Carcare Marske Eskvale & Cleveland League

THE weather was again the winner again last weekend as those grounds that were not waterlogged were still unplayable owing to the frost and snow.

The only game to survive was the North Riding Saturday Challenge Cup tie at York on a 3G pitch. Unfortunately, it was bad news for the league representatives as Loftus Athletic were beaten by a youthful home side who adapted better to the pitch to run out 4-0 winners and deprive Loftus of a last eight slot.

The league is hoping for some respite this weekend and that the quarter-finals of the D&G Trophies League Challenge Cup can be played so that the backlog of fixtures does not get any worse. The big game in this competition sees the league’s top two, Redcar Athletic Reserves and Great Ayton United Royals, in direct opposition, while third-placed Loftus Athletic travel to Nunthorpe Athletic U21s.

Boosbeck entertain Hinderwell, while Great Ayton United are at home to Brotton Railway Arms.

Results. – North Riding Saturday Challenge Cup third round: University of York FA 4 Loftus Athletic 0.

All other games postponed.

Today's fixtures. – Dormanstown v Lakes United; Lealholm v Stokesley Sports Club.

D & G Trophies League Challenge Cup: Boosbeck United v Hinderwell; Great Ayton United v Brotton Railway Arms; Nunthorpe Athletic U21s v Loftus Athletic; Redcar Athletic Reserves v Great Ayton United Royals.