For the first time this season there was a total weekend blank for the area’s non-League sides as all nine faced the frustration of postponed games.
From the Conference North, with Bradford Park Avenue and Guiseley both called off, to Eccleshill United in Toolstation Northern Counties East League Division One, all the clubs were washed out.
Avenue, Eccleshill, Albion Sports, Brighouse Town and Silsden were all due to be at home but were thwarted by waterlogged pitches.
The last game to be confirmed as being off was Liversedge’s trip to Glasshoughton Welfare in the NCE League Premier Division. That followed an 11am inspection, so all the clubs knew their fate before lunchtime.
With many games in the professional ranks, and even one of Saturday’s high-profile FA Cup fifth-round ties, falling foul of the conditions, it was no surprise that the semi-pro clubs would be affected.
And the problems appear set to continue, in the short term at least, with further storms and heavy rainfall being forecast for the coming few days. Some of next weekend’s fixtures could also be in doubt.
Avenue are not due to be in action again until Saturday, when they should host Workington in the Conference North.
Divisional rivals Guiseley are looking at games on consecutive days this midweek, with a home league fixture against Gainsborough Trinity on Tuesday and the delayed West Riding County Cup semi-final at Eccleshill United the following night.
Eccleshill had to shelve a home league fixture against Tadcaster Albion last Wednesday and another one, against Selby Town, to accommodate the cup tie this midweek.
So even if the semi-final does get played at the second time of asking, the Eagles still have two league games to shoehorn into their schedule before the end of the season, while Guiseley also have a glut of rearranged league games to come.
Brighouse Town are also due a midweek game at home to Maltby Main on Tuesday.
Town were one of the unlucky clubs last weekend and last midweek, so Saturday’s postponement was their third on the trot.
All three home games will have to be fitted into what is already a congested run-in as Brighouse have played fewer games than all but two of their league counterparts.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel