Shildon have signed former Torquay midfielder Brian Healy after he was released by Darlington.

Healy, who also played for Bishop Auckland and Spennymoor, played in two trial matches for Shildon earlier in the week and signed for them after the friendly against Bishop Auckland on Tuesday night.

Manager Ray Gowan said: "He wants to be part of the long term development of the club, and to contribute to the progress made under our chairman, Gordon Hampton."

Shildon have made 20 year old promising striker, Dale White, midfielder Robbie Wright and cover goalkeeper, Paul Hawkins available for transfer. They have also signed goalkeeper, Michael Norris from Jarrow Roofing.

Bedlington joint manager Tony Lowery still believes that they can have a good season.

Bedlington were dumped out of the FA Carlsberg Vase by Brigg Town last Saturday, a result which certainly stunned the region's best hope of winning the competition.

"The Vase was our main aim this season," said Lowery.

"But it's still got the potential to be a good season for us. We've set our standards high in terms of winning things, and the Vase was something we desperately wanted to win after losing in the final three years ago.

"Some clubs win the league cup or a county cup, and say that they've had a good season - if we win the league again, that doesn't mean to say we've had a bad season."

But there could be a clearout on the way at Welfare Park.

"There was a poor reaction from some of our players in Saturday's game, and that is something we'll be having a look at. We will be looking at certain things.

"I really hope now that one of the other northern League teams go all the way to Villa Park and win it."

Whitley Bay and Tow Law are definitely through to the next round.

Ironically, Whitley are at home to Brigg, and there is sure to be some sort of contact between Whitley boss Andy Gowens and Lowery before that game on February 9.

West Auckland manager Alan Oliver believes that holders Taunton are definitely beatable.

West lost 3-2 against the holders last Saturday, with West annoyed over the award of two penalties against them.

"I thought we should have beaten them," said Oliver. "If any Northern League club plays them later in the competition, I'll happily give the rundown on Taunton."

West, meanwhile, are considering an appeal against the dismissal of Stephen West during the game, and could have the backing of the home club.

The full draw for the fifth round of the FA Carlsberg Vase is; Burgess Hill v Porthleven, Tiptree v Taunton, Whitley Bay v Brigg, Durham or Dereham v St Neots, Wroxham v Arnold, Arlesey v Clitheroe, Lewes v Tow Law, Sudbury v Great Wakering.

Tow Law are playing Peterlee in a hastily-arranged game in the league tomorrow.

Lawyers were due to play Durham City, but that game has had to be shelved because Durham are playing Dereham in their fourth round FA vase replay.

Because of their Vase commitments and the bad weather, Tow Law hadn't played a league game since they drew at Billingham Synthonia in late November, until they drew 1-1 at Guisborough in midweek.

Synthonia have welcomed full-back Kenny Davies back into action after an absence of over 18 months.

Davies suffered a cruciate ligament injury near the start of last season, and has been sidelined ever since then. At one time, there were question marks over whether he would be able to return to action, but he made his comeback, albeit briefly, in Synners' 4-1 win at Seaham Red Star last week.

Northallerton striker Ross Foreman has returned to action after three months out.

Foreman, who has played for Scarborough in the past, helped to lift Northallerton into the promotion places at the start of the season, but they have missed his firepower since his knee injury.

Manager Peter Mulcaster said: "He's been a big miss for us, because he scored quite a few goals early on in the season."

However, Mulcaster is less than optimistic about his side's promotion chances. Their defeat at Hebburn last Saturday left them well off the pace. I don't think we can catch the top three now, but we'll still give it a good go."

Billingham Town have parted company with assistant manager Glen Shepherd.

Shepherd, who has played for several Northern League clubs, was appointed assistant manager to Allan Robinson last season, but has decided to return to playing.

"Glen told me that he has missed the involvement of playing, and so he's returned to New Marske in the Wearside League. We wish him all the best and thank him for all his efforts." Robinson has yet to appoint a successor.

Washington Nissan have signed defender Paul Robertson from Durham City. Robertson started the season at Durham before he signed for UniBond League club Spennymoor, but he has been released by new Moors boss Tony Lee. He has been unable to regain his place at Durham, so they agreed to transfer him to the Second Division club.

"He's a great signing for us," said Nissan boss Gavin Liddle.

"Along with Glen Moan, our other new signing, he will strengthen the back four. We've needed experience back there, and hopefully these two will provide it." The move appears to have worked out, because Nissan defeated second placed Prudhoe 1-0 last Saturday