Ambitious Wearside League club Birtley Town's Millennium Soccer Tournament gets underway tonight.

Kevin Finnigan, Birtley's general manager, said: "The event has taken more than five months to organise and it is the first of its type for any team in the area."

Sponsored by Capitol, the tournament's first game features UniBond League side Gateshead and Northern League champions Bedlington Terriers, starting at 6pm.

The following game kicks-off at 8pm and is between Albion Rovers of the Scottish Third Division and the host club.

The four teams will be competing for a place Sunday's final which will be preceeded by a third/fourth placed play-off which kicks-off at noon with the final at 2pm.

If any of the games finish level there will be no extra-time as the games will go straight to penalties.

The three-day event features a fun day tomorrow which starts at 10am with a 50p admission and all proceeds go towards Birtley's youth teams.

Billingham Town striker Paul Rowntree has asked to go on the transfer list.

Rowntree has been one of the most prolific scorers in the Albany Northern League over the last decade but has asked the club for a move.

However, he is still likely to figure in Town's friendly against Darlington at Bedford Terrace tomorrow.

Crook Town defender Micky Vasey has left Millfield, and is looking for a new club.

South Shields have changed their manager. John Gamble, who was in charge of Blyth at the start of last season, has taken over from David Styles, who was appointed near the end of last season.

Shields are one of the teams who are fancied to be among the promotion chasers in the Second Division.

Bedlington Terriers striker John Milner may be stopping at the club after all. UniBond League side Gateshead had expressed an interest in taking the prolific striker to the International Stadium, but Milner had talks with the champions and may be stopping as Bedlington launch a bid for their fourth successive title.

Dunston Federation have signed defender Micky Farrey from UniBond League club Blyth, but look set to lose midfielder Nicky Scaife to Gateshead.

Darlington RA stage a friendly against a Darlington X1 at Brinkburn Road tonight (7pm). Admission is £1 which includes a programme.