THERE was a complete wipe-out for local football on Saturday as the severe frost meant every game in the region was postponed.But it provides the chance to take stock of how local clubs are doing as we enter the vital second stage of the campaign - and it sees most clubs in the Waveney and Chet valleys well placed to push on for honours.

THERE was a complete wipe-out for local football on Saturday as the severe frost meant every game in the region was postponed.

But it provides the chance to take stock of how local clubs are doing as we enter the vital second stage of the campaign - and it sees most clubs in the Waveney and Chet valleys well placed to push on for honours.

In the Anglian Combination Premier Division Loddon United, in their first season back in the top flight, are performing particularly well.

Having slipped to a 2-0 defeat to King's Lynn Reserves in the Norfolk Senior Cup they can now concentrate on the league.

They may only be sixth in the table at the moment, but they are only five points from the top, and if they were to win their games in hand they would be clear at the top.

They have lost just two out of 12 so far, and have conceded only 14 goals - the best defensive record in the division.

Weather permitting, Loddon will begin their push for the top three at home to bottom-of-the-table Watton tomorrow (2).

Beccles are further down the table but they also have games in hand, and their defensive record is second only to Loddon. A good run over the next few weeks could see them stake a claim for a top-six finish. They visit title contenders Hempnall, currently second, tomorrow.

In Division One Bungay Town, promoted from a fifth place finish in Division Two because of varying circumstances, are making their good fortune count with some good results. Just three points separate the top five.

The Black Dogs are fourth, two points behind leaders St Andrews with a game in hand.

Bungay need to improve their strike rate if they have aspirations for back-to-back promotions - 24 goals in 15 league game is not championship form. But the defence has been tight, conceding just 16 goals.

Tomorrow they entertain Caister (2). The Reserves visit Aylsham Reserves and the A-team are away to White Horse Seltic. The U18s are at home to Dereham U18s on Thursday evening (7.45).

Local sides are also giving a good account of themselves in Division Two, where Poringland Wanderers have lost just two of 14 games so far and are handily placed in third, four points behind Reepham with a game in hand. They visit Downham Town Reserves tomorrow.

In fifth place are Beccles Caxton, though they have been faltering - they lost their last game 3-1 at home to CEYMS, and are conceding too many goals to make them serious promotion contenders.

Caxton host Norwich United Reserves tomorrow (2).