When the season began, all the smart money was riding on Cherry Tree Sports for the Premier Division title, particularly after they had attained an influx of talent from the now defunct Melbourne United.

But to date it is Mark Hawkes' Heybridge Social who have set the pace, with Chris Heasman giving them the fire power to add to a proven defence and midfield line up, which is still dominated by veterans Robbie Sach and Steve Cornwell.

Mark James has also made his presence felt after moving from Priory Sports.

Coggeshall Town have played some fine football box to box, without a cutting edge to finish teams off.

Springmill, after a good season last time out, have disappointed to date, and so have Priory Sports.

Perhaps some ageing limbs are feeling the Premiership pace and they have work to do to avoid the drop.

William de Ferrers nearly achieved promotion from Division One last season only to fall at the final hurdle, but with the steadying influence of Pete Monk at the back and averaging a goal a game conceded, they look favourites to go up this time around.

Newly-named and newly-promoted Beaulieu Sports are chasing them all the way.

Little Elms are struggling once more, the only side in the league without a win to date, and Woodham Radars have fallen from the promotion chasing highs of last season.

In Division Two, it is a surprise to see Writtle Reserves well in front as their first team in the division above are struggling, but a fierce foursome are lined up with games in hand to challenge in the new year.

Hatfield Peverel, Greenbourne, Fyfield Lion and new boys Great Baddow are all handily placed.

It is good in this division to see Three Stars recovering from their off the field trials and tribulations.

With Ronnie Locker still donning the boots for Priory Sports Reserves, they are in pole position for the Division Three title, and remain unbeaten.

The disappointment are Old Chelmsfordians Reserves, who most good judges tipped them for further progress this season, but they are rapidly running out of games and have conceded too many goals.

Brian Sawyer's young Highfield Victoria side continue to hold their own but need to score more goals to be a force.

Division Four is being dominated by new sides Galleywood and Boreham. The division though is competitive and Infield are very much in the frame.

In Division Five, new boys Coggeshall Town Reserves and the returning Redstones look to be firm favourites for promotion, but watch out for Partners who with games in hand could be in the shake up.

EEV Mannex have struggled of late but, having recently picked up their first win, will be buoyant for the games to come, although they are still well adrift at the bottom.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.