Spennymoor United were hoping to persuade the FA to lift its ban on the club this week in time for Moors to play their FA Cup preliminary round tie at home to Consett on Saturday.

The ban has caused Spennymoor to miss their opening four games of the season in the UniBond League first division.

The FA have queried the proposed transfer of Spennymoor's ground lease from the present members club to a limited company.

"It's all legal jargon and nothing to do with football," said manager Tony Lee.

Lee has given his players permission to play for other clubs in the meantime, provided they do not get cup-tied.