Bishop Auckland were beaten 3-1 at home by Lancaster on Wednesday, despite another sparkling goal from Danny Mellanby.

The youngster, who was watched by Conference club Scarborough, put Bishops into a 14th-minute lead when controlled a right cross and scored from the edge of the area.

Lancaster levelled when Brian Butler volleyed in a left-wing cross at the near post.

Lancaster were lucky to keep eleven men on the pitch when Dean Martin went in late on Mark Salmon, and the visitors took advantage of some missed chances by Bishops to take the lead after 69 minutes with a header by Ward from a cross by Colin Potts, who wrapped up the points in the closing stages.

Bishops are hot on the trail of midfielder Kenny Cramman who has been released by Gateshead after returning to the club last summer. Several clubs have been alerted to his availability. He is understood to have had talks with Northern League club Dunston Federation but Bishops see him as the ideal player to help their push towards the top of the UniBond League.

Bedlington Terriers are also in the running, and he could tempted him with the fact that they have a chance of winning the FA Vase.

Bishops' Durham Challenge Cup final against Brandon could be held on the May Day Bank Holiday Monday at Durham City, but a final decision ahs yet to be made by Durham FA.

Blyth manager John Charlton hit out after Blyth's 2-0 defeat at Barrow on Saturday. Charlton claimed that some of his players were spat at by Barrow fans at the end of the game, but Barrow denied any knowledge of the incident.

Blyth are on the FA Trophy trail tomorrow at Chester City, looking for a place in the last eight of the competition.