Rain stops play in the Alliance

Many games, including a number involving local teams, were postponed due to waterlogged or flooded pitches.

Of the local sides, only Lowick managed to kick-off their campaign. Playing in the new Development Division, they travelled to Wideopen A, where they went down to a 3-0 defeat.

But even that game was the subject of an early morning pitch inspection. It was sunny when the players arrived, but during the game rain continued to fall.

Alnwick Town, Rothbury, Spittal Rovers, Wooler and North Sunderland all found themselves without games, and most were hoping to kick-start their season this week with a full list of midweek fixtures arranged for last night (Wednesday).

On Saturday they will also hope to get back in the swing.

Alnwick Town are away to Seaton Delaval in the Premier Division, and will follow it up with another away game against Newcastle Blue Star on Wednesday (Aug 21).

In Division 1 Rothbury are home to Forest Hall on Saturday and home to Gosforth Bohemiens next Wednesday.

In Division 2, Spittal Rovers are home to Haltwhistle Jubilee on Saturday and away to Newbiggin on Wednesday.

In the Development Division, Lowick are home to Whitley Bay Sporting Club on Saturday and home again to North Sunderland on Wednesday.

North Sunderland are home to Wideopen A on Saturday.

Wooler face Newcastle East End Reserves at home on Saturday and are home again to Ashington Reserves on Wednesday.

Results from the new Development League on Saturday were:

Ashington Res 1, Ponteland Res 2; Heaton Stannington A 2, Chemfica Ams 0; Newcastle East End Res 5, Swalwell 4; Whitley Bay SC A 1, Gosforth Bohemiens Res 3; Wideopen A 3, Lowick 0.

Currently, two players from the area – Paul Wood and Richard Davison, both with Spittal Rovers, are unable to play as they face suspensions.