Our third and final look at the County Women’s Leagues during the festive break in play begins in Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire, finishing in Wiltshire.
Midwest Counties – TDMS are in first place with a four-point lead over Cookley Sports, while both Hereford FC Women and Hereford Lads Club Ladies are playing catch up.
North Riding – Three defeats for top side Guisborough have given hope to the chasing pack of Poppleton, South Park Rangers and Redcar Athletic.
Norfolk – Thorpe United are firm favourites for the Division 1 title with a solid lead over both Aylsham and Sprowston. Division 2 is a closer affair, with Taverham United just a point ahead of Fakenham Town.
Northamptonshire – Moulton are having a storming season and lead by ten points, leaving a lot to do for the likes of Peterborough United Reserves, Deanshanger Athletic and Roade.
Northumberland – Blyth Town look likely to be champions with only two points dropped so far and their nearest challengers – Wallsend BC Reserves and West Allotment Celtic – having lost three apiece.
Nottinghamshire – The thirteen-strong table sees unbeaten Arnold Eagles Maroon flying high but Notts County Development are just a point behind.
Sheffield & Hallamshire – Doncaster Rovers Foundation are as many as a dozen points ahead of the rest, leaving sides such as Harworth Colliery, Dronfield Town and AFC Doncaster in their wake. Oughtibridge WM Development’s lead in Division 2 is somewhat narrower and they are being pursued by Dearne & District, Millmoor Reserves and Sheffield Wednesday Development.
Somerset – It is looking like a two-horse race between Frome Town and Purnell Sports, the former still unbeaten and top by three points. Purnell Reserves are also chasing honours in the 9-aside second division but Hutton hold a six-point lead.
South East Counties – Herne Bay hold the top spot in Division 1 East ahead of Maidstone United but it’s third-placed Tonbridge Angels who are in the best position with games in hand. Hassocks are well set in 1 West with an eight-point lead, Sittingbourne are only top of Kent Division 1 by goal-difference over Thanet United. Sheppey United are going well at the top of Kent 2 East, while Anchorians Development have a perfect record in 2 West.
Staffordshire – Shenstone are on maximum points after eleven games, giving them a three-point lead over Stafford Town, who have a similar advantage over St Johns.
Suffolk – East Bergholt United enjoy an eight-point cushion over second-placed Needham Market, with Brantham Athletic, Alresford Colne Rangers and Walsham Le Willows making up the chasing pack.
Sussex – It’s tight at the top with not only Barnham Trojans, Lancing and AFC Littlehampton all on 24 points but Montpelier Villa and Pagham are both within striking distance.
Thames Valley Counties – Caversham may be top for now but with at least three games in hand each, Tilehurst Panthers, Abbey Rangers, Carterton and Banbury United could all contest the leadership. North Leigh United lead the 2 North title race from City Belles, Milton United’s position at the top of 2 South lacks security with Abingdon Town boasting a 100% record, Abbey Rangers Reserves and Woking are clear of the rest in 2 East but Ascot United Reserves, Hawley and Holyport all have the opportunity to do some catching up.
West Riding – Hepworth United hold the Premier leadership from Yorkshire Amateur, Ripon City top Division 1 ahead of Lower Hopton but Thackley are better placed for a challenge. In the Second, Ossett United Reserves and Leeds United Development are level on points but with Farsley Celtic Juniors well placed to overtake both of them.
Wiltshire – Melksham Town lead with nine wins from ten and Salisbury are eleven points behind but with four games in hand and only two points dropped.
