The new year brings new challenges for league teams

CHILLA PIZZA PETERLEE AND DISTRICT SUNDAY LEAGUE

With the halfway mark of the season fast approaching for most clubs, the weather has been so kind that at the rate it is going, several may complete their programme by the end of March.

The Premier League sees Dawdon Welfare Park hoping to regain the title from this year’s champions Peterlee Catholic Club.

The Welfare Park have 19 points to date whereas the Catholic Club are only a point behind but have played one game more.

Easington CIU, back in the top flight after their promotion at the end of last season, are in third position, four points behind the leaders.

At the other end of the table are Peterlee Helford United, who are usually challenging for honours are without a point having lost several players in the close season, and with six points each are Seaham Marlborough and Easington Colliery Club Mechanics.

In the First Division, Easington Leather Cap head the table with 19 points from their nine matches played, a point ahead of title favourites Shotton Comrades.

Easington Southside occupy third place, with South Hetton Cricket another side keen on promotion have 13 points, some six points behind the Leather Cap.

At the other end of the table, Horden Legion are still pointless from their 10 games played and are destined for relegation to the Second Division.

In Division Two, Wingate Howden are sitting pretty at the top with 23 points, three in front of second place New Seaham Westlea.

East Durham FC are at the foot of the table without a point having a goal difference of minus 92 from their 11 matches into the season.