A WATERLOGGED pitch at the Calvert Stadium last Saturday put paid to Northallerton Town’s home fixture against South Shields.

Heavy rain throughout the week left the goalmouth at the Sewerage End of the ground with standing water and despite the best efforts of the groundstaff, the pitch remained unplayable.

It turned out to be a good day for Peter Mulcaster’s sidewith most of their promotion rivals dropping points. Heaton Stannington, in third place, were held to a 1-1 draw by sixth-placed Norton and Stockton Ancients, while runaway leaders North Shields beat fifth-placed Jarrow Roofing 2-1. Meanwhile, Birtley Town and Darlington RA, who began the day in eighth and ninth respectively, also drew 1-1. It means Northallerton are seven points off the third promotion place having played fewer games than some of their rivals.

Despite no action on the pitch, Mulcaster has been busy off it as he secured the signings of defender Craig Perry and midfielder Kyle Swankie.

The experienced Perry, 33, has previously played at Billingham Synthonia, Whitby Town, Blyth Spartans and Billingham Town, while 25- year old Swankie has arrived from Bishop Auckland. Both will be in the squad for tomorrow’s Ernest Armstrong Cup quarter final tie at Jarrow Roofing.

Town’s next home match is a week on Saturday when Darlington RA are the visitors.