CROFT can take over top spot in the Premier Division when the Warrington and District League season resumes from its festive break on Saturday, January 7.

A draw at seventh-placed Cronton Villa would take them above leaders Thatto Heath, who have played a game more and are not scheduled to be in action again until a week later.

Croft may need a win to move into pole position though due to Vulcan being hot on their heels in third.

Vulcan, defeated 3-1 at home by Croft in their last outing before Christmas, are two games and one point behind the second-placed side ahead of their trip to eighth-placed Haydock.

Monks Sports are leading the push for Warrington teams in Division One at the halfway stage.

They are currently third, four points adrift of Rainhill Town Thirds and a further three points behind leaders New Street Reserves having played a game more than both of them.

A home date with struggling Sidac Social Reserves, who have won only twice, on January 7 could be seen as an opportunity to extend a run of eight wins from their last nine outings.

Hatton Albion will seek to continue the chase of top team Halewood Apollo in Division Two.

After 13 games played, Albion, who delivered a 6-2 win against Haydock Reserves the week before Christmas, are five points behind in second spot as they set their eyes on resumption at cellar dwellers Earlestown FC on January 7.

Apollo will be aiming to cement their advantage though when they host second-from-bottom Haydock.

The Village, currently fifth, will harbour hopes of having a say in things in 2017.

They currently have one game and six points to catch up on Hatton and face a tough challenge in third-placed Parklands next up.

Orford Reserves could take sole charge of Division Three when the season gets back underway.

They are second, level on points with leaders Rainhill Town Fourth with a game in hand prior to their home clash with struggling Halton Borough Reserves.

Burtonwood Albion are runaway leaders in Division Four at the halfway point.

They remain unbeaten after 15 games and sit 17 points clear of nearest rivals Parklands Reserves in the lead-up to their next outing on January 14.