Darlington lost their grip on top spot after their match was postponed for the second week in succession.

They had another blank weekend as Saturday’s match away to New Mills was postponed due to a frozen pitch.

While most of the playing surface was playable, during an inspection around 11:30am some areas remained frozen so the game was called off.

Seven days previously Quakers’ game against Lancaster City at Heritage Park was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch, and the call-offs have contributed towards the team losing their position at the top of the table.

Northwich Victoria are now in first position thanks to their 1-0 win at home to Brighouse Town, in front of 85 spectators, that puts them one point ahead of second-placed Darlington, though Martin Gray’s men have two games in hand.

Droylsden started the day in third and missed the opportunity to go top as they surprisingly lost 5-3 at struggling Radcliffe Borough.

The last two postponements mean the suspensions of Gary Brown, Liam Hatch and Chris Hunter will begin with Saturday’s fixture at seventh-placed Bamber Bridge, who were beaten in the play-offs last season.

While Hunter serves a one-game ban, Brown and Hatch are unavailable for three fixtures so will miss the home matches with Radcliffe on December 20 and Scarborough Athletic on Boxing Day.

Meanwhile, Darlington are continuing to sell mini-season tickets.

The package gives fans access to ten of Quakers’ matches at Heritage Park during the remainder of the season, starting with the Boxing Day fixture against Scarborough. Supporters also receive a choice of home or away replica shirt, plus a Darlington FC t-shirt.

The offer expires on Saturday, December 20 with adults tickets costing £100, concessions £80 and children £60.

To purchase a mini-season ticket, supporters must complete a form from Quaker Retail, at Blackwell Meadows, Darlington, or fill one in one the club’s website: darlington1883.co.uk

Quakers are only able to accept cash or cheque payments and fans will receive a voucher to be redeemed in Quaker Retail for the replica shirt and T-shirt.

Attendances have gradually declined since Darlington began playing matches at Heritage Park in 2012-13, but they remain among the highest outside the Football League and at 1,020 the average league gate is easily the largest in the Evo-Stik First Division.