Durham City have delayed naming their new manager - because of the number of applicants.

City parted company with Billy Cruddas a fortnight ago and gave senior player John Watson the job in a caretaker capacity, as coach Dickie Ord also stood down.

Club spokesman Ernie Duncan said: "We've had plenty of applications and we're overwhelmed by the quality of them.

"We're taking longer than usual because we're trying to do what's right for the club."

City are out of the title race but still have a serious interest in the League Cup and are due to play Horden early next month.

The Durham job is highly regarded and the vacancy has attracted applications from managers with UniBond and Northern League experience.

City are supposed to be at home to Guisborough today but expect the game to be postponed because of the weather, as is the case with all Northern League and UniBond League games.

However, second-placed Billingham Synthonia say they have a 50-50 chance of playing Jarrow Roofing.

Full back Liam Smith is ruled out for several weeks because of injury, but midfielder Craig Perry returns. Roofing are without keeper Gary Hoggeth, who saved two penalties at Tipton last week, and midfielder Ged Quinn.

Roofing manager Richie McLoughlin is waiting to hear if any action is going to be taken against him by the FA.

McLoughlin was sent off as a named substitute in last week's bad-tempered FA Vase win at Tipton when he tussled with a Tipton player on the touchline.

However, any ban is unlikely to come into effect before next Saturday's quarter-final with Frome Town, probably the biggest game in the club's history.

Horden have signed midfielder Martin O'Riordan from Billingham Town.

The former Bishop Auckland player returned from a coaching role in the USA two months ago and has decided to follow former boss Alan Robinson to Horden.

He is the second Billingham Town player to leave for Horden recently, the other being Jason Ainsley.

Dunston, unbeaten in 29 league games, may make two new signings in the immediate future.

Assistant manager Perry Briggs said: "Our squad is very thin at the moment, we need people to bring it up to strength."

Dunston are also involved in the League Cup and Durham Challenge Cup, and are on course for a league and league cup double for the second year running.

Prudhoe assistant manager Steve Burn has left the club. He took over in a caretaker capacity after Gavin Liddle resigned last month.

General manager Terry Hunter, a former team manager, has taken over responsibility, and is being helped by former Berwick Rangers boss Eric Tait.

The pair will remain in caretaker charge until a permanent appointment is made.

Bishop Auckland's game at Matlock has been postponed.

Matlock also had a game called off in midweek because of snow.

Spennymoor have released former Darlington midfielder Michael Oliver. Oliver joined Moors just before Christmas, but manager Graeme Clark admitted: "Michael has found combining work and non-league football very difficult.''

A Northern League club has made an approach for Oliver.

David Coulson has also left the club, and played for Annfield Plain in the Wearside League last Saturday. Moors are due to play Bridlington at the Brewery Field today and in the unlikely event of the game going ahead, Paul Talbot and Stuart Niven are both added to the squad.

* With nearest challengers Stokesley SC on cup duty, Darlington RA will extend their lead at the top of the Wearside League table to eight points if they defeat Jarrow at Perth Green.

All games are subject to pitch inspections, but, if they get the go-ahead, RA's prospects are enhanced with the return of Stephen Bell, Nigel Bolton and Lee Johnston.

Jarrow welcome the return of Ali Brown and their only doubt surrounds Dean Patton.

At the bottom, Ferryhill Athletic aim to make it three wins on the trot when they line up against Gateshead Reserves at the International Stadium. Manager Mark Fanning has Stuart Cottam and Alistair Douglas available but he maybe unable to call upon Paul Robson.

With nine consecutive victories under their belts, Birtley Town are confident of making it ten at the expense of lowly Washington Nissan UK, while Sport Catterick are involved in a rearranged fixture at Boldon CA.