Northern League chairman Mike Amos has warned clubs not to be too hasty in calling games off.

Speaking before the current bad weather swept the region on Thursday, Amos says that some games have been postponed by clubs without using the correct procedure - and if a referee had carried out an inspection, then games could have gone ahead.

"There have been instances when a game has been called off without consulting the match referee, who has then arrived at the ground to find that the pitch was fit after all," said Amos.

"The league management committee needs to consider whether games are being called off too casually. Clubs must involve the match referee, or if there is widespread bad weather they must speak to the league. We can't point the finger over postponements, but there are, as it were, grounds for concern."

There are several clubs in the league who are genuine victims of the bad weather. Amos said: "We might have to start thinking about an extension of the season. Clubs such as Morpeth and Penrith are having terrible difficulty at the moment - they have only played around half their matches."

There is certainly widespread bad weather which will cause disruption again today, and Morpeth, who have played just 15 league games out of 40, are almost certain to be snowed off for their home game against Consett.

Billingham Synthonia, who are second in the table, last night called off their game with bottom of the table Newcastle Blue Star.

Peterlee,'s game with Whitley Bay is off. The home side planned to include new midfielder John Keegan from Guisborough and have transfer listed midfielder Gary McManus at his own request.

Bedlington, who are third, have an injury doubt over midfielder Nicky Scaife at home to Esh Winning. The visitors are missing injured pair Allan Colledge and Micky Parkinson.

Shildon include new centre half Dale Robinson in their squad at Prudhoe. Robinson was at Middlesbrough at the same time as his Shildon team mate, Jamie Middleton. Prudhoe, who have slipped back into the relegation zone, include new signing Nicky Henderson from Gateshead.

West Auckland will give fitness tests to Paul Stout and Simon Rogers at home to unchanged Tow Law, but they will be without injured striker Jonathan Milroy.

Billingham Town will be without Martin Thompson for their trip to Dunston.

Chester-le-Street, who are flirting with relegation trouble, will give new signing from Dunston, Lee Adamson, his home debut against Guisborough.

In the second division, leaders Washington Nissan will make changes following their midweek cup defeat at Thornaby, when they go to full strength Horden.

Easington's trip to Willington is off. The visitors would have included new midfielder Dave Anderson from Chester-le-Street.

Eppleton, who are second bottom, are at full strength for the visit of Kennek Ryhope CA.

Northallerton welcome back Andy Howarth after suspension at home to Norton, while Seaham Red Star add seven players to their squad at home to Penrith.

* Confidence is high in the Spennymoor camp, according to new manager Jamie Pollock.

Moors leapt out of the doldrums with a 6-0 thrashing of Stocksbridge in midweek, to put their promotion campaign back on track, and Pollock said: "I want a good run now, because the players set the standard on Tuesday.

"When you win a game in a convincing manner you should be on a high, and that's what we need to help us win games.

"Clean sheets also help. Tuesday's was the first in a long time, and that will help to give the lads confidence."

Defender David Goodchild and midfielder Stephen Bell both return after suspension.

Bishop Auckland, meanwhile, are at home to Bamber Bridge, with an early 2.30 kick off because of floodlight problems.

"We're looking for a rare double," said manager Brian Honour, who yesterday signed Hartlepool United midfielder Brian Ross on loan. "We have still a lot of cup finals to play this season and this is one we can win.

"We're encouraged by our recent performances but we must stop giving early goals away because then that forces us to play catch-up football."

Honour is without midfielder Steve Leadbitter and added: "I'm pleased to bring Brian in. He's chomping at the bit to play and I hope he can help in our relegation battle.''

* Five of the nine scheduled Wearside League fixtures have been postponed, writes Malcolm Pratt.

In the league, the only match to survive is in Cumbria, where Windscale will meet Redcar Town.

Redcar's only absentee is Billy Millington because of work commitments.

Three ties in the Sunderland Shipowners' Cup could be staged. Earlier in the

New Marske will make a pitch inspection at 10am and if the game against Wolviston goes ahead could name Glen Dolan following his transfer from Redcar Town.

Wolviston striker John Symon will be out for up to two months after picking up an ankle injury last weekend. Captain Keiron White is also struggling to shake off a thigh injury but midfielder Simon Collighan could be available.

Darlington RA will also test their Brinkburn Road pitch this morning but are hoping that visitors Birtley Town will be travelling. RA's Mark Radmore is free from suspension and Stephen Bell recovered from injury.

Stephen Roberts, sighed from Shotton Comrades is lined up for his debut.

Harton and Westoe go to second top Stokesley FC with a full pool of players. Stokesley returned to winning ways last weekend.