Ashington part with Ellison; Stafford Rangers host Grimsby Town in FA Cup

Ashington parted company with manager Marc Ellison by mutual agreement on Monday 2 November. Paul Dunn, a former player, was installed as interim boss, with former Sunderland player Liam Bridcutt as his assistant. Head of Football Ian Skinner said the club had not ruled out further additions to the interim management team and would begin recruiting a permanent manager. Skipper Karl Ross apologised to Ellison on behalf of the players, saying the squad had not performed well enough.

Dunn's first game, on Saturday 7 November, ended in a 2-1 home defeat to Consett. Jude Cogdon put Ashington ahead from a free-kick in the 31st minute, but Matty Todd scored twice in four minutes, in the 75th and 79th, to turn the game. Ashington reported an attendance at Woodhorn Lane of 463. The club had said earlier in the week that Ashington were in the relegation zone, and that four of their next five league matches were at home.

Away from the pitch, Morpeth Town chairman Ken Beattie, who has been seriously unwell, is stepping back from day-to-day running while remaining chairman. Manager Craig Lynch and assistant James Armstrong signed new three-and-a-half-year contracts on reduced terms, and the club said the playing budget would be affected. At Runcorn Linnets, chairman Peter Cartledge announced he will step down at the end of the season, and vice-chairman and treasurer Jeff Jago will not seek re-election to the Trust Board.

On the pitch, Bradford (Park Avenue) beat Blyth Spartans 4-0 on Saturday, with goals from Luke Parkin, Scott Duxbury, Marcus Carver and Jake Thompson, extending their unbeaten league start to 17 games under caretaker manager Ryan Toulson. Beverley Town won 1-0 at Silsden on Tuesday 3 November and then 1-0 against Morpeth on Saturday, Harry Lovick scoring a free-kick.

In the Midlands Division, Belper Town beat Carlton Town 1-0 on Saturday 7 November, Evan Garnett scoring in the 87th minute. Shepshed Dynamo drew 3-3 with Wellingborough Town in Gary Drake's 100th match in charge, Chad Timson equalising in the 90th minute. Nuneaton Town drew 0-0 with Corby Town on Tuesday and then won at Long Eaton United, according to the club, through Luke Softley and a Terry Atem penalty.

In the West Division, Congleton Town won 4-0 at Atherton Collieries on Saturday 7 November, James Kirby scoring twice as a substitute in the last five minutes. Clitheroe beat 1874 Northwich 3-0.

Stafford Rangers host League Two Grimsby Town in the FA Cup first round on Sunday 8 November, a sell-out live on TNT Sports. It is their first first-round appearance in 20 years.