FOR a second consecutive Saturday, the weather caused major problems for the area’s semi-pro football clubs and it led to all five of the sides with scheduled home games being frustrated by postponements.

Following a cold Friday and sub-zero overnight temperatures, the pitches were frozen and there was no glimmer of hope that they would thaw out.

One of the first games called off was the Toolstation Northern Counties East League Premier Division derby between Liversedge and Thackley. The surface at Sedge’s Clayborn was described as ‘rock hard’ by both of the rivals.

The other NCEL Premier Division fixture in Bradford, Eccleshill United against Bridlington Town, was confirmed as another casualty soon after but Campion’s home game against Glasshoughton Welfare in Division One had a stay of execution.

The pitch at Campion’s Scotchman Road was not ruled out early in the morning so a lunchtime inspection was called. However, the delay did not have the desired effect and the game was postponed.

There was also a late call at Cougar Park, and it was around 1pm before Steeton’s Hallmark Security League Division One North game against Garstang was called off.

It was not as late as the decision that ended Brighouse Town’s hopes of hosting Morpeth Town in the Evo-Stik Division One East.

With Town in fourth place but level with Pontefract Collieries and Tadcaster Albion, in second and third respectively, it was set to be a big game at St Giles Road, as the visiting Highwaymen are top of the table.

With the north east side at the ground and both sides looking forward to a good game, the referee deemed that the pitch was unplayable and postponed the fixture.