AFTER squeezing almost half a season into one month, the Combination is finally reaching its climax with some issues still to be settled.

In the Premier Division Langho, Ewood Amateurs and Darwen Alex are still chasing the title. With Alex having to face the other two no-one can be sure who would come out on top. The Third and Fourth Divisions appear to settled with Oak Tree and undefeated Centurions B favourites to secure their respective divisions.

Whitehall Top Con have finished as deserved Second Division champions. Our poor start and backlog of fixtures proved to be too much of a handicap and whilst we finally managed to string together some impressive results it was too little, too late and our players' efforts visibly flagged during the draw with Crown Berger, our fifth game in 10 days.

Whitehall clinched the title after a goalless draw with ourselves and it was refreshing to meet a team who had just won something possessing the sportsmanship to avoid rubbing your face in it.

We can now look forward to the Eddleston Cup Final where we will face Whitehall. Although happy to reach a final it is disappointing for all concerned that Ewood Park (or even Brockhall) will not be the venue.

In light of the fact that Jack Walker was a Patron of the Combination the staging of all the Finals would be a fitting ongoing testimonial to the support he gave to the league. Tradition is being neglected. Perhaps Burnley would be more accommodating.