POOR Campion are still waiting for their first competitive game since early November, but joint-manager Lee Ashforth is accepting of the situation and is looking forward to a home friendly with Silsden today.

Most teams returned to Northern Counties East League action on December 19, but not Campion, whose Division One game that day at home to Selby was rained off, before their match on Tuesday at title rivals Emley was called off due to snow.

And now the NCEL has announced that fixtures will be paused until at least January 13, after some of its 40 teams were moved into tier 4 on Thursday, meaning they can't play or train.

Liversedge are going for promotion in the NCEL Premier Division, and their manager Jonathan Rimmington expressed his dismay at the news, pointing out on Twitter that his club could easily play their scheduled league games in the next two weeks, against fellow tier 3 sides, Bottesford Town and Eccleshill United.

But Ashforth was more understanding, saying: "With the way the world is at the moment, there's more important things than football.

"Whatever they (the league) decided, we were happy to go along with."

As for the two games postponed by the weather, he said: "It was a shame about Selby being rained off, because we've had bigger crowds than usual this season, maybe for some escapism from the pandemic.

"The way we're playing and the fact we're having success has helped too.

"Selby were running away with the league before it was voided last season, and though they're bottom now, it still would have been a tough test for our first game back.

"The Emley game was moved from Boxing Day, as they told us they couldn't staff it then.

"We were happy with it being on Tuesday and it was due to be a sell-out of 150 fans. It would have been a good one with us and Emley at the top, a bit of a derby too, but the snow can't be helped."

He added: "I actually get on really well with Emley's manager, Rich Tracey, and I know it might sound odd given we're title rivals, but we have a chat every couple of weeks, usually just about the other teams in the league, giving each other advice.

"Most of the lads from the two teams know each other too, and I'd love it if we both got promoted."

Campion did at least get a friendly in at Steeton on December 22, a thrilling 4-4 draw.

Ashforth said: "We get on well with their manager Roy Mason, and they have a 3G pitch now at Marley, so we knew the game would go ahead.

"We started with a strong team but then made a few changes, so it became a bit disjointed, like friendlies often do, but it was still a good game.

"That's what those games are for, it's all about getting people minutes and keeping the lads ticking over."

And Campion's players will increase their match fitness again today, with a home friendly against Silsden at 3pm.

Ashforth said: "It will be nice to have our fans in for this one, though it will have to be on a first come, first served basis.

"It will be a good game for both teams, as though Silsden are in the league above, we're one of the best teams in our division.

"We're just trying to do what we can while we're in tier 3, as we know we can't play or train in tier 4."

Attacking midfielder Leon Hurles-Brook will be in the Campion ranks, after rejoining from Silsden in November.

Ashforth said: "It will be an interesting one for Leon and our striker Aidan Kirby, who've both played at Silsden.

"They have a couple of our ex-players too so it should be a good one.

"It would be good if we could get it on, but we know the weather may be a factor."

Brighouse Town, whose Northern Premier League North West Division campaign has now been suspended until at least January 12, are also in friendly action today, away to Golcar United.

That clash kicks off at 2pm.