Division 3 top two teams clash at New Mill

Veterans League

Preview of the Tuesday fixtures in Divisions 3,4&5 of the 10-Man League

A great opportunity looms for the Division 3 leaders, New Mill A, to really stake their claim for the Division 3 title when they have a home match against second-in-the-table Linthwaite Hall. Already holding a 10-point lead over their closest rivals, a win would make a great statement about their intent and leave the Linthwaite Hall team struggling for the second promotion place.

Although the teams in 3rd and 4th positions both have away fixtures to face. Paddock I&C host 3rd-placed Golcar Lib B and have only lost one home match all season and that was 4-5 (110-113 aggregate) to Linthwaite Hall in early June so will be no pushover. 4th placed Brockholes A have to play the team immediately below them in the table, Springwood. The Springwood team lost their first three home matches of the season but none since then so will provide formidable opposition for the Brockholes team.

Things are very congested at the foot of the table with only 6 points between the bottom five teams and the bottom two facing each other on Tuesday. Slaithwaite sit at the foot of the table after a run of just two wins in their last 8 fixtures, both were at home where they are on Tuesday against a Holmfirth A team who have only won one away match all season (against Lindley Lib B 7-2 in July.

The top two teams in Division 4 both have home fixtures this week with the leaders, on Aggregate For totals, are Marsh Lib A and they host David Brown Sports on Tuesday. DBS need the points to avoid dropping into the relegation places so will be up for the challenge. Second-in-the-table Kirkheaton Con B have a stiffer-looking opponent when they host the Milnsbridge B team. The Milnsbridge team being one of only two teams to beat the Cons team this season.

Thongsbridge A and RUBC sit in 3rd and 4th places and both have away fixtures this week. Thongsbridge are at Ravensknowle Park where the home side have won all five of their victories but are on a run of only one win from their last eight matches anywhere. The RUBC have a more difficult-looking meeting at Marsh United B who have only lost once at home all season so will be looking to extend that record.

Primrose Hill Lib are the only Division 4 top four team with home advantage this week when they take on 2nd in the table Broad Oak B. This could be the opening they crave to throw their hat into the promotion ring. Only the leaders have punctured the Pip Hill team's winning home record and they will be keen to preserve that as they line up for the promotion race.

Netherton Con B continue to lead the way but only have a one-point lead over the Broad Oak B team and this week they travel to play a Holmfirth B side that have won 4 of their last 6 fixtures, their best run of the season. However, it is unlikely that they will be able to repeat the 9-0 win they had over the Holmfirth team when they met earlier in the season. New Mill B have to go to play Kirkheaton C&BC B who have lost half of their eight home matches this season which is an identical record of their away results as well.