Merry Christmas for top dogs

Winter League

Preview of the Divisions 3 & 4 fixtures scheduled for Monday 18 December

There is only one round of December fixtures in Division 3 and that is this coming Monday. The leaders, Marsh United are almost sure to stay top going into 2024 as their one match is against Rastrick who have lost 3 of their last 4 matches and lost the return match against the Marsh team by 0-8.

And it is equally likely that Hanging Heaton will be occupying the second promotion place at the turn of the year as their sole December fixture is against bottom-of-the-table Primrose Hill Lib.

Milnsbridge B will need to repeat their early season win over Dalton if they are to stay in the promotion race and remain the only threat to the top two. That just leaves a relegation tussle between Thorpe Green B and Paddock I&C to complete Monday's line up. A repeat of the early season 6-2 win for Thorpe Green would put them well out of Paddock's reach.

The top four teams in Division 4 are kept apart in this week's programme with the leaders, New Mill B and Milnsbridge C meeting up with poor recent records as both have only one win in their last four fixtures. When the two teams met on the opening day of the season the New Mill team won 6-2 to start a run of four straight wins but have since faltered and their lead at the top has been pegged back to just 4 points now.

Netherton Con A are unbeaten in their last four matches but have to face a resurgent Lowerhouses B side that have won four on the bounce but still reside in the relegation places. Netherton Con A are one of three times on the same points total of 38 along with Thorpe Green C and Lindley Lib C and all three have realistic aspirations of promotion, if not the title, this season.

Thorpe Green will expect to take full advantage of meeting struggling Springwood B and a repeat of the opening day 8-0 whitewash win over the same opponents is not beyond their capabilities. Lindley Lib C will not want to lose ground but have a more difficult task ahead when facing Kirkheaton C&BC although they did beat them 6-2 on the opening day of the season.