Once again the League Cup hoodoo struck, with seven of the scheduled nine games being postponed because grounds were unfit.

Plans to play the semi-finals over the coming Saturdays have had to be shelved, and once again the rush of evening fixtures looks a certainty.

Of the two cup games played, Cross Hills Reserves progressed to the semi-finals of the Devonshire Carpets competition with a 5-2 victory over McBrides. Hills started brightly and took and early lead through Darrell McDonald after a good move which split the McBrides defence.

After 30 minutes they went 2-0 up when a 20-yard shot from Ben Dewhurst flashed into the top corner. McBrides made a rare excursion into the Cross Hills half and reduced the deficit from a free kick. As half time approached they equalised with a good shot.

The second half saw Cross Hills really take hold of the game. Mark Birch restored the lead and Daniel Thompson came off the subs bench to make it 4-2 from the penalty spot.

The win earned them an away semi-final tie against Intake Reserves.

In Division Three Cowling Reserves gave up ground advantage to play at Gargrave in order to get the tie played, and the home side emerged as winners after a spirited match.

Cowling attacked from the start and only a brilliant display by the Gargrave keeper denied them the lead. Gargrave were restricted to quick breaks but managed to take the lead against the run of play. Cowling continued to play the better football but could not score and fell further behind when Gargrave caught them pushing forward to make the score 2-0.

Oxenhope Reserves travelled to Waddington for a Division One league match but found that there wasn't a referee, despite 11 matches being called off. Waddington took charge of the first half in a game full of niggle and scored twice. Oxenhope fought back well in the second period, and two excellent goals from Duncan Tetley put them level.

The game developed into a battle with tempers getting frayed on both sides, and Waddington finally scored a third goal to collect all three points

The promotion race at the top of Division Two has been neck and neck all season and Chatburn now have a two point advantage over Barrowford United, with both clubs having six games left. Chatburn look favourites with most of their games being against lower-table sides. Barrowford have to negotiate a tough match against Skipton LMS, but their other games are also from teams lower down the division.

Chatburn's 'banana skin' could be Gargrave who are just off the pace, but a win against the top club could put them right back in the picture. Skipton LMS Reserves have a game in hand on the leading teams, but will need to rediscover their early form if they are to be genuine contenders.

The League management committee has decided to streamline the secretary's job to help their search for a new official. Some of the work is to be allocated to current officers and they are to create a new post of Fixtures Secretary to reduce the workload of the General Secretary. So far there have been no offers to take on the job, but hopes are high that the right person will come forward.