Football games have been cancelled and flood warnings issued as heavy rain sweeps across Oxfordshire today (Saturday, December 9).

Persistent rain and winds have been predicted by the Met Office this morning, following on from downpours last night.

The poor weather has forced Banbury United to postpone today’s men’s team fixture against Darlington FC after a pitch inspection this morning.

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A club statement said: “Third time is not a charm as heavy downpours through the night into this morning has left a lot of standing water currently on the pitch.

“With heavy rain continuing and factoring in the travel distance for the opposition we have had to postpone this fixture yet again.”

The women’s team fixture scheduled for tomorrow has also been cancelled.

Oxford Mail: Banbury United's pitch is waterlogged by persistent rain Banbury United's pitch is waterlogged by persistent rain (Image: Banbury United FC)

Thame United and North Leigh FC have both confirmed men's matches scheduled for today are also postponed due to the wet weather.

A Thame United statement said: "Sadly as feared after an assessment this one is off due to a waterlogged pitch."

Both games will be rearranged in due course.

But Chadlington Football Club - which is sponsored by Jeremy Clarkson's nearby Diddly Squat Farm - has confirmed the weather has not prevented them from playing against Aston in the first round of the Oxfordshire Junior Shield cup today.

However, the club's first team match away to Leafield FC has also succumbed to the weather.

The rainfall has also caused river levels to rise, with Oxfordshire County Council warning folk to stay up to date with where flood alerts are in place.

A total of 16 flood alerts have been issued by the Environment Agency in Oxfordshire and the areas surrounding the county’s border.

The agency warned people to avoid using low lying footpaths near watercourses.

The River Thames and River Cherwell in Oxford are included in the flood alert areas.

Rainfall is expected to stop in the afternoon, according to the Met Office, with things turning drier with sunny intervals as the day progresses.