Bishop Auckland need to beat champions Dunston UTS at Heritage Park on Saturday in order to finish runners-up -- and at the same time hope that Hebburn fail to beat Consett.

Bishops go into the last Saturday of the Division One season in third place in the table, one point behind second placed Hebburn but with a better goal difference.

They are a point ahead of Consett who also have a worse goal difference, but regardless of their finishing position, Bishops have had their best season for years.

Manager Ian Chandler said; “It’s a game to be enjoyed. It’s a long time since we were challenging and hopefully we can get the second spot and give the fans the reward that they deserve.”

Keeper Nick Liversedge is out because of injury, as well as Chris Salmon and Aiden Hart. However, defenders Tom Bott and Kieran Galbraith could return after injury.

Meanwhile Hebburn striker Paul Chow, who scored in each of their three Vase final wins when Chandler was manager at Whitley Bay, has announced his retirement after today’s game against Consett.

Chow, 39, has been prolific in the league with Whitley Bay, Jarrow Roofing and Hebburn, and holds the distinction of scoring the fastest ever goal at Wembley in 21 seconds against Wroxham in the 2010 Vase final.

Newton Aycliffe play their last game at home to Guisborough, and they have a big doubt over keeper James Winter while Liam McNamara is unavailable.

Manager Colin Stromsoy said; “It’s a tough game to finish on primarily because our home form is so appalling. Both teams are guaranteed first division football next season so hopefully it will be a good game to finish a difficult season.”

Aycliffe have lost eleven of their sixteen home league games this season. The clubs have played each other four times already this season; twice in the FA Cup, once in the league, and once in the League Cup.

West Auckland face Stockton Town at the Wanted Stadium, and they are boosted by the returns to the squad of striker Nathan Fisher and defender Chris Hunter, but they are missing David Dowson, Adam Burnicle, Anthony Bell and Dan Parker.

Shildon, with half an eye on their Durham Challenge Cup final against South Shields next month, are at Whitley Bay, and they will be missing player-manager Danny Moore because of suspension.

In the second division, Brandon have emphasised that they will not be resigning from the league as they prepare for their away game at Bedlington.

A club statement said; “We did not wish to make any announcements until the end of the season, but we feel we have to address rumours which affect our club. We therefore are happy to announce that for the start of next season, the positions of chairman, secretary and treasurer have all been filled along with other key committee roles.

“It can also be confirmed that we have not resigned from the Northern League and senior football will still be played at the Welfare Ground next season and beyond.”

Durham City can still avoid bottom spot if they can win at fourth placed Heaton Stannington. If they win and Brandon lose, then they will go level on points but with a worse goal difference.

Manager Billy Harper said; “We go into the game with some real team confidence and spirit, so I’m quite hopeful we will do ourselves proud against a very good Heaton Stannington side. The injuries we have give a few others a chance to step up and prove their worth moving forward.”

Anthony Chapman and Isam Mohammed are both out injured.

Northallerton, who are guaranteed third place, are at home to Washington. Kieran McWaters, Kerry Hedley and Karl Hewitt are all missing, but Andrew Shepherd, Jack Proctor, Chris Emms and Aaron Ramsbottom should all return.

Crook are at Easington, and they are boosted by the returns of Ellis Husband, Jim Wilson, Liam Jarvie and Anth Verity, but James Cook is still missing.

Crook manager Jamie Tunstall said; “Easington have made some shrewd signings in the last couple of months and seemed to have turned the corner somewhat. We both like to try and play the right way so it should be a decent game, but one we need to take something from after dropping out of the top half of the table.”

Easington are playing their second game inside 48 hours, having played on Thursday night against West Allotment.

Esh Winning are at home to Ryton and Crawcrook, having scored ten goals in their last two matches.

Matty Allison, who scored a hat trick two games ago, should return to the squad along with Kieron Dunn and Lewis Alderson, but Joe Mole, Nick Marley and Callum Boakes will all return.

Manager Tony Boakes said; “Both sides are in great form so it should be a hard-fought game as always.”

In the other games, Chester-le-Street are at home to Billingham Synthonia, and Tow Law are at home to Redcar Athletic.