Bishop Auckland manager Brian Honour has set himself a target as they prepare to face Leek Town at Dean Street today, writes Ray Simpson.

Bishops lost 5-0 to Spennymoor in a cup tie in midweek, and Honour said: "The game made me realise what we have to aim for. They were a strong side, and fortunately we won't have to play too many teams like them.

"But that is the standard we must aim for, especially as we try and climb away from trouble."

Bishops go into the game in second bottom position, but the home games will soon be coming thick and fast.

Midfielders Stuart Irvine and Phil Ross will both be missing today, while there is an injury doubt over defender Sean Hope.

Spennymoor, meanwhile, go across the Pennines to Rossendale, trying to erase the memory of their last away trip, last Saturday's 7-4 defeat at Radcliffe Borough.

"I will never, ever forget that game," said manager Tony Lee.

"We now need to start a good winning run again, to get us closer to the leaders. We must start grinding out results."

Midfielder Jason Ainsley is missing because of injury.

In the Premier Division, Whitby are without striker Alex Gildea because of injury at Marine, while Martin Swales and Martin Reed are both struggling.

Gateshead include new signing Dale Telfer from Prudhoe in their squad at Vauxhall Motors.