IT WAS a frustrating Saturday afternoon for many of the local semi-professional clubs with home games, as overnight rain led to postponements while the skies were blue at 3pm.

Even FC Halifax Town’s Vanarama National League game fell foul of the weather as the referee made a late call about the pitch at the Shay.

The Shaymens’ home game against Ebbsfleet United was postponement an hour before kick off and Silsden’s North West Counties Premier Division game Padiham was also called off by the match official after an earlier inspection by a local referee had deemed the pitch playable.

Guiseley were saved from a fruitless journey to the north east when their game against Spennymoor Town in the National North was called off early in the morning. The Lions were prepared for the news following contact between the clubs late on Friday and the weather forecast for County Durham.

The Northern Counties East League clubs were hit hardest as Eccleshill United’s game against leaders Penistone Church and Liversedge’s against Barton Town – both in the Premier Division – and Campion’s Division One fixture against Harworth Colliery were all shelved.

Silsden’s neighbours Steeton were also left kicking their heels as Cougar Park was also waterlogged, preventing them from hosting Holker Old Boys in Division One North.