Bishop Auckland, who reached the final of the UniBond League cup last season, lost their first group game in this season's competition when they were beaten 4-1 at Blyth on Tuesday.

Bishops got off to a good start after 35 minutes when Lee Ellison scored from a couple of yards while the Blyth defence waited for the referee's whistle for a foul, but Blyth levelled after 44 minutes when Carl Pepper scored from the spot following a foul by Steve West on Craig Skelton.

After the break, Steve Stewart scored from the edge of the box following a long ball by Justin Keegan, and after 82 minutes Skelton scored with a low shot. Lee Paul Scroggins chipped Martin Hall for the third with three minutes left.

Whitby's poor home form continued when they lost 2-1 at home to Guiseley, after Lee Ure had given them the lead.

Spennymoor cruised to a 4-0 win at Gateshead on Wednesday night.

Gateshead fielded a below strength side with tomorrow's FA Cup tie in mind, and they fell behind after 14 minutes when Jarrod Suddick scored from close range.

Kasonali fired a second after 18 minutes, then he got the third from the penalty spot after he had been brought down by keeper Craig Stacey who was sent off for a professional foul. Lee Adamson volleyed in from the edge of the box just before half time.

Frickley have had one point deducted amd fined £150 for fielding an unregistered player in their 0-0 draw at Gateshead, while First Division Gretna fielded three ineligible players in their first two matches, and have had the point deducted and fined £450 after their draw with Belper.

Bishop Auckland have agreed to switch their away game at Barrow next Saturday to the previous night, to avoid a clash with the England game on the Saturday afternoon.

Blyth are also playing on the Friday night against Gainsborough at Croft Park, while Gateshead will go to Bamber Bridge the same night.

Spennymoor are still playing on the Saturday at Eastwood Town, but have moved the kick off to 1pm.