GUISELEY Vixens are facing what could be a season-defining month ahead as they step up their bid to return to the Northern Division of the FA Women's Premier League.

They return to action after the holiday break with a trip to Blackpool Wren Rovers tomorrow.

Vixens are currently unbeaten at the top of Division One of the Northern Section but still level on points with Chorley. Following the Blackpool game they have trips to Mossley Hill and a County Cup tie at Leeds before a crucial clash at home to Chorley at the end of the month.

At present the Wharfedale side do have two games in hand but the pressure is on to just keep winning. Thankfully, they went through the same in their last campaign, so they will be hoping that experience will stand them in good stead.

There is a different challenge for third-bottom Brighouse Town as they look to shake off any relegation worries. They travel into Nottinghamshire to face Long Eaton United in the second round of the FA Women's Cup.

Long Eaton occupy a mid-table position in the Midland section of Division One and this promises to be a tough test for newly-promoted Town.

Bradford City do not return to action until January 15 in the FA Women's Premier League Northern Division, when they head to Newcastle.

City reserves, already behind on their fixtures, have another blank week while Brighouse Town entertain Fylde and bottom club Guiseley face an arduous trip to Middlesbrough.

There is a big game tomorrow for West Riding County League Division One strugglers Tyersal, who take on well-placed Premier Division side Brighouse Athletic in a delayed County Cup tie for the right to face Farsley Celtic on January 22.

Bradford Park Avenue, facing the threat of relegation in the Premier Division, return from the holiday break with a huge challenge as they attempt to get something from title-chasing Hepworth United at Westwood Park.

In the same division, bottom club Battyeford Belles have a chance to leapfrog third-bottom Avenue and Ossett Town if they can get a win at mid-table Silsden.