Carlisle United's gap to safety increases on weather-hit weekend
Carlisle United's gap to safety increased despite the weather laying waste to most of Saturday's League Two fixtures.
Just two games survived the conditions in the division.
But the result in one of them - Swindon Town's 0-0 draw with Crewe Alexandra - left bottom side Carlisle seven points adrift of safety.
The goalless draw at the County Ground was completed later than scheduled after fog saw the game temporarily halted in the early stages.
The game was paused after just three minutes and did not get back under way until 4pm.
The point for Ian Holloway's side eventually took them up to 20th, one of four teams on 25 points, seven above United. The Robins have played two games more than Carlisle, whose home clash with MK Dons was among those postponed.
Replacing them in third-bottom position on goal difference were Tranmere Rovers, who were thrashed 5-1 by leaders Walsall in the only other fourth-tier game to be played on Saturday.
Two goals for Jamille Matt plus further strikes by Ryan Stirk, Jamie Jellis and Nathan Lowe did the damage for the Saddlers, Tranmere's reply coming from Connor Jennings after Sam Finley was sent off.
The bottom end of League Two on January 11... (Image: Google)
Walsall are now eight points clear at the top, while 22nd-placed Tranmere are seven points above Carlisle having played the same number of games.
Some of United's other relegation rivals were in FA Cup third round action.
Morecambe, whose assistant manager is former Carlisle captain and Workington Reds boss Danny Grainger, were beaten 5-0 at Chelsea.
Accrington Stanley went down 4-0 at Liverpool, while Harrogate Town, whose assistant is the ex-Blues captain Paul Thirlwell, lost 1-0 at Leeds United.
The fourth tier fixture list should resume fully next weekend with temperatures set to rise after this week's big freeze.
Harrogate, who are also seven points above Carlisle, host Cheltenham Town on Friday night.
Then on Saturday United host Bradford City in a 12.30pm kick-off, with the 3pm game including Morecambe v Crewe Alexandra, AFC Wimbledon v Tranmere Rovers, Swindon Town v Barrow and Accrington Stanley v Notts County.
