AFTER losing eight teams of Premier Division standard (six folded and two switched leagues) over the previous two seasons, the West Riding County Amateur League were again rocked before the current season got underway

Holmfirth Town, who had gained promotion from Division One last season, folded, and were replaced by Wibsey.

Then, with only a handful of games played, Honley decided to pull out, due to a lack of experienced players.

After a few clubs decided to ditch their reserve teams, the league decided to continue with 14 teams in both the Premier Division and Division One.

Lower Hopton have removed their reserve team from Division One, and newcomers Unita withdrew before Christmas due to a lack of players, leaving 13 clubs in the top flight and 11 in Division One.

While Salts lead the way in the Premier Division, with ten victories and a draw from their 13 games, Golcar United, who are second, are undefeated with eight wins and three draws.

The surprise packages are third-placed Route One Rovers, who, in only their third season in the league, have scored in every game and have also reached the semi-finals of the Wharfedale & District FA Challenge Cup, where they will meet West Yorkshire League Premier Division side Pool.

Steeton, who have their own ambitions to climb to Step Six of the National League System, are handily placed in fourth and will host Salts in the fourth round of the West Riding County FA Challenge Cup on Saturday, January 6.

Last season's champions Lower Hopton have suffered for their success and, after losing only three games last season, are third from bottom after losing their manager and many of their players, who have moved to higher leagues.

In Division One, Ovenden West Riding, who were one of four Premier Division clubs to fold at the end of the 2015-16 season, reformed for the start of this campaign and, after nine games, are top and undefeated.

For the last Saturday of 2017, there are only two scheduled fixtures.

In the Premier Division, Route One Rovers will host Steeton at Esholt (2pm), while in Division One, Ovenden West Riding and Tingley Athletic meet at West Vale.