The Football Association has today released the list of teams allocated to Steps 5 and 6 of the National League System for the 2022-23 season, including for the Northern Football League’s two divisions.

With North Shields and Consett promoted into Step 4, Pickering Town FC in North Yorkshire will join Ebac Northern League Division One along with Carlisle City and Heaton Stannington, who were both promoted from Division Two.

While the first division remains at 20 teams, the second tier has expanded to 22 teams for the new season.

Billingham Town were relegated from Division One and they will be joined by Prudhoe YC FC Seniors, Chester-le-Street United and Boro Rangers from the Northern Alliance, Wearside League and North Riding League respectively.

Only Durham City were relegated from Division Two.

These allocations are subject to appeal to the FA.

Pickering play at the Recreation Club, Prudhoe play at Kimberley Park (where Newcastle University also play), Chester-le-Street United play at the Riverside in Chester-le-Street and Boro Rangers will play at New Ferens Park in Durham.

Ebac Northern League Division One: Ashington, Bishop Auckland, Carlisle City, Crook Town, Guisborough Town, Heaton Stannington, Newcastle Benfield, Newton Aycliffe, Northallerton Town, Penrith, Pickering Town, Redcar Athletic, Ryhope CW, Seaham Red Star, Sunderland RCA, Thornaby, West Allotment Celtic, West Auckland Town, Whickham, Whitley Bay.

Ebac Northern League Division Two: Bedlington Terriers, Billingham Synthonia, Billingham Town, Birtley Town, Blyth Town, Boldon CA, Boro Rangers, Brandon United, Chester-le-Street Town, Chester-le-Street United, Easington Colliery, Esh Winning, Horden CW, Jarrow, Newcastle University, Prudhoe YC Seniors, Redcar Town, Ryton & Crawcrook Albion, Sunderland West End, Tow Law Town, Washington, Willington.