BISHOP Auckland manager Colin Myers admits that he is baffled by his team’s recent performances as they prepare for their second qualifying round Vase tie at Bedlington today.

Bishops have been very inconsistent recently, with wins over West Auckland and Jarrow Roofing, but heavy defeats against Dunston UTS and Team Northumbria.

“We have been blowing very hot and cold,” said Myers.

“Against Team North last Saturday we were never in the game, and couldn’t get near them. There was a lack of graft from the players and the attitude was poor.

“But at Jarrow Roofing on Tuesday, they were the exact opposite, and the players did the business. It isn’t good from my point of view sitting on the bench, I feel as if I’ve got two different teams!”

Meanwhile, striker Matty Moffat is poised to leave the club, with Willington one of his possible destinations.

West Auckland are at home to Silsden, who beat Chester-le-Street in the last round, and they will be missing Anthony Bell because of suspension.

Manager Gary Forrest said; “This is a tough draw, as Silsden have won their first eight league games. We need to defend better if we want to progress in the competition.”

West have kept a clean sheet just once in 13 league and cup games this season.

Willington, who are unbeaten in their last four matches, are at home to Harrogate RA from the Northern Counties East League, and they are boosted by the return of Lewis Milner to the squad.

Manager Rob Lee said; “It will be a difficult game because in the last round they scored six so we must be up for the game and take our chances in front of goal.”

Tow Law, who are unbeaten in 13 league and cup matches this season, will fancy their chances at home to Penrith.

Defender Liam Whitworth returns to the squad, which also includes striker Lewis Teasdale, who has scored in each of his last five matches.

Penrith have lost all six of their away games this season, but they won away at Esh Winning in the last round.

Durham City are at Team Northumbria, from one division above them in the Northern League, and manager Olly Hotchkiss hopes to include two new signings. Ste Malloy and Jeremy Allen are both out injured, while Craig Hennis returns.

Northallerton go to Ryhope CW hoping to cause an upset, and they include Colin Anderson, Stephen Cheeseman, Sam Grainger and Josh Keogh who all missed last weekend’s game at Alnwick.

Manager Darren Trotter said; " I don't think we are just quite ready to win the cup this year at Wembley but we are looking to progress beyond the second round and just maybe get an away tie against opposition from outside our league. A good day out would be our cup final and worth the effort."

In the league, Shildon take on Sunderland RCA for the second time in three days, having beaten them 3-0 in midweek to go sixth in the table.

Defender Kyle May is missing because of pneumonia, but otherwise manager Danny Moore will choose from a full squad that includes new striker Martyn Coleman signed from Penrith.

“With other teams playing in the Vase it’s an opportunity to get back within the mix of the top four so we need another three points,” said manager Danny Moore, “But we know it won’t be easy because RCA are really tough to beat at home.”

In the second division, Esh Winning, who have lost only once in four games, are at Alnwick, and they will be missing nine players. Manager Tony Boakes said; “Some of them are missing because it was a late fixture change and the lads had already arranged things.” They include three new signings, Tom Bailey, Dan Mann and Charlie Wigley.

Bottom club Darlington RA are at home to Heaton Stannington, looking for their third win of the season, and they welcome back Dan Flounders and Jamie Hind.

“This will be a tough game, because they’re always a hard team to beat,” said manager Peter Mulcaster.

Brandon, who are third bottom, are at home to a club that is level on points with them, West Allotment.

Top scorer Vinny Gash, along with Reece Marshall, Anthony Phillipson, Kris Carr and Jason White, all return for Brandon, but Michael Searby is injured.

The Crook Town v Billingham Town game has been postponed because the Millfield Pitch is unfit after equipment used in recent work done on the floodlights caused deep ruts in the pitch.