Whitchurch Alport’s preparations for a Boxing Day clash at Winsford United were once again halted by the weather.

Saturday’s scheduled home fixture against Skelmersdale United was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch and was the only Premier Division game that was called off.

Alport’s pitch was in superb condition as recently as October but incessant rains have left the Yockings Park playing surface resembling something of a bog and the 10am pitch inspection was only ever going to have one outcome.

The club’s pitch maintenance contractors were supposed to have carried out essential spiking and verti-draining but this never took place and so giving the pitch the best chance to dry out was lost.

A couple of years ago Alport managed to stage every game throughout a full season on scheduled dates but already this campaign five matches have been lost to the weather.

The Cadstones café and bar clubhouse was all set to stage the annual Christmas party and a decision had to be taken on whether to carry on with the event having failed to stage the game.

A captive audience of around 200 was lost so it was a gamble to proceed anyway and it was one that paid off handsomely.

Around 100 people made the trip up Black Park Road for the extravaganza which included the club’s Christmas raffle, a darts competition, a prize for the best Christmas jumper, a visit from Santa and a live set from singer Sadie Beth.

All the children were given free selection boxes and for the adults there was a welcome happy hour between 5pm and 7pm.