Five weeks on, and the potential winners and losers are finally beginning to become clear.

In division one, Stafford have joined Newcastle as observers, with just Holmes Chapel and Cheddleton left to contest the title. Indeed unless Cheddleton beat Newcastle and Holmes Chapel lose at Stafford, the title will be going into Cheshire.

In the second division Newcastle C had a good February. Three points from two games isn't outstanding, but with rivals Cheddleton C, losing twice, Macclesfield picking up four points in four games and the Crewe charge slowing to less than a point a match, Newcastle's points on the board give them a small edge. At the other end of the table, Newcastle's B team lost twice and are very much in contention for last place.

In the third two teams are now adrift, Newcastle D joining Kidsgrove by losing all three games played since my last report. The other 6 teams will still all have designs on the title. Could well end up needing to split a tie here.

Fenton could still top and tail division four. The latter looks near certain, with their C team losing against their main rivals Newcastle C, who have sprung belatedly to life. At the top Alsager B look like taking Fenton B all the way, with Crewe and Cheddleton still close enough to nip through should both the leaders falter.

In division five Fenton D and Cheddleton G approached this period unbeaten. They have now both lost, but games in hand still make Fenton favourites over current leaders Cheddleton.