West Auckland have agreed contracts with their two main strikers, Mattie Moffat and Micky Rae.

Moffat returned to the club last year and finished second highest scorer in the first division with 26 goals, while Rae has just been signed from Spennymoor, and scored 18 league goals in their title winning team.

The club’s move is seen as protecting two of their main assets in the light of the recent decision by the FA to scrap transfer fees, allowing non contracted players to move if another club submits seven days’ notice of approach. Transfer fees will have to be paid if contracted players are on the move.

According to the league website, the contracted players in the league up to date are: Ashington: Jonny Godsmark, Andy Johnson, Darren Lough, James Taylor.

Bedlington: Mark Convery.

Bishop Auckland: Dan Hawkins, Darren Richardson.

Dunston: Terry Galbraith.

North Shields: James Luccock, Michael Robinson.

West Auckland: Micky Rae, Mattie Moffat.

Whitley Bay: Callum Anderson, Kyle Hayes, Lee Kerr, Craig McFarlane, Paul Robinson, Lee Paul Scroggins.