Football chiefs are to investigate claims of foul play by Spennymoor after their FA Trophy exit at the hands of Harrogate Town.

The UniBond Premier Division side, who went out of the competition 3-2 on Tuesday night, claim that Harrogate fielded a player, Richard Ward, who was not on the teamsheet but came on as a second-half substitute.

Moors secretary Brian Boughen said: "The player concerned was on the teamsheet for the first game at Spennymoor last Saturday but he wasn't on Tuesday yet still came on the field. I have spoken to the FA and I have faxed a protest to them. We expect to be told today whether it is worth pursuing."

An FA spokeswoman today confirmed a protest had been lodged at Lancaster Gate.

She said a meeting of an FA Trophy committee would be arranged in "due course" - probably sometime next week - to investigate the complaint.

However, even if Harrogate are found guilty of the offence precedence shows they may not be kicked out of the competition.

Whitby Town made a similar protest against Bedlington in the FA Cup two years ago but Bedlington received a fine.

Harrogate are back in UniBond League first division action tomorrow when they entertain leaders Witton Albion.

Next month they face another off-field battle when an industrial tribunal hears former manager Paul Ward's claims for unfair dismissal. The case will be heard in Leeds on February 25.

Ward, axed by Harrogate in August last year after eight months in the job, is seeking compensation for breach of contract and wrongful dismissal.

York RI are set to air their grievances at a West Yorkshire League meeting tonight as they face a second successive blank Saturday.

RI officials were left fuming last week after their proposed fixture with Tadcaster Magnets was rescheduled at the 11th hour and without consultation.

Officials from both clubs had confirmed the game earlier in the week, only for the League officials to announce Magnets were to face Pudsey.

RI general manager Nigel Rhodes said the change was only confirmed to the club on Friday, by which time programmes had been printed and players were expecting to play.

The club, without a game this weekend, is expected to lodge a complaint at tonight's WYL meeting.

Knaresborough Town face a crucial relegation battle at fellow West Yorkshire premier division strugglers Pudsey.

Both teams are one point off the bottom of the table but Pudsey have played four games more. Knaresborough have a full strength squad to choose from.

Nestl Rowntree go into their North Riding Cup quarter-final against Acklam without two key players.

Striker Brent Terry (ankle) and midfielder Gavin Dickinson (back) will both miss tomorrow's home tie against the Teesside League leaders.

There are also doubts over Rob Ellis and Kev Graham who both missed last week's 2-0 win at Bardsey with ankle injuries. Former 'Trees player Graham Ward has re-joined the club as cover.

West Yorkshire League premier division leaders Rowntrees know all about tomorrow's opponents - 'Trees used to be members of the Teesside League and were in regular tussles with Acklam for the top spot.

Manager Jim Collis recalled: "We always had a battle with them. It will be a hard game but it we stick at it we should be alright."

Flaxley Road is home to a North Yorkshire derby tomorrow where Selby Town entertain Harrogate Railway in the Northern Counties East League premier division.

Struggling Railway remained rooted to the bottom after yet another home defeat, against Sheffield, last week but their performances in recent weeks suggest things are looking up.

They were only beaten 3-2 in injury time by leaders Hallam two weeks ago and outplayed them for much of the game. Then against Sheffield they should have at least taken a share of the spoils.

Steve Hartley and Adam Emptage are added to the squad after missing the last game through injury.

Mid-table Selby had a fine result last Saturday, drawing 2-2 at leaders Hallam. They have no injury worries.

Goole, with new chairman Richard Norman at the helm, are nine points clear in the first division going into tomorrow's home clash with Louth.

Back in contention are Jay Horne and Paul Billous who is back in training after his bruising in the Thackley game two weeks ago.

Pickering Town can do Goole a favour tomorrow when they travel to second placed Winterton.

Jimmy Reid's Pikes go into the match on the back of a fine 2-0 win over Borrowash Victoria and some improved performances.

Reid said: "We will be trying to build on the last two weeks which have been better. Winterton play good football so we are looking forward to a good game and coming back with at least a draw."

Phil O'Reilly is on duty for North Riding in their National Cup quarter-final at Manchester and Joe Connor is also unavailable.

Third from bottom Tadcaster Albion entertain mid-table Pontefract Collieries knowing victory could lift them above Borrowash.

But they will have to improve on last week's performance when they were hammered 4-0 by Hall Road Rangers.

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