Bishop Auckland manager Tony Lee has given midfielder David Bayles a huge vote of confidence.

The long-serving midfielder has told Bishops that he wants to retire, although he will still be on standby should Bishops need him in the future.

"David has been a great servant to us," said Lee. "He's been a very consistent player over the years, and has been at the forefront of some of our great triumphs in the Trophy and FA Cup. He's been a great pleasure to work with, and has always been reliable.

"It's been a hard decision for the lad. We're going to miss him, because he's been such a model player."

Bishop Auckland's away game at Gainsborough on November 10 has been brought forward a day because of the England v Sweden game, and will now kick off at 7.45pm on the Friday night.

Bishops will have two games in three days, as they are due to play Emley at Kingsway next Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Bishops are preparing for their most attractive league game of the season when Burton Albion arrive at Kingsway tomorrow.

Burton are managed by Nigel Clough, and currently head the table after losing just one game in the league this season.

And last week, Clough persuaded his Des Walker, the former England international, to join.

Bishops lost 2-1 at Frickley on Tuesday night. Frickley scored twice in the first half when they had wind advantage, and Bishops pulled a goal back nine minutes into the second half through Carl Chillingsworth from a pass by Andrew Shaw.

Bishops had most of the play after that, but the closest they came to scoring was when Chillingsworth was narrowly wide in the last minute.

Spennymoor United's woes continued when they lost 2-1 at home to Eastwood Town.

Poor defending allowed Eastwood to go 2-0 up, but Jason Ainsley pulled a goal back with a powerful shot from the edge of the box.

Moors are on FA Trophy duty tomorrow at Atherstone United