CAMPION head into the Christmas period in buoyant mood, two points clear at the top of the Northern Counties East League Division One ahead of tomorrow's clash at home to Glasshoughton Welfare.

In what is their third season on the non-league pyramid since stepping up from the West Riding County Amateur League, they sit top of the pile two points clear of Grimsby Borough.

Club secretary David Keegan expressed his delight at the club's progress under manager James Bicknell.

He said: “If someone had told us at the start of the season we would be in this position we would have snapped their hands off.

"I’d like us to be at the top of the league in May, but we are definitely happy with where we are.”

Keegan is particularly pleased considering several injuries sustained over the season.

He said: “We’ve had a bad run of injuries with some of our strikers.

"Daniel Facey, a 20-30 goal a season striker, ruptured his Achilles in his first pre-season game. Calum Ward has been out for over six weeks with a broken hand.

"Jason Davis has been out since late September with an ankle injury and a couple of others have been out injured as well - all of whom are strikers.”

Keegan praised the squad as he said how the goal scoring has come from all over the pitch for them, which has been a key factor for the team’s success.

He added: “There are no easy games in this league - top of the table is all you can ask for from the team isn’t it?

"Coming into the Christmas period it’s going to be tough but we just need to keep battling away and getting the points in the bag.”

Elsewhere, tomorrow sees a derby six-pointer as Thackley and Liversedge go head-to-head level on points sitting just outside the drop-zone of the NCEL Premier Division.

Albion Sports, who sit in 16th directly between Thackley and Liversedge, face an away trip to Garforth Town.

A win could take Albion above Garforth and up to 13th place if other results go their way.

Mid-table Eccleshill United host Bridlington Town and will be looking to continue their fine form having not lost since October.

In the Hallmark Security League Division One, Steeton face Garstang at Cougar Park, whom they have an eight-point advantage over.