THE threat of a fixture backlog again looks like throwing the Durham County Cup into turmoil, with two of the first round matches already postponed.

Reducing the senior event to eight teams and creating an Intermediate Cup last season failed to stop some clubs pulling out, while there were the usual arguments over whether league or cup takes priority.

This season's first round is scheduled for February 15, but the Darlington Mowden Park v Darlington and Blaydon v Horden matches have to be rearranged.

Blaydon are to stage their National Three North match against Tynedale, frozen off two weeks ago, on that date, while Darlington visit Aspatria for the North One match which was postponed on the same day.

Darlington will be without a match for the third successive week today as the Brinkburn pitch where West Hartlepool play is waterlogged.

It was felt that a lengthy spell of inactivity last season cost Darlington the chance of promotion and they will be anxious to get back into action at home to Morley next week, especially with a trip to leaders Cleckheaton coming up the week after.

Having fitted in their rearranged match at Nuneaton last week, Mowden hope to keep up to date with their National Three North fixtures when they visit Halifax today. Prior to semi-final day on April 5, the only available date for the cup tie against Darlington is March 8.

Mowden have Danny Brown and Dave Sinclair back in the front row, with Chris Strong switching from hooker to centre in place of Matt Howland.

Although Howland declared himself fit on Thursday, Mowden are reluctant to take the risk and have left him on the bench.

He is waiting for an operation on his troublesome shoulder, which came out after 25 minutes last week.

With Mark Bedworth not yet fully recovered from his thigh injury, Mowden have no other cover in the backs and retain Andy Dean at fly half.

James Tyrrell replaces Steve Jones, who has an Achilles problem, while Jon Dye returns at No 8 in place of Owen Hopley.

Back row stalwarts Darren McKinnon and Tony Irwin should both be fit in a month.

Unlike Hull Ionians, who were promoted with them last season, Halifax have strengthened their squad and have climbed steadily into fourth place.

This should be the toughest remaining game for Mowden as it completes their games against the top clubs, other than Halifax at home on March 29.

They still have Blaydon to visit on February 8 and the Tynesiders will hope to continue their climb into the top half when they visit struggling Hull Ionians today.

Justin Clarke comes in for prop Paul Winter, who is serving a one-match ban, while Lee Hogarth continues at fly half as David Dalrymple and James Lofthouse are again unavailable.