Half-time interval — the story so far

AT the halfway stage of the season, amateur football correspondent JOHN GILDER talks us through the story so far...

In the Premier Division of the Bridgewater Office Supplies Manchester League, form team Springhead are looking like strong title contenders as they prepare for tomorrow's trip to Old Alts.

Third-placed Avro will significantly enhance their title prospects when they entertain leaders Hindsford at the Lancaster Club (2pm).

Royton Town are looking at the wrong end of the table but can ease that situation with the visit of fellow strugglers Stockport Georgians to Glebe Street (2pm).

In Division One, Hollinwood seem to have recovered from a sluggish start and, with victory at

bottom side Wilmslow Albion tomorrow, can significantly enhance their promotion prospects in the second half of the campaign.

No doubt about the team of the season so far - that's Uppermill, who boast a 100-per cent record in Division One of the Huddersfield and District League.

Simon Tait's side entertains Berry Brow, while Diggle, somewhat surprisingly at the foot of the table, will look to take maximum points at Lepton Highlanders.

While still being involved in a number of cup competitions, promotion is the main aim of Division Two team Heyside as they welcome Slaithwaite United to the Royton 3G (2.15pm).

Moorside and 3-D Dynamos are the two local sides in Division Four, with Moorside looking the best bet for promotion.

Lancashire Amateur League Premier Division placings involving Failsworth Dynamos and Chaddertonians could not be more polarised.

Chadds are bottom, while Dynamos are seeking title success at the other end of the table.

In Division Two, the Maroons of Oldham Hulmeians are anything but as they seem set for promotion following a magnificent first half to the campaign which sees them in second place.

AFC Oldham 2005 look like finally realising their potential as they enter the New Year break top of the Premier Division of the Lancashire and Cheshire League.

Integration in terms of multi-culturalism is an oft used word these days and rightly so.

In that sense, the Midas Plumbing Oldham Sunday League continues to do 'their bit', with no fewer than six teams from ethnic minority backgrounds competing.

Jack Abbott Premier Division club Coppice United have strived to form strong links with the wider community and this has involved work with Oldham Athletic

Despite some suggestions to the contrary - and following the resignations of high profile committee

members Val Broadbent and Rodney Clarke earlier this season - I firmly believe that the league is in good hands.

A lot of hard work is going on behind the scenes to keep a good ship afloat and, coupled with the influx of teams from different backgrounds, the league can only thrive in the future.

And, for the majority of those Oldham Sunday League footballers, the new changing facilities at Clayton playing fields will soon be open.

Jack Abbott would be proud.

Let's not forget the many local sides competing in leagues outside the Oldham area.

These sides are based mainly in the Rochdale Sunday League, with a couple in the Tameside Sunday League.

And what with the myriad junior teams in leagues across Greater Manchester, there is tons to look forward to in 2013 as amateur football in Oldham continues to be a hotbed in the North-West.

For now, a happy New Year to you all.