Teams have now passed the half way point in their 'regular' season, but for several it seems like they haven't even started.

Nowhere has the terrible weather been felt more acutely than at Ushaw Moor.

Club spokesman Micky Hayton explained: "We have managed to play just three games of any kind on our ground so far, that includes firsts, seconds and juniors.

"We are reliant on the council for ground maintenance and we fully understand the financial constraints they currently have.

"That is why we are trying to look at ways we can help with their permission, in particular we would like to put in some new drainage at the end of the season.

"Nine times out of ten the square's fine, but we have a problem in certain parts of the outfield where the water gathers.''

The Moor became so desperate to play their home games a few weeks ago that they approached the league executive with a unique initiative - to play their home games at Maiden Castle in Durham while their own ground dried out.

After agreement was given the weather won that one as well and it was called off at ten in the morning.

With the forecast for this weekend not offering any solace to harassed clubs the Moor are desperate to get a home game in today against Tudhoe, but one thing the enforced lay-offs have done is clear up a few injury niggles.

"We've only played three league games but John Southeran managed to injure his ankle in one of those,'' chuckled Hayton. "But the rest has done him good and he's fit again, and Craig Usher is over his back problem.'' The pair line up against a Tudhoe team that includes the returning Ian Grainger.

Mainsforth are now 12 points adrift at the foot of the table, and their game takes place tomorrow when they entertain Langley Park.

There is no sign yet of Sri Lankan Ikram Abdeen. Student Josh Peel has now returned home for the summer but Glen Donaldson comes straight into the side upon his return.

Brandon have to reckon without Stephen Ball for the immediate future following a four-game suspension so youngster Sam Ross is handed an opportunity in the home game with Crook who include Joseph Newton for the unavailable Chris Hurst, and Shildon may be able to call on Martin Ferguson for the first time in two years when they entertain leaders Esh Winning.

Paul Chivers and David Watson are out of the Esh line-up so Richard Hurst and Michael Bussey deputise.