Evenwood manager Ken Houlahan is set to continue his campaigns on the issue of blood injuries and the tackle from behind after appearing in front of Durham FA on Monday night.

Houlahan was sent from the dugout in his side's 2-2 draw at Nissan in November after protesting about the referee's alleged lack of action over the issues, and on Monday was fined £50 by Durham FA for his troubles.

But Houlahan was encouraged by his appearance in front of the committee.

"It was a very good hearing, and I thought that the committee was very sympathetic. I admitted what I said to the referee, but they also listened to what I had to say about the issues concerned.

"I'm now going to write to the Northern League, and ask them to take action about the tackle from behind. The DFA have told me it is within the Northern League's powers to direct referees to enforce the laws of the game.

"And the committee agreed with me that referees need to have more support and direction about blood injuries. Players can't be running around the field with blood on their faces.

"It is up to the authorities now to take action."

However, Houlahan might still have to appear in front of Northern League, as they could add further punishment to that given by DFA.

Billingham Town skipper Richie Ward believes that the team will be on top form for tomorrow's big FA Vase tie at home to Bideford.

Town go into the game on the back of a run of just one defeat in ten matches, and Ward said: "We've hit form at just the right time.

"All the lads have been looking forward to this game for a fortnight.

"We know that we let ourselves down last season when we lost at Gorleston, and we want to make up for that.

"We know that Bideford are going well in their league, but we'll make sure that we're ready for them.

"We've got plenty of pace in our team, and we're not frightened of anybody at home."

Tow Law defender Carl Beasley has won his appeal against his dismissal at Penrith two months ago.

Beasley was red-carded by the referee for swearing after he had been spat at by a Penrith player, but on Monday night Durham FA ruled that in the circumstances, the sending off was sufficient punishment, and therefore his suspension was quashed.

Tow Law manager Steve Smith has told striker Andy McKenna that he isn't taking any more penalties for the time being.

McKenna has missed spot kicks in each of his last two matches - although he scored from rebound against Dunston a fortnight ago - and now Smith has decided to give the responsibility to somebody else.

"He's off penalties for now. Overall, we need to score goals and get some points to get us away from the bottom. It's alright having games in hand, but it's points that matter."

Seaham's goalscoring hero, Chris Feasey, might be missing for several weeks.

Feasey scored two in two minutes to help his side to a 5-2 home win over Hebburn last week, but later in the game he picked up a rib injury in an accidental collision, and could be out for several weeks.

Meanwhile, Seaham manager Peter Mulcaster is looking for further progress up the table. "I was pleased with the result, and the way we approached the game, but there's still work to do in certain areas. Our first priority is to make sure that we don't go down."

Seaham have transferred former Horden striker Craig Lines to Murton.

Whitley Bay manager Ian Chandler was disappointed with just a draw on his managerial debut last Saturday at Billingham Synthonia.

Whitley led 2-0 with just three minutes left, but Synners hit back to draw level, and Chandler said: "With three minutes left, I was thinking that I was getting off to a great start, then Synners scored twice.

"But it's still a good point. It was a good performance, and I thought the players responded well. There was also a very good atmosphere in the changing room.

"The league is beyond us now, but we need to get back to good performances. Before Saturday's game, I was in two minds about some players, but I was encouraged by them."

Chandler, who scored the only goal for Whitley in the Vase final two seasons ago, had an eventful week. He was appointed as Whitley manager last Sunday, scored the second goal for Jarrow Roofing against Gateshead in the Durham Challenge cup on Monday - against his new assistant manager Terry Burke - and then later in the week learned he couldn't play for Whitley because he has to wait 28 days from his previous transfer to Jarrow before he can be transferred back.

Jarrow Roofing striker Paul Chow is going for a trial at Conference club Exeter City. Chow has already had outings this season for the reserve teams of Oxford United and Carlisle.

Esh Winning manager Barry Fleming is still looking at survival in the First division, even though Esh are sixth in the table.

Esh are heading for their best ever finish in the league if they maintain their current form of one defeat in four games, but Fleming said: "The target is still survival. I'd like to think that we're safe, but when you look at the league table, there isn't all that much difference between sixth place and fifth off bottom.

"The players have bonded well together this season, and there's a happy dressing room - that's more than half the battle in this league."