Severe wet weather over the weekend meant frustration for non-league footballers.

Bradford Park Avenue and Guiseley were denied as the UniBond League competitions reached the knockout stages after qualifying group matches.

Avenue should have faced Blyth Spartans at Horsfall Stadium but theirs was one of the first to fail a pitch inspection.

"There was not a chance of getting the game on and the referee who inspected the pitch early on Saturday called the game off immediately," said Avenue press officer Tim Clapham.

"The UniBond are keen that these quarter-finals are completed quickly and urged us to re-arrange the tie as soon as possible. The new date is this Wednesday."

Guiseley were saved from a wasted trip to the Midlands when their President's Cup quarter-final against Leek Town became a victim of the weather.

"We got a call at 10.30am so it prevented us travelling," said Guiseley director Stuart Allen.

"Their regular midweek night is Tuesday so weather permitting it is all set for a second attempt to get the game played tomorrow."

One of the biggest disappointments was the postponement of the Thackley-Liversedge Northern Counties East derby.

Thackley secretary Stuart Willingham feels the delay will rob the fixture of banter between rival supporters. "We don't get many derbies on Saturdays because the league try to reserve longer trips for the weekends.

"It will be re-arranged for a midweek now and that could cut the attendance by at least half. There won't be the same atmosphere."

Eccleshill United were denied a six-point relegation battle at Glasshoughton Welfare at a time when hopes were high as United had several players back from injury and suspension.

"We were confined to barracks when we had probably the strongest squad we've had this season, it was a major disappointment," said chairman Keith Firth.

Farsley Celtic's trip to Stocks-bridge in the UniBond Division One was also called off.