Crook Town have had three points deducted on a technicality - and that could bring about a change in the league's rules.

Alan Barratt came on as a substitute in a recent game, but hadn't been named on the official teamsheet which is handed to the match officials before the kick-off. And even though he is registered as a Crook player with the league, he is still deemed to be ineligible.

Chairman Mike Amos is sympathetic towards Crook, but says that the league's hands are tied.

"There is no question in my view that the league's decision according to the rule book, is right,'' he said.

"The league's management committee is there to apply the rules which are decided by the clubs. The rule states that a club should have points deducted if they field an ineligible player - there is no flexibility. In this case, it looks as if the penalty doesn't fit the crime.

"Maybe now is the time for a rule change. The clubs should propose that the rule is changed."

The three points Crook lost has pushed them closer to the relegation zone.

Promotion and relegation is almost certain to operate with the Northern Alliance and Wearside Leagues this season, with the bottom two relegated providing that the aspiring clubs from the Alliance and Wearside League finish in the top twoand have grounds up to Northern League standard.

Wearside League North Shields, and Northern Alliance pair Benfield Park and West Allotment have all said that they would like promotion to the Northern League.

Billingham Town are thinking of an appeal against the dismissal of striker Carl Chillingsworth last Saturday. Chillingsworth, who has scored 11 goals in the league this season, was red-carded for a tackle in the second half against West Auckland, but Town are likely to appeal to Durham FA.

Town manager Allan Robinson said: "There was no malice or intent in the tackle, and it was a big surprise when he was dismissed. "

Chillingsworth could miss the next round of the Vase against Gorleston on January 18th.

Brandon have placed defender Jamie Carfoot on the transfer list at his own request.

Washington Nissan have signed centre half Chris Bulmer from Scarborough. Bulmer, who comes from Wearside, has played in Nissan's last two games, and according to manager Gavin Liddle, has been "outstanding".

Nissan gave a return debut to former Hartlepool player Paul Conlon in last Saturday's 4-0 win at Eppleton. Conlon had left for Peterlee during the summer. When Seaham fielded the three Peachey brothers in their team against Shotton last Saturday, it was thought to be the first time that three brothers had appeared together in a Northern League team. Wayne, Lee and John Peachey all played, with Lee scoring one of the goals in the 4-0 win.

Two League Cup ties which have been postponed on several occasions fell victim to the weather yet again on Tuesday. Evenwood's home tie with Ashington and Peterlee's tie with Prudhoe were both off because of waterlogged pitches.

Esh Winning's league game with Billingham Town was postponed on Wednesday night, with Esh officials unable to work on the field because of the bad weather.

Washington manager John Oliver is confident his team can start climbing away from the relegation zone. Washington moved out of the bottom three last Wednesday when they beat Durham City thanks to a late goal and Oliver said: "Hopefully the penny has dropped with some players about how much effort they need to put into matches."

Willington's home game with Northallerton was postponed last Saturday, which means that new boss Alan Shoulder still hasn't seen his team play. Shoulder was appointed a fortnight ago, but games against Eppleton and Northallerton have both fallen foul of the weather.

Durham City gave striker Lee O'Donovan from Whitley Bay his debut in last Saturday's home win over Shildon. O'Donovan moved from Washington to Whitley Bay during the summer, but has been unable to hold on to a regular place at the FA Vase winners.

The latest performance of the week awards: November 2: Ashington for a 5-1 win against Washington Nissan; 9th November Washington for a 5-0 win at Chester-le-Street; November 16: Prudhoe for a 1-1 draw at Bedlington; November 23: Washington Nissan for a 13-0 win against Willington; November 30: Seaham Red Star for a 2-0 win at Washington Nissan; December 7: Northallerton for a 6-3 Vase win over Shirebrook.

Jarrow Roofing striker Paul Hollier has been suspended for 16 weeks by Durham FA for headbutting in a recent game and has been ordered to appear in front of the Northern League charged with undesirable conduct.

Evenwood, Washington Nissan, Esh Winning, Seaham Red Star and Washington Nissan have been ordered to appear in front of the League on charges of undesirable conduct by club officials.

Jarrow Roofing chairman Richie McLoughlin has been warned about his future conduct by the League after being found guilty of misconduct by Durham FA

Durham City have been told that they can hold on to the registrations of Stuart Irvine and Andrew Shingleton after the pair failed to appear for training and matches. Both are now playing for Bishop Auckland in the UniBond League. Another Durham player, Lee Milburn, has failed to reply to the league and is now suspended until he does reply.

FA Vase fourth round draw: Lymington & New Milton v Mossley, Newcastle Town v Winchester City, Northallerton Town v Burgess Hill Town, Wroxham v Prescot Cables , Ware v Clitheroe, Oadby Town v Bideford, Wootton Blue Cross v Whitley Bay, Maldon Town v Morpeth Town , Gorleston v Billingham Town, Durham City v AFC Sudbury, Devizes Town v Christchurch, Bridlington Town v Arundel, Withdean 2000 v Diss Town , Lowestoft Town v Buckingham Town, Brigg Town v Fleetwood Town, Pickering Town or Causeway United v St Blazey

Tomorrow's fixtures

Division One

Bedlington v Peterlee, Billingham Synthonia v Shildon, Brandon v Newcastle Blue Star, Chester-le-Street v Billingham Town, Dunston v Washington, Guisborough v Esh Winning, Jarrow Roofing v Marske, Prudhoe v Consett, Tow Law v Whitley Bay, West Auckland v Durham City

Division Two

Crook v Willington, Evenwood v Eppleton, Horden v Kennek Ryhope CA, Northallerton v Thornaby, Norton v Easington, Seaham Red Star v Ashington, Shotton v Penrith, South Shields v Hebburn, Washington Nissan v Murton, Whickham v Alnwick

Boxing Day fixtures (11am)

Billingham Town v Billingham Synthonia, Marske v Guisborough

First Division leading scorers (league only)

Paul Chow (Jarrow Roofing) 20, Roy Allen (Bedlington, 15 for West Auckland ) 19, John Milner (Bedlington) 19, Andy McKenna (Tow Law) 13, Lee Ellison (Shildon) 13, Lee Ludlow (Whitley Bay, 1 for Durham) 11, Carl Chillingsworth (Billingham Town) 11, Lee Alexander (Marske ) 11, Micky Dunwell (Durham City)11, Andy Fletcher (Bedlington) 11, Craig Nelson (Jarrow Roofing) 10, Gary Messer (Esh Winning) 10, Ben Chambers (Washington) 9 , Steve Huggins (Brandon) 8, Tony Wood (Billingham Synthonia) 8, Colin McLeod (Consett) 8, Michael Carter (West Auckland) 8 Second Division: Adam Johnston (Washington Nissan) 21 , John Wightman (Washington Nissan) 13.