Brampton boss Wayne Ambler saluted his players for seeing in the new year on top of the Cambs League.

The local side, who have never finished better than seventh at Kershaw Premier Division level, climbed to the summit thanks to a 2-0 success against Sawston United last Saturday.

Goals from Danny Cain and Matt Gearing earned a thirrd successive victory which left Ambler’s men a point clear of Great Shelford and West Wratting, but those sides are armed with two and four matches in hand respectively.

“The lads have been brilliant this season - both in terms of performances and commitment,” said Ambler. “They’ve got their reward by going top.

“West Wratting and Great Shelford have the games in hand to get past us, but they will need to get results in them.

“We’ve got 12 games left and all we can do is try to pick up results and keep the pressure on.”

Brampton face a big derby date at fourth-placed Eaton Socon this Saturday. They also entertain Great Shelford later in January.

“They are two big games that we need to win if we’re serious about challenging for the title,” added Ambler. “The other top teams have to play each other as well so there will be plenty of points dropped between now and the end of the season.”

Hemingfords United saw their final outing of 2017 at Cherry Hinton postponed. They kick off 2018 this Saturday by entertaining Sawston United.

A host of local teams go into the new year harbouring title hopes in the Cambs League.

Huntingdon United sit second in Kershaw Senior B Division as they chase a second successive promotion, while Alconbury, AFC Barley Mow and Eaton Socon Reserves are all battling for the Division 1B crown.

Brampton Reserves and Ramsey Pavilion are both well placed in Division 2B while Huntingdon United Reserves are going strong in Division 4B. St Ives Rangers look set to lay down a strong challenge for Division 5B honours in their debut season.