Spennymoor have confirmed they have made a formal application to join the Nationwide Conference North.

Ambitious Moors are keen to take advantage of the restructuring of the pyramid system with the introduction of the regionalised Conference second division, and are aiming to improve their facilities to ensure they reach the temporary required standard, which isn't much above that of the UniBond League Premier Division.

Should Moors win promotion, then the Conference will give them three years to install covered seated accommodation for 500 fans, remove all the grassed areas in the ground, and increase their floodlights to 250 lux.

Bishop Auckland though won't be applying.

Even though Bishops are playing in the UniBond First Division next season, the champions of that division are put into a play off with Premier Division clubs for a Conference place for season 2004-05.

But Bishops chairman Terry Jackson says they will not apply.

The provisional criteria has been set out for those clubs wishing to be promoted to the new Conference North at the end of the season.

The league champions will still be promoted to the Conference itself, while the clubs finishing second to 13th will be eligible for promotion to the new Conference North.

The remaining 14th position will be determined by play-offs between the remaining Premier Division clubs - except those who have been relegated - and the First Division champions. A club will need to win three matches for a place in the Conference North.

However, there are also strict criteria to be met, and it remains to be seen how the arrangements will stand if a club decides not to apply for promotion, or fails to meet the necessary criteria.

Moors have been hit by the news that new signing Gary Hobson has left the club by mutual consent, because of work commitments.

Striker Ben Ryan has also left Moors, for First Division Gateshead, and keeper Martin Kearney has gone to Whitby on loan.

Bishops have signed keeper Adrian Swan from Spennymoor. Brian Honour originally took Swan on loan after an injury to John Caffry, but now Caffry has said he wants to play local football.

Honour has signed midfielder Chris Moore from Newcastle juniors, and defender Mark Batey and released Phil Ross and Paul Moss.

Tomorrow's fixtures

Premier Division: Alfreton v Altrincham,Blyth v Ashton United, Bradford PA v Hucknall, Burscough v Harrogate Town, Droylsden v Barrow, Frickley v Runcorn, Lancaster v Vauxhall motors, Marine v Spennymoor, Stalybridge v Gainsborough, Wakefield and Emley v Southport, Whitby v Radcliffe Borough

First Division: Bamber Bridge v Kidsgrove, Belper v Chorley, Bridlington v Hyde, Colwyn Bay v Bishop Auckland, Farsley v Rossendale, Kendal v Stocksbridge, Leek v Gateshead, Lincoln United v Witton Albion, North Ferriby v Guiseley, Prescot Cables v Matlock, Workington v Ossett Town

Midweek fixtures - Tuesday

Premier Division: Harrogate v Whitby, Spennymoor v Blyth

Wednesday

First Division: Bishop Auckland v Kendal, Gateshead v North Ferriby.