Durham City could be treading new ground by the start of next season - literally!

City have revealed they're seriously looking at the possibility of laying an artificial surface at the Archibalds Stadium if a long running scheme to build an indoor soccer facility falls through.

Chairman Stewart Dawson has done plenty of research into artificial surfaces, and said: "The surfaces are much improved now compared to what they were.

"Most of the top Premiership clubs use them for training these days, as well as the big clubs in Europe. There are five pilot schemes using these pitches currently in Europe, and so far all the reports are positive. They can be used in virtually all weather conditions, as low as -15c and as high as 130C.

"They are being rigorously tested by UEFA. Not only do they look at the structure and composition of the surface, they also check the roll and the nap.

"The idea is something we're exploring. We have one or two hurdles to overcome with the indoor centre scheme we have at the Archibalds Stadium, and in order to survive, the club needs something like this to survive. It can be used every day of the week by all levels of the game."

Durham have got the league's support, and chairman Mike Amos said: "Durham won't be able to play home games in FA competitions, but the FA are keeping an eye on the situation. If they do go ahead, then it will be a first at Northern League level."

If Durham decide to go ahead with the scheme, then work could start in mid-April, and be completed by the start of the new season.

But what the reaction of the other Northern League clubs would be, remains to be seen, especially with regards to footwear.

Evenwood have enlisted solicitors to look at the possibility of taking out civil action against the football authorities.

Manager Ken Houlahan is still very annoyed about certain incidents in last Saturday's 2-2 draw at Washington Nissan, which he claims saw one of his players dismissed for retaliation, and a Nissan player, who had blood on his face, kept on the field by the referee.

"We are in consultation with a team of specialist solicitors with respect to possible litigation in the event of serious injuries due to referees failing to protect players from persistent fouling and leagues failing to emphasis protection of players.

"We don't want to proceed along the litigation route, but if all parties concerned fail to treat this matter in a serious and urgent manner we will be left with no option but to do so.

"In my opinion, there is too much emphasis on swearing, and not enough on the protection of players, the latter would have an immediate impact on raising the skill standard in the league - that is why the Premiership and the academies are so strongly against the tackle from behind."

Houlahan has also announced that the club is going to appeal against all the club's bookings and dismissals in last Saturday's game, and Houlahan, who was asked to leave the dugout by the referee, will ask for a personal hearing where he will be represented by a solicitor. "The issue will be appealed at every level, and we will even take it as far as the FA," said Houlahan.

Former Tow Law striker Brian Wake has been put on the transfer list by Carlisle.

He moved to Carlisle after a season at Ironworks Road during which he became one of the leading scorers in the league.

Seaham manager Peter Mulcaster blasted his players after their 6-0 home defeat by Ashington on Saturday.

He reckoned the performance was a "total embarrassment" and said: "Some of the players didn't want to know and I thought that was disgraceful. As a team we just weren't good enough."

Midfielder Neil Hood has gone on the transfer list at his own request.

Shotton, who might be appointing an assistant manager soon, have placed keeper Danny Yates on the transfer list at his own request.

Bedlington are going to be without key defender Martin Kirkby for several weeks after he suffered a broken arm. Kirkby has been a top performer for Bedlington in the last few seasons.

Shildon's League cup tie with Brandon has been moved to Wednesday, December, 3 at Dean Street, kick off 7.30pm. The winners play Murton in the last eight.

Newcastle Blue Star striker John Ludlow has made a great impact since he made his debut - and that has meant double trouble for opposing defences.

John, 18, is the younger cousin of Star striker Lee Ludlow, and between them they are forming quite a striking partnership.

Lee has already scored 11 goals in the league this season, and since he signed in October, John has got five in total.

Marske United defender Paul Dodkin could be out for the rest of the season.

He broke his tibia and fibia in the league game at Peterlee last week, and the injury was so bad, that an ambulance had to go on the field before taking him to hospital.

West Auckland general manager Stuart Alderson has paid tribute to full back Michael Hillary.

The youngster is studying at Liverpool University, but still travels back for games, even those in midweek.

Alderson said: "It says a lot for the lad if he's prepared to travel back for games - and then go straight back down to Liverpool."

Washington Nissan have signed local lad Chris Moody and striker Steve Johnson from UniBond League club Whitby.

Brandon manager Kenny Lindoe hopes his team will continue their winning ways.

Brandon ended their disappointing form with a 5-1 home win over Penrith last Saturday, and he said: "Hopefully the victory will kick start our season."

Horden's home game with Chester-le-Street, which was due to be played at Murton last Saturday, had to be postponed because the ground could not be made ready in time by Murton Town Council.

Horden's scheduled home game with Marske tomorrow has been switched to Marske tonight.

The latest Performance of the Week awards are: 11th October; Dunston for their 2-1 win FA Cup win at Marine, 18th October Horden for their 4-1 win at Whitley Bay in the league; 25th October Shildon for their 6-0 home win over Stocksbridge in the FA Cup, 1st November Bedlington for their 5-0 home win over Shildon in the league, 9th November Murton for their 3-1 win over Horden in the league cup.

FA representative Mike Appleby is to attend an EGM of all Northern League clubs on January 15 next year to discuss the restructuring proposals of the non league pyramid.

Seven clubs from the Wearside League and Northern Alliance have all indicated an interest in taking promotion to the Northern League next season, providing that they finish in the top two, and their grounds are up to standard. Birtley, North Shields, Stokesley and Wolviston have shown interest from the Wearside League, and Eppleton, Ryton and West Allotment from the Northern Alliance.

Thornaby have been deducted three points by the league for using a contracted player, Craig Rand, in their game against Horden. Northern League clubs aren't allowed to use contracted players from other clubs - Rand is on a contract with UniBond League club Spennymoor.

The draw for the quarter finals of the Durham Challenge Cup, to be played early in the New Year, is: Billingham Synthonia v Spennymoor, Gateshead v Jarrow Roofing, Shildon v Billingham Town, Sunderland Reserves v Bishop Auckland.

FIXTURES

TONIGHT: Division One: Marske v Horden.

TOMORROW: FA Vase second round: Bacup Borough v Guisborough, Billingham Town v Squires Gate, Clitheroe v Whitley Bay, Dunston v Sheffield, Jarrow Roofing v Hall Road Rangers, Liversedge v Billingham Synthonia, Morpeth v Poulton Victoria, Northallerton v Warrington, Selby Town v Durham City, Shildon v Pickering, West Allotment v St Helens.

Division One: Bedlington v West Auckland, Esh Winning v Peterlee, Penrith v Tow Law, Thornaby v Brandon, Washington v Chester-le-Street.

Division Two: Ashington v South Shields, Consett v Shotton, Evenwood v Seaham Red Star, Murton v Washington Nissan, Newcastle Benfield Saints v Kennek Ryhope CA, Norton v Hebburn, Prudhoe v Easington, Whickham v Alnwick, Willington v Newcastle Blue Star.