JUST when it started to look as though the Craven & District Football League would have a reasonably early finish, with a minimum of evening fixtures, the wet season starts, with only three matches surviving the conditions last weekend.

More postponements also seem inevitable this week, with grounds still saturated and the rain unceasing. Only consolation for league officials is that the course of the River Aire is still visible, was wasn't the case on a number of lost weeks last season.

Of the matches played, Silentnight Premier Division leaders Skipton LMS were held at home to a 1-1 draw by Embsay, the equaliser from LMS coming in the last five minutes, while the shock of the day in Division One came at Gargrave, who recorded their first league victory of the season, defeating high- flying Colne Shepherds 3-2.

In Division Two, Horton were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Skipton Bulldogs Reserves, no mean effort by the visitors given the relative league position.

Looking ahead to the first Saturday in February, weather permitting there are some interesting matches in Premier Division. Skipton LMS are involved in another local derby when they visit Skipton Town, Oxenhope Recreation have home advantage against Grassington United and Skipton Bulldogs face a tough trip to Cross Hills.

Embsay will be looking to maintain their improved form at the hands of Bronte Wanderers.

Division One leaders Bronte Wanderers Reserves will not relish their trip to Cononley Sports, who are showing improvement, Colne Shepherds will be looking to bounce back against lowly Hellifield Sports and Cowling have a home tie against Bradley from which to try and regain second spot.

Lothersdale Athletic have to take something out of the match with Barnoldswick United or their promotion hopes will be sunk without trace.

Division Two leaders Oxenhope Res visit Bradley Reserves, Sutton make the long trip to Ingleton again, hoping this time the pitch is playable and Waddington are at home to Silsden Athletic hoping for maximum points. Horton visit to Grindleton Reserves.

Match of the day in Division Three is the meeting between McBrides and Carleton Reserves in a game both have to win. Earby have a return journey to Grassington Reserves to try to avenge the Cup defeat and Cowling Reserves visit Hellifield Reserves, again looking for maximum points.

But the matches are all in the hands of the weather and it will take a lot of drying out for a full programme.

Tomorrow's programme includes:

Premier Division: Bronte Wanderers v Embsay, Carleton v Grindleton, Cross Hills v Skipton Bulldogs, Oxenhope Rec v Grassington Un, Skipton Town v Skipton LMS.

Division One: Barnoldswick Un v Lothersdale Ath, Colne Shepherds v Hellifield Sp, Cononley Sp v Bronte Wand Res, Cowling v Bradley, Embsay Res v Intake Res.

Division Two: Bradley Res v Oxenhope Rec Res, Grindleton Res v Horton, Ingleton v Sutton, Skipton Bulldogs Res v Barrowford Un, Waddington v Silsden Ath.

Division Three: Grassington Un Res v Cononley Sp Res, Hellifield Sp Res v Cowling Res, Earby v Intake, McBrides v Carleton Res.