A MONTH on since most teams kicked a ball competitively, Kendal County and Kendal Town Reserves play within a stone's throw of each other tomorrow (Saturday) in home matches that could have a direct bearing on the title picture in the Talbot Insurance Westmorland League.

Leaders County entertain fifth-placed Coniston (2pm kick-off), who upset Town Reserves in their last fixture before Christmas to give them a third league win in a row.

This represents a solid test of County's abilities on the Netherfield CC pitch after comfortable wins over Ibis and Carleton Rovers.

Meanwhile, Town have something to prove in a tricky encounter with Appleby across the road at Netherfield FC's Parkside stadium.

Town have dropped off the pace set by the top two, County and Wetheriggs United, and know only a win will give them an outside-chance of featuring in the championship endgame.

Reigning champions Wetheriggs United entertain Windermere.

n The High Sheriff's Cup, the league knock-out for first division teams, is coming up.

The first-round draw (ties to be played on January 22 unless stated) is: Coniston v Windermere; Kendal County v Carmeton Rovers; Sedbergh Wanderers v Ambleside United; Wetheriggs United v Staveley United; Ibis v Penrith Rangers (January 15).

n All of the Westmorland League fixtures last Saturday were called off because of unfit grounds following the stormy gales.

n The Westmorland League has now updated the Division Two table to reflect the withdrawal of Victoria SC from the league