The League took a weekend off last Saturday which gives an opportunity to reflect on the season so far and look forward to what promises to be an interesting second half of the season.

Last seasons league champions and North Riding Cup winners Thornaby Mandale got off to a flier winning the inaugural Harry Moore Trophy by beating Middlesbrough Post Office 4-2 after extra time.

Since then however, loss of key players has seen Mandale struggle to recapture the form shown last year.

A recent run of good form however has seen them move into second and with striker Andrew Dyson currently occupying top place in the leading scorers table, they will be looking forward to defending their North Riding title with a visit to Staithes Athletic.

Of the sides looking to relieve Mandale of their title, last season's runners up Kings Head FC are looking promising candidates with a strengthened squad looking a difficult team to beat when everyone is available.

With 11 wins from 13 games played, this team could go all the way in the league although an Arthur Reed Memorial Shield semi final draw against St Mary's College together with some choice league fixtures could see January proving to be a decisive month in their quest for slilverware.

Last seasons League Cup Winners Middlesbrough PO are also worthy challengers for the league title starting the season well and keeping their excellent form going to see them regularly occupying top spot in the table.

The club management put their success down to a team effort and not down to individuals but with striker John Symon currently the league's fourth highest scorer in the books, goals will no doubt continue to come Post Offices way, particularly in the North Riding Cup game against South Bank (York) in a week's time.

A great start to the season by Ennis Square SC has seen them keeping the Post Office company at the head of the table. However, four league losses will put the club at a disadvantage during the run in although they do have the distraction of an Arthur Reed semi-final game as well as a visit to Richard Mavericks in the North Riding Cup.

Leading scorers

Andrew Dyson Thornaby Mandale FC 25

Graeme Watson South Park Rangers 23

Antony Gregory South Bank Utd FC 22

John Symon Middlesbrough PO 21

Paul Round Kings Head FC 18

Wayne Gent Ennis Square SC 15

Stephen Lambert Thornaby Mandale FC 14

Richard May Coulby Newham FC 13

Jeff Maloney Woodmans Arms FC 13

Jon Kirk Ennis Square SC 12

TOMORROW'S FIXTURES: British Steel Sports v Thornaby Mandale FC, Coulby Newham FC v PJS FC, Ennis Square SC v Kings Head FC, NS Bulls Head FC v Linx Hemlington, South Bank Utd. V South Park Rangers FC, St Mary's College OB v Stokesley SC, Thornaby Village v North Skelton Village FC, Woodmans Arms v Middlesbrough Post Office.