Stump have always been one of the league's leading sides but for a "blip" a few years ago - your correspondent well remembers the Rams winning 10-1 at Shroggs Park with Billy Grogan and Nicholas Tankard amongst the goals. Stump have started well, winning both their opening games against Elland Utd and Greetland AFC and, more than likely, they will be in the mix at the end of the season.

With Danny Rushworth and Chris Dunne making their first appearances of the season last Friday, the midfield was much improved, as was the whole team, compared with the opening day defeat against Copley Utd. Danny King had a spell as sweeper a couple of seasons ago when too many goals were being conceded and last week he slotted in well alongside Matthew Rushworth although central defence is not his natural position and his talents are much more suited to a midfield role. However, there looks to be no obvious replacement and he may have to continue there, particularly as there is plenty of competition for midfield places.