PERSISTENT rain throughout most of the week caused three postponements in three different leagues for semi-professional clubs in the Bradford area.

Thackley's long-awaited first home game since November 22 was one of the first to fall by the wayside. They were due to host Barton Town Old Boys in the Toolstation Northern Counties East League Premier Division.

Silsden's match at home to Winsford United in the North West Counties League Premier Division and Brighouse Town's roses derby against Lancaster City in Evo-Stik League Division One North were also called off due to waterlogged pitches.

Thackley spokesman Mick Lode said: "There was standing water on our pitch, so there was no chance of getting the game on.

"We had been working on it for most of Friday but the ground is so hard under the surface that the forks only go about three or four inches into it and that's not enough for it to drain away."

Silsden spokesman Jim Rosser revealed: "It was off at 9.30 when the local referee came to inspect the pitch and found that a ball wouldn't roll.

"It's a pity – but on one hand, I'm glad we didn't play because the wind would have spoiled it. It was horrendous down in the valley and it wouldn't have been a decent game in those conditions."