Shotton manager Vince Kirkup hasn't given up hope yet at the bottom of the Second Division.

Shotton are nine points adrift of safety, and tomorrow take on Norton who occupy third bottom spot.

And with it looking increasingly likely that two clubs will go down, Shotton need to start winning matches soon.

Kirkup, who was appointed a month ago, said: "The game is a real six pointer as far as we're concerned.

"I've been in charge for four matches now, and in that time I believe that I've been given three very good performances.

"We beat Prudhoe in the Craven Cup, and if we can repeat that sort of performance, then we can win matches. There's a really good spirit at the club, and even though we've a young side, there's no shortage of talent.

"We need results now, but we're not giving up."

Easington manager Peter Grasham was encouraged by his team's performance against Seaham Red Star last Saturday.

Grasham took over from Graeme Hedley a month ago, and the point from the 2-2 draw was the first he'd collected since becoming manager.

"I thought we played really well, and I can see some light at the end of the tunnel.

"We led 2-0 at one point but then had a man sent off and we played for 50 minutes with just ten men.

"I thought that the lads were going to hang on, but unfortunately they couldn't.

"I really felt for them when they conceded two goals in the last 20 minutes."

However, Easington are still second from bottom of the table, and need to start winning matches to climb the table.

Tow Law manager Steve Smith believes that Dunston can win the Northern League title after his team lost 3-1 to them last Saturday.

While Smith was critical of his defence's generosity in giving Dunston three goals, he still thought Dunston might have what it takes to win their first title.

"Dunston will be in the shake up at the end of the season," said Smith.

"They're a really big, strong team, and they're a very hard working side.

"We gave them three goals, but they probably deserved to win the game.

"From our point of view, we have three home games coming up now against Thornaby, Dunston and West Auckland.

"We've dropped back to the fringe of the relegation zone, and we need to take six points from these games."

Smith has also been given a boost by the news that midfielder Scott Richards is staying at Tow Law. Spennymoor were hoping to play him in their recent UniBond League games, but the player has told Tow Law that he wants to stay at Ironworks Road.

Billingham Town manager Alan Robinson is hoping his team has hit form at the right time.

Town have a tough fourth round FA Vase tie against Bideford next week and Robinson was pleased after they beat third placed Jarrow Roofing 3-1 last Saturday.

"I thought some of the football we played in the first half was our best this season," he said.

"It's got the whole club buzzing, and we're really looking forward to the big game against Bideford."

Bideford, top of the Jewson South Western League, are one of the favourites for the competition.

The league has agreed to postpone Town's scheduled home game with Guisborough on January 13, as it is just a few days before Town are scheduled to play in the fourth round of the FA Vase against Bideford.

Jarrow Roofing have signed former Durham cricketer Michael Gough from Horden, and he scored in the 7-2 win at Whitley Bay on December 27.

Brandon have signed defender Elliott Milburn from Dunston. They were hoping to give him his debut on Saturday, but their game at Penrith was postponed.

Hebburn and South Shields have arranged to play their league game next Friday night at Hebburn, kick-off 7.30pm. Friday night football has gone down well with local football fans in recent years and Hebburn are hoping for a good crowd.

Seaham Red Star, struggling against relegation near the bottom of the Second Division, have signed midfielder James Chapman from Shildon, and midfielder Martin Gingell from Norton.

Washington Nissan have signed striker John Harrison from Seaham Red Star. He played under Nissan manager Wilf Constantine when he was at the club.

Willington have been boosted by a sponsorship deal - from South Korea!

Richard Jones lives in Korea and has contacted the club after reading about its financial plight on the club website, and has agreed a small sponsorship deal.

Chairman John Phelan said: "Richard used to watch the club in the past, but he's been working at a university in Korea for the last couple of years. It's a fantastic gesture, and one we really appreciate."