HEAVY rain in the north-east is putting Thame United's FA Carlsberg Vase semi-final first leg at Bedlington Terriers on Saturday in doubt.

The runaway Arnott Northern League leaders' Welfare Ground has been hit by the torrential downpours which have swept much of the north over the past two weeks.

Bedlington manager Keith Perry said: "We have had rain non-stop for ten days. If we get much more rain the game is doubtful.

"The pitch is a good drainer, but it is very, very heavy.

"With a little bit of luck, if the rain keeps off it should not be a problem, but as the forecast is for more rain it would put the tie in some doubt."

If the first leg were to be postponed it is almost certain to be put back to Saturday, March 20 - the date of the second leg at Thame which would then have to be put back to the following weekend. A crowd of more than 2,500 is expected for the game, and there is also a suggestion that, as Thame are staying over in Newcastle this weekend, consideration may be given to playing the game on the Sunday if it proves impossible to kick off 24 hours earlier.

Thame already have one supporters coach going up to Bedlington, and will secure the services of another should there be sufficient demand.

Tickets are available at Windmill Stadium from 6.00-7.00pm today and tomorrow. For further information contact general mananger Sally Turner (tel 0777 5851244).

Story date: Thursday 11 March

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.