HALF SEASON REVIEW
DECEMBER 21ST, 2025
Half-Season League Review
As the campaign reaches its midpoint, both the Premier Division and Division One have already delivered clear narratives at the top, intense battles in the middle, and early warning signs at the foot of each table. With fixtures beginning to come thick and fast, the second half of the season promises decisive moments across both divisions.
Premier Division Review
Title Contenders Setting the Pace
At the summit, Alton FC have been the benchmark side so far. Unbeaten after eight matches (7W, 1D), their total of 22 points and a goal difference of +17 underlines a balanced side capable of controlling games at both ends of the pitch. Their consistency has been key, with multiple players contributing goals — highlighted by Lewis Dawson, Mandi Hassan and David McNair all featuring prominently among the league’s scorers.
Closest challengers Oldfields FC remain unbeaten themselves, boasting the division’s most potent attack with a +21 goal difference from just seven games. While they trail Alton by five points, games in hand mean they are very much in the title conversation, provided defensive concentration is maintained.
The Chasing Pack
Behind the top two, the table tightens considerably. Tuns FC sit third, though their record (4W, 2D, 5L) suggests a side capable of big performances but still searching for consistency. Despite this, they remain a threat thanks to standout striker Yevhenii Roik, currently leading the league’s scoring charts and keeping Tuns competitive in most fixtures.
Marchington FC, with four wins from five matches, arguably represent the division’s dark horses. A strong goal difference and efficient points-per-game ratio hint that they could yet disrupt the top two if momentum continues into the new year.
Relegation Battle Taking Shape
At the foot of the table, goal difference paints a concerning picture. Sudbury Park, Charlie Bassetts FC, and Tean Rangers First Team have all struggled defensively, collectively conceding heavily. Tean Rangers’ -22 goal difference is the division’s worst and highlights the scale of the task ahead.
For these sides, the second half of the season is likely to be about damage limitation, finding defensive stability, and turning narrow defeats into valuable points.
Division One Review
Front-Runners and Promotion Hopefuls Bramshall FC continue to lead the way after 12 games, combining strong results with squad depth. Sitting on 26 points with a healthy goal difference, they’ve laid solid foundations, supported by multiple contributors in front of goal including Josh Ellis, Brandon Alkins and Elliot Oxley.
However, Ball Haye Green Development are applying increasing pressure at the top. Their latest 3–1 victory takes them to 24 points from nine matches, leaving them just two points behind Bramshall with three games in hand. With eight wins from nine and an outstanding +26 goal difference, Ball Haye Green boast the division’s most explosive attack and carry significant momentum into the second half of the campaign. The title race is finely poised, with the balance potentially set to shift.
Play-Off and Mid-Table Picture
Cheadle SMU currently occupy third place, showing signs of consistency without quite matching the attacking output of the top two. Meanwhile, Team Rangers Reserves and Leigh United sit in the mid-table zone, where improved defensive solidity could quickly translate into a push up the standings.
Struggles at the Bottom
At the lower end, Stone Town and Sudbury FC have found points hard to come by. Despite this, individual performances stand out — notably Owen Brown of Stone Town, who tops the Division One scoring charts and demonstrates that goals alone are not always enough without collective balance.
Players Making the Difference
Across both divisions, the influence of leading scorers has been unmistakable. Yevhenii Roik (Tuns FC) and Owen Brown (Stone Town FC) currently top their respective charts, while a cluster of players from Alton FC, Bramshall FC, and Ball Haye Green underline the importance of shared attacking responsibility.
Looking Ahead
With half a season still to play, promotion and relegation races remain far from settled. The key themes for the run-in will be:
Whether Alton FC can maintain their unbeaten run under increasing pressure
If Ball Haye Green’s attacking firepower can turn games in hand into a promotion push
Which sides at the bottom can tighten defensively and mount a recovery
The second half promises decisive encounters, shifting momentum, and no shortage of drama — exactly what makes league football at this level so compelling.
