Bishop Auckland are facing a major injury crisis as they go into their last three games of the season.

Bishops were forced to play four juniors yesterday in the 1-0 home defeat to Eastwood Town, because ten players were out through injury.

The injuries are the price they have paid for their recent punishing schedule, which saw defeats to Mossley and Warrington in the three days before yesterday's game.

The only goal against the Nottinghamshire side came on the hour, when Dion Meikle scored with a header on the hour, although Steve Winspear and Martin Barwick went close to an equaliser.

Bishops, however, battled all the way on Saturday at leaders Mossley, only going down 2-1. They trailed 2-0 at one point, but Richie Storr gave them a chance of a point with a goal on 52 minutes.

They have three home games remaining against Gresley on Tuesday, Spalding on Thursday and Woodley Sports on Saturday.

Blyth are still on course for the Premier Division title after an easy 5-0 win at Runcorn. Andy Appleby scored in the first half, with Graham Fenton, Robbie Dale (2) and Christian Graham scoring after half time.

Whitby went down 2-1 at Burscough, Scott Nicholson scoring their goal.

Gateshead picked up a valuable point at Lincoln United in a 2-2 draw, but they led 2-0 at one point through two goals from Adam Johnston.