THE only matches postponed in National Three North last weekend were the ones involving the two Darlington clubs and the result was that they slipped to third and fourth from the bottom.

Mowden Park are two points ahead of their neighbours, who have a game in hand. But there are likely to be many changes between now and the end of the season on April 30 among the five teams scrapping to avoid the third relegation spot.

Cleckheaton, who were third bottom, climbed four places when they won 24-23 at home to Rugby Lions to record their fourth successive win.

While still not safe, with four of the top five to play away from home, Cleckheaton will fancy their chances of winning their three home games, including the one against Mowden on April 2.

Much will depend on whether or not bottom club Bedford Athletic throw in the towel. Recent results suggest they have not done so yet and they might see the visit of Mowden tomorrow and the trip to Blackwell Meadows next week as their last throws of the dice. They also have to play two other strugglers in Rugby and Blaydon.

Darlington entertain Dudley Kingswinford, who are next to the bottom, tomorrow and will be out for maximum points, including the four-try bonus, against a side they drew with away from home in October.

Mowden called off last week's home match against Fylde on Friday afternoon as melting snow had left the ground waterlogged. It will become the final game on April 30, as will Darlington's trip to leaders Halifax, which was also postponed.

Unfortunately April 30 is the scheduled date for the Durham Cup final, and while that could be put back to a midweek date, Mowden's participation in the cup must be in doubt.

They had to pull out last season, despite being the holders, and find themselves in a similar position again.

They are hoping to play their delayed first round match at home to Hartlepool Rovers on the semi-final date of March 26. But if they had to fit in the semi in midweek, it would be very risky for a depleted squad in the middle of a tense relegation battle.

Although Darlington have played their first round tie, beating West Hartlepool, they will be in a similar position unless their semi-final can go ahead on March 26, which looks unlikely.

Mowden cannot afford any injuries to front row men following Newcastle Falcons' decision to allow tight head prop Ed Kalman to join Leeds Tykes on loan.

Kalman had played the last two games for Mowden, but to play for them again he would have had to be re-registered before March 1.

Following the departure of Dave Sinclair to New Zealand, Mowden are now left with Ian Keeligan and Danny Brown as their only established props, with young Tongan Peni Fakalelu providing the cover.

Goal-kicker Mark Bedworth is just about fit to return, but will have a game in the second team first, which could come tomorrow.

Darlington had mixed feelings about the postponement at Halifax.

It could have been seen as a game they wanted out of the way, but now it has been moved to the end of the season it is hoped there will be nothing at stake.

It has also given the players a rest before the crucial run of three home games against fellow strugglers in four weeks, with a trip to Blaydon in between.

Darlington skipper Paul Lee broke a bone in a hand two weeks ago but is expected to play tomorrow