BARNOLDSWICK Town's home game on Saturday against Charnock Richard had to called off because of a waterlogged pitch.

Match referee Akeel Ahmed arrived at the ground at 10:30am on Saturday and originally passed the pitch fit.

He stayed for an hour and the rain got gradually heavier. With the forecast for the rain to continue until around 5pm and water beginning to stand on the pitch surface, he had no option but to postpone the game.

Town will next play at Knaresborough Town in the third round of the West Riding County Cup on Wednesday before hosting West Didsbury and Chorlton in the third round of the Macron Cup this Saturday.

* Barnoldswick Town's East Lancashire League were in action at Rimington on Saturday and went down to a 5-2 defeat.

Football was of a secondary importance as the players were told that manager Pat Jones had been rushed to hospital on the eve of the match.

All the players and officials at Barnoldswick Town offered best wishes for a speedy recovery to Pat and his family.

The game started badly for Town and they were 2-0 down to a fine Rimington side inside eight minutes, making the visit to one of the leagues strongest teams even more difficult.

A third goal on 35 minutes effectively ended the contest, although Town gave themselves a slight chance with a goal by hard-working Jordan Slade on the stroke of half-time.

The half-time team talk emphasised an early goal in the second half was vital if an unlikely comeback was to be staged.

There was an early goal just a minute into the second half but it was the ruthless Rimington attackers who plundered it, putting the game way beyond the reach of Barnoldswick.

A fifth on 54 minutes made things look ominous for Town, but to their credit they did not fold and managed to reduce the deficit through the tireless Jonny Davies.

This goal was an indirect result of a mazy run into the penalty area by Teal Amos, who is improving with every game.

The next game for Barnoldswick Town’s East Lancashire League is away to Feniscowles this Saturday, with a 2pm kick-off.

* The reserve team for Town in East Lancs league also had their game on Saturday against Hapton Reserves called off because of a waterlogged pitch.