Spennymoor's hopes of playing Radcliffe Borough today in the UniBond League have been dashed - because they haven't got a goalkeeper.

Owner Benny Mottram revealed two days ago that he was "99 per cent certain" that Moors would resign from the UniBond League, but he made the effort yesterday to put a team together.

""We got in touch with the UniBond League and asked them if we could sign a keeper under special circumstances, because the signing deadline has passed," he said.

"They said no, so we won't be playing. But we still haven't resigned from the league."

Mottram was given help yesterday by former manager Graeme Clark, but they couldn't persuade any of their three registered keepers, who are all with Northern League clubs, to play.

They would have had 12 players at the ground, not including the keeper. It will be the second time in three days that Moors have failed to fulfil a fixture, and they are sure to face more action from the league.

Mottram, meanwhile, has denied that the club has folded or been liquidated.

"There will still be a team playing as Spennymoor AFC in the future, but we want as much support as possible."

Meanwhile, Bishop Auckland have been assured by Mottram that their immediate future still lies at the Brewery Field.

Bishops were concerned when they heard the news of Moors' possible demise, and were considering talks with the UniBond League to clarify their situation.

But Mottram said: "Bishops will be all right to play at the Brewery Field. Even if Spennymoor withdraw, I'll get the ground up to standard for them."

Mottram was instructed by the league to make 19 ground imprpovements, the main one being the provision of a covered walkway from the dressing rooms to the pitch. The inspectors are due to visit on Tuesday.

Bishops have an agreement with Mottram to play at the Brewery Field for the rest of the season.

At the end of last season Bishops were told by the league not to play their home games at Shildon because the Northern League club's ground wasn't considered to be up to UniBond League standard.

If the Brewery Field isn't available, then Bishops would have to find a ground that is up to UniBond Premier Division standard.

They could even be forcibly relegated by the league, even if they climb out of the relegation zone.

Bishops are without a game today, and are scheduled to play Hyde on Wednesday night at the Brewery Field.