SNOW on outdoor pitches in mid Cheshire is likely to prevent play almost everywhere this weekend.

Competition organisers have given permission for clubs to call off games earlier than is custom, with Witton Albion’s home date against Worksop in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League the most high profile fixture postponed already.

"We felt special measures were prudent as the welfare of our clubs and their supporters is paramount,” said Alan Allcock, operations manager for the league.

“With the weather not expected to improve, it allows clubs and officials to make sensible decisions in the interests of everybody involved in individual fixtures.”

Northwich Victoria’s encounter with Mansfield-based Rainworth has been postponed too.

Winsford United, due to host Stone in the North West Counties League, were one of the first club’s to cancel a match in that competition.

The Cheshire League made a decision on Friday morning to postpone its entire calendar, including semi finals in the JB Parker Challenge Cup, without the need for playing surfaces to be inspected.

“We decided to call off matches after looking at the forecasted weather conditions for the next 24 hours,” said a spokesman.

Cuddington’s trip to Wigan and District Amateur League club Leigh Phoenix in the Northern Cup will have to take place on another day after a postponement too.

Saturday, January 19
Postponed matches so far
Evo-Stik Northern Premier League
Premier Division

Witton Albion P Worksop Town P

Division One South
Rainworth Miners Welfare P Northwich Victoria P

North West Counties League
Premier Division

Winsford United P Stone Dominoes P

Cheshire League
JB Parker Challenge Cup semi final

Lostock Gralam v Eagle Sports

Division Two Challenge Cup semi finals
Barnton v Sandbach United
Penlake v Rudheath

Division One
Knutsford v Crewe FC
Middlewich Town v Whaley Bridge

Northern Cup
Round Three

Leigh Phoenix v Cuddington