The National League system is considering a relaxation of one of the conditions for promotion.

Under the present pyramid rules, any club which wishes to be promoted must finish in the top two, as well as having its ground up to the required standard.

But a meeting of UniBond League clubs last week was told that there is a possibility that the league position would be lowered to fourth place.

Clubs were told that this would avoid bottlenecks in leagues, and would encourage the more progressive clubs to advance.

However, the proposed scheme was met with mixed reaction by clubs, and their overall opinions will be passed on to the FA by the league.

Bishop Auckland had two players stretchered off in their 1-1 UniBond League Cup draw at Gretna on Tuesday night.

Danny Brunskill and Anthony Lee both had to leave the field, and both are very doubtful for the home game with Marine on Saturday.

"We're very thin on the ground," said manager Tony Lee.

Andrew Shaw scored Bishops' goal.

Meanwhile, assistant manager Colin Richardson has left the club.

Spennymoor have signed youngster Mark Jarvis, a midfielder, from Darlington.

Lancaster City, who are chasing Burton Albion for the title, have been fined the maximum £500 for fielding an under-strength team for the Peter Swales Memorial Shield match against champions Stalybridge Celtic last month.

Lancaster, who played a team comprising youth team players in the game, were crushed 11-0, much to the embarrassment of watching league officials and sponsors.

UniBond League Group

P W D L F A Pts

Blyth 4 3 0 1 10 6 9

Gateshead 4 2 0 2 8 7 6

Bishop Auckland 3 1 1 1 4 6 4

Spennymoor 2 1 0 1 4 2 3

Gretna 3 0 1 2 2 7 1