

Manager Darren Trotter said; “We are expecting a response from Stockton who went out of the FA Cup in midweek and have had a slow start to the season, so it’s going to be tough.

“We might have made a couple of new signings to help us build on our positive start.”

Stockton, who have failed to win any of their last three games will be at full strength, and manager Micky Dunwell said; “We are playing well, we just need to start putting chances away when we are on top, which I’m confident will happen sooner rather than later.”

Newton Aycliffe go to Thornaby and hoping to protect their unbeaten league start to the season.

In the second division, Crook, in second place, are at home to Billingham Synthonia, and looking for their fourth straight win.

Manager Jamie Tunstall said; “We’re striving to get better each week. We expect our toughest game so far from Billingham, who have changed their team throughout the summer.

“They’ve got a very good side, and one which will also be full of confidence after their last two results. I’m delighted with our start, and three points today would be fantastic.”

Defender Harrison Scott is missing because of injury. Synners have scored ten times in their last two matches.

Willington go to Jarrow and include new signing Mick Tait, an old teammate of manager Ibby Hassan’s.

“Mick will be a hugely positive influence on the younger lads,” said Hassan. “We’re focused on keeping our good run going. It’s important that we pick up points away from our home as our home form has carried us so far. It’s a big game and we expect Jarrow to be very competitive.”

Second bottom Chester-le-Street go to leaders Easington, looking for their first win of the season.

Liam and Kevin Dixon, Adam Thirlway and Ben Walker are all missing, and Chester manager Colin Wake said; “Easington are flying at the minute, and given our recent performances it will be another tough afternoon if we don’t start getting the basics right. We defended well at Shildon last week, but offensively in league games we have struggled to get a foothold in the game to allow us to be a threat.

“Due to postponements we are slightly behind everyone else in terms of sharpness but as a squad we need to do better going forward.”

Tow Law go to Durham City, who parted company with their director of football, John Woolnough, in midweek.

In the other games, Esh Winning are at home to Heaton Stannington, and Brandon United face Birtley.