There has already been plenty of interest in the manager's post at Bishop Auckland following the resignation of Alan Shoulder.

The former Newcastle player quit after Bishops' season sank to a new low on Tuesday night when they were dumped out of the FA Cup in a penalty shoot-out at Rossington Main.

After being held to a 3-3 draw at Dean Street last Saturday, Bishops missed three penalties in the shootout after the two sides were level 1-1 after extra time, Kraig Wilkinson having scored for Bishops in normal time. The defeat was made even harder to swallow by the fact that Rossington, who are near the bottom of the NCEL first division, have yet to win a league game this season.

Bishops also had Anthony Skedd and Graham Cooper dismissed.

Within hours of Shoulder's resignation, there were three names under consideration, but there are sure to be more.

Chairman Terry Jackson said: "The parting of the ways was quite amicable, and it was a shame that it didn't work out, because Alan is a really popular lad.

"But financially defeat, it was a bitter blow for us."

Spennymoor finally managed to overcome Ashington 2-1 at Portland Park. Jason Ainsley put Moors into the lead after 43 minutes, but Ian Heron equalised with a volley after 75 minutes. Leigh Grant raced through for the winner with twelve minutes left.

Gateshead won their first game of the season on Wednesday night, with a 2-1 home win over Hyde United.

Midweek results

First Division: Droylsden 0 Hucknall 0, Barrow 0 Ashton United 3, Burscough 2 Marine 1, Colwyn Bay 1 Runcorn 3, Gainsborough 4 Wakefield and Emley 1, Harrogate Town 1 Frickley 2, Worksop 0 Whitby 0, Gateshead 2 Hyde 1, Blyth 1 Bradford 2 First Division Lincoln United 6 Eastwood Town 0, Radcliffe Borough 0 Matlock 1 , Trafford 1 Farsley Celtic 1, Workington 1 Chorley 1, Stocksbridge 0 Belper .