Bishop Auckland manager Brian Honour last night blasted departing midfielder Chris Moore who has stunned Bishops by dropping into the Northern League.

Ahead of today's six-pointer against Frickley, Moore has shocked Bishops by agreeing to sign for Whitley Bay, and Honour said: "I think he's taken the easy way out, and I'm very annoyed about it.

"I want players at the club to show a bit of fight.

"He's been well looked after here, but instead he's taken the easy option. It's certainly thrown us a little bit."

Bishops can't afford to lose today's game as they are currently two points behind Frickley having played two games more.

"This is the most important game of the season by far," said Honour. "We'll get a huge lift if we win."

However, Honour has several injury problems with Brian Ross, Chris I'Anson and Stuart Irvine all out while Mark Foster is suspended.

Bishops will hold a collection today for the Tsunami Earthquake Appeal.

Spennymoor United could do Bishops a favour by winning at fourth bottom Bridlington but manager Graeme Clark will be without suspended midfielder Johnny Butler.

He said: "This is the first time we've been close to full strength for several weeks.

"This is a very big month for us because we've got a chance of the play-offs and we're in three cups.

"This is the time of year when clubs start to pull away, and hopefully we will be one of them."

In the other games, Blyth are at home to Farsley, Gateshead go to Guiseley, and Whitby are at Wakefield-Emley.