Spennymoor United are bracing themselves for a row with the UniBond League after refusing to travel to Witton Albion for yesterday's Presidents Cup semi-final.

Moors opted not to play after being unable to raise a team to make the journey to Cheshire and the UniBond League quickly charged the club with failing to fulfil the fixture.

Owner and chairman Benny Mottram said: "We didn't have 11 players for various reasons and we are annoyed about this match for several reasons.

"The UniBond League didn't even ask us if we wanted to play on a Sunday, they instructed us to do so. The FA rule book says that clubs or players shouldn't be compelled to play on a Sunday.

"One of our players is very religious, and goes to church every Sunday. What's the point of having the FA having a rule on Sunday football if the UniBond League is going to ignore it?

"It was also Mothering Sunday and some players refused to play for that reason.

"Also, our game would have been the third game in 41 hours on that pitch. It was used on Friday for an under-18 game, and on Saturday Northwich used it for a Conference game.

"Northwich are the tenants, Witton Albion are the landlords. Why did Witton have to switch? They should have first use of their pitch."

Moors had two players suspended, and another five injured.

Manager Graeme Clark, who is on the shortlist for the Durham job, said: "I think we've been treated very unfairly. What was wrong with playing on Saturday?"

UniBond League chief executive Duncan Bayley said: "The League was advised shortly after 9am on Sunday morning that the club was not travelling.

"They have been charged with failing to fulfil a fixture. There will be a hearing at Altringham next Sunday and Spennymoor have been told that the club must attend.''

Moors failed to fulfil a fixture at Colwyn Bay three seasons ago and were heavily fined by the league, but Moors aren't prepared to back down and could take the matter to the Football Association.

Bishop Auckland have also had an argument with the UniBond League over fixture arrangements this season.

They were told to travel to Leek Town on a Monday night earlier in the competition, when both clubs were willing to play on a Saturday.

However, the league agreed to Bishops' suggestion to switch Saturday's league game to Hyde.

Bishop Auckland manager Brian Honour remained upbeat after his side lost 1-0 at title-chasing Hyde United on Saturday.

Bishops are still bottom of the table on the same points as Bridlington, but they could have been a place higher if they had taken their chances in a good performance.

Honour said: "I would have been disappointed with just a point, but you have to take these defeats on the chin.

"The unfortunate thing is that it is another game gone. We must now look to take at least four points out of Bridlington and Bamber Bridge this week."

Hyde were reduced to ten men after Neil Tolson was dismissed for elbowing Tony Hall, and they took the lead five minutes later when Bishops' new keeper Simon Corbett failed to hold a free-kick and Matty McNeil scored from the loose ball. But Bishops tried to battle back and Mark Sheeran missed two good chances for an equaliser.

Blyth moved to fourth bottom after they drew 1-1 at Ossett Town. Blyth had new signing Brian Smith dismissed for a headbutt and took the lead through Chris McCabe.

Whitby are through to the final of the League Cup against Matlock after they beat Willenhall 2-1. Scott Nicholson and Brian Linighan were on target.