Only Bishop Auckland have applied for promotion from the Northern League to the EvoStik League at the end of the season, the FA have revealed.

EBAC Northern League clubs had until November 30th to complete their promotion applications, but Shildon didn’t complete their application in time.

The FA have published a list of 68 clubs around the country who have applied for promotion, but Shildon’s name wasn’t on it. A spokesperson said; “I confirm that as at the closing date of 30th November, we had not received any promotion application from Shildon FC.”

The Railwaymen’s manager, Gary Forrest, said in late November that his club would be applying, but it appears that the FA hasn’t received the application in time.

After applying for promotion, clubs must finish in the top three, and have a ground up to Evo-Stik League standard. Bishops are currently tenth in the table, while their ground is used by Darlington in the EvoStik League First Division North.

In previous seasons Dunston UTS have expressed an interest, but they haven’t followed up this time.