SHILDON manager Danny Moore says that he will retire from playing at the end of the season following his dismissal against Hebburn in midweek.

Moore, 34, has been player-manager for two seasons at Dean Street now, but following his red card for dissent, can only play one more game for his team this season at home to Bishop Auckland on Saturday – he will miss the Durham Challenge Cup final on 3rd May against South Shields at the Stadium of Light as part of his three match ban.

“The referee got a decision wrong, he missed a flick from their player who was five yards offside, and Hebburn scored from it. I’ve known the ref for years, and I said something to him that he didn’t like,” said Moore.

“I knew a couple of months ago that this would be my last season as a player, because it is difficult doing both jobs. I’ve been finding it hard getting myself up to play a game because there is so much preparation to do beforehand in terms of getting players ready.

“As for the Durham Challenge Cup, I haven’t started any of the games so far in the competition, and only come on as a sub in a couple of games. I wasn’t going to start the final against South Shields, because it’s only fair on the lads who have got us there, that they should start the game.

“I’ve enjoyed my time as a player, I’ve done a lot of things. I didn’t want to go another year as a player and be one of those that are always hanging on.”

Striker Zak Atkinson is missing because of suspension today, but defender Ben Trotter returns after a two-match ban.

Bishop Auckland, meanwhile, need the points from today’s game to strengthen their hold on runners-up spot, which they now occupy following their 1-1 home draw with West Auckland in midweek.

Manager Ian Chandler said; “We feel that we may need two wins from our last two games, because Hebburn are grinding results out.”

Shaun Ryder and Callum Munro will both have fitness tests, but Kyle Patton and Kieran Galbraith may return after injury.

Consett are without a game today, while Hebburn, who are just a point behind Bishops, are at home to second bottom Whickham.

West Auckland, who missed a penalty in their draw at Bishops, are at home to Ashington.

Chris Hunter, Tom Price, Nathan Fisher and Dan Parker are all missing, while Anthony Bell will have a fitness test.

Manager Gary Forrest said; “We’ve been playing well, but just not taking our chances. We should have won our last two games comfortably.”

Newton Aycliffe need to win at North Shields to avoid finishing in the bottom three.

Marc Costello, Tom Gavin and Shaun Hudson are all missing because of injuries, and manager Colin Stromsoy said; “It’s the story of the season as we go into a key game against one of the league’s big teams. However, we’ve proved that we can be competitive even against the best teams and the prize is big.”

In the second division, the top two are both away from home. Leaders Billingham Town are two points clear and have a tough away game at Redcar Athletic, while second placed Thornaby go to Easington.

Chester-le-Street, who are fifth, go to Jarrow and are missing several players because of injury.

Manager Colin Wake said; “Jarrow are possibly one of the best footballing sides we have played this year, so we expect them to move us around, and given our current run of form they will be a difficult proposition to play.”

Chester have picked up only two points from their last four matches.

Crook Town are at home to fourth placed Heaton Stannington, looking for revenge for their 3-2 away defeat earlier in the season.

Manager Jamie Tunstall said; “We’re expecting a very tough game against a good team. They’ll be looking to keep the pressure on the top teams, so we’ll have to be at our best. I’m really conscious that the lads finish the season well, so we’ve got to be at the races from the off.”

Liam Jarvie, Jim Wilson, Richie Gaston and Joe Peel are all missing, but Christian Holliday and Jamie Harwood both return.

Tow Law are at home to Willington in a local derby at Ironworks Road.

Lawyers, who have had a good run of form since the turn of the year, welcome Matty Pennal, Callum Oldfield and Nathan Convery back into their squad, but Adam Knowles is absent.

Manager Steve Murray said; “It’s a derby game, so it will be very tough to call.”

New Willington manager Steve Riley has been busy in the signings market, bringing in keeper Mark Bell and defenders Ricky Fenwick and John Jury, while striker Matty Moffat has returned to the club after a spell at Tow Law.

“We’re confident that if we play to our strengths, we will cause them problems and get a good result,” said Riley.

Bottom club Durham City, who are guaranteed a bottom two place with five games left, are at second bottom Brandon, and they have injury doubts over Ellis Wymer and Anthony Chapman.

Manager Billy Harper said; “It’s a must-win game in our opinion, and the lads seem well up for the challenge.”

In the other game, Esh Winning are at home to third bottom Washington.