The eagerly anticipated Cumberland County Cup tie between Cleator Moor Celtic and Penrith was called off last night.
Torrential rain throughout the day had made the Celtic pitch sodden and unsafe for football and following an afternoon inspection was postponed.
The standout tie of the first round, it brought the North West Counties League into direct action with the Northern League.
Although both clubs are struggling in their respective league competitions they are through to the first round proper of the FA Vase next month.
They can now concentrate on picking up important league points on Saturday with Celtic bottom and Penrith next-to-bottom of the respective leagues.
In the North West Counties, Celtic travel to Ilkley Town who are fifth bottom, eight points better off than the Cumbrians but from four more games played.
Celtic manager Martin Mahone said: “It was disappointing not to have been able to play the County Cup game as we were expecting a decent crowd. But it was really wet underfoot, which would have been dangerous and it would have made a real mess of the pitch.
“Nothing has been confirmed but I expect we will try again to play next Tuesday or Wednesday.
“In the meantime, we have to get ourselves ready for what is, in essence, a relegation battle at Ilkley. We are desperate for points and need to put some wins on the board.”
Penrith only have West Allotment Celtic below them in the Northern League’s First Division and have a four-point cushion, but from a game more.
On Saturday Dave Hewson’s men travel to Crook Town who are eighth in the table, ten points better off than the Cumbrians but from two more games.
