THE Warrington Soccer League was plunged into further fixture chaos on Saturday with the big freeze allowing just four matches to go ahead.

More than 400 games have been lost to the elements, a fact that is piling further pressure on League fixture secretary Geoff Bell.

There was further bad news with the refusal of Halton Council to extend the availability of pitches to clubs in their area.

Seven different councils provide pitches for member clubs, all have agreed to co-operate and allow access well into May, except Halton.

Runcorn and Widnes sides using council-prepared pitches could be forced to complete their programmes with a series of away fixtures.

Saturday's major action was the Organics Intermediates Premier Division clash between relegation threatened Riverplate and former Champions Whiston Cross. It has been a difficult season for Morley Common-based Riverplate and Saturday's 3-0 defeat further harms their survival chances.

Whiston have shown some erratic form this term, suffering from prolonged periods of inactivity due to the state of pitches. But their victory was rarely in doubt.

Division One has presented some interesting fixtures during the past month, with the promotion rivals thrown together in a tight series of games.

St Albans Bank Quay has emerged from the period in a strong position. Their latest victims, Fearnhead, put up a terrific fight before losing by the odd goal in five.

Both sides have shown their qualities but St Albans' better league form shaded their rivals' cup form.

The title run-in promises to be a close contest with Irlam CC, Grappenhall Sports, Moore United and Sasib all still in the picture.

There was local 'derby' action in the only Division Three game possible. Village Social hit three goals without reply to silence Crontonians' guns.

Penlake remain the form side in the division but any club with title ambitions must be wary of losing ground to teams completing their fixtures. Games in hand at the end of this season will be difficult to win, when so many fixtures remain unfulfilled.

The Reserve Division Two match at Stockton Lane was a close run affair but settled in favour of Grappenhall 2-1 against visitors Whiston Cross Thirds.