Bishop Auckland take a breather from their relegation battle when they tackle Billingham Town in the Durham Challenge Cup final at Durham this morning.

Bishops' cup form has belied their league results, as they crushed South Shields 7-0 in the semi final, and won 4-2 at Jarrow Roofing in the round before that.

Manager Alan Shoulder expects a hard game. "Billingham beat Gateshead in the last round, and I know what to expect - a good hard game. They've got there on merit, and whenever I've managed teams against them, they've always been close games."

Striker Kevin Shoulder is missing because of suspension, while Andrew Shaw and Mark Foster will both have fitness tests.

After today's Durham Challenge Cup final, it will be a big weekend for Bishops, with two relegation battles lined up.

They make the journey to Merseyside tomorrow to play Marine, who are six points and four places ahead of them, then on Monday they take on Whitby at Kingsway, who are one point and two places ahead of them.

Whitby are preparing for a hectic end to the season. They still have 12 games to play, seven of which are at home.

Spennymoor United's hopes of reaching the play-offs suffered a blow when they lost 3-1 at Kendal on Tuesday night, which brought an end to their 12-game unbeaten run in the league.

Blyth Spartans have been handed a grant of £149,100 by the Football Stadia Improvement Fund which they are going to spend on ground redevelopment.

Spartans intend to build concrete terracing behind each goal and build a perimeter safety wall around the pitch, instead of the fencing they use at present.

Blyth Valley Council have also given £47,000, and Blyth's supporters club £2,000.