The League have a break until Saturday, January 10 when a full league programme will be played.

With half the league matches completed a clearer picture has emerged as to promotion and relegation.

In the Premier Steels Social are the clear leaders and look probable champions, but second placed Ferryhill Greyhound cannot be written off as they are just waiting for Steels to make a slip. Relegation is more difficult, Usworth look doomed, but which other two clubs will accompany them? Any two from five could go, Norton Stockton, Lord Seaham, Darlington Croft, Owton Manor or Penshaw.

In division one relegation is a different prospect as the Masons Arms and Wallsend RAOB both resigned from the league after the season had started. It now means there is only one team to be relegate. At the present moment it looks like being decided among the three bottom clubs, Sunderland Catholic, Wallsend Rising Sun and Hartlepool Catholic, but a successful winning run can alter that. Promotion is more clear cut. The two leaders, Consett and Wardley Green, look near certainties, but the third place is still very open. Grindon Broadway have an excellent chance, but any slip up could let Barnard Castle, Newton Aycliffe, Touchdown Hotel and Moor House in.

Division two is much more complex as only five points separate the top six. Relegation cannot be forecast. Darlington Railway have a very difficult task but as there are three candidates at least six more clubs are involved and once again it looks like it will not be settled until the last game has been played.

Division Three is just as complex. Houghton Swifts are the leaders, Hed-Deneside in second place have games in hand, West Cornforth are also a force to be reckoned with now that they have found their true form. They lost their first opening games and since then have only lost one so they are dangerous opponents. British Telecom are back in form and cannot be written off. They have a very good scoring record being one of the top three high scoring clubs.

If Crook Town could maintain their true form they could also be one of the challengers. Relegation looks certain for the Dagmar FC, but which two other clubs will accompany them?

Hartlepool RNC with a goal difference of five look in a false position and should soon win clear. The Toll Bar had a disastrous period and fell away badly, but now look to be improving. The relegation places look like being decided on the last say of the season.

Division four looks much more simple for promotion. Mooneys Marauders (Peterlee) look probable champions. Thornley Celtic have an excellent chance as they have only lost one league game. Pennywell Comrades are another good side, Steels FC are an in and out side who at times look world beaters and then can turn in a dismal performance every so often. Darsley Park cannot be written off but still do unpredictable things. Grindon Veterans are topsy-turvy winning unexpectedly and losing when expected to romp home easily. However, there is one side, a newcomer to the league who recently have had a successful winning run and appear to have assembled a workmanlike side. They could be the dark horse for promotion but although looking good in division four recently, have their limitations proved by their 6-2 cup defeat by division one side Grindon Broadway. The team is the Hartlepool Warrior who if they do not get promotion this season must be odds on favourites for next season.