AFTER the festive break, the big guns resumed their charge for the Beacon Sunday Championship crown as the top five teams all chalked up victories this week.

With just a few games remaining in this season's new look title battle - teams play each other just once - reigning champions Dynamo Dudley remain favourites to retain the top prize and so secure a possible third triumph in four season's.

In their latest outing Dynamo saw off the challenge of lowly Pendeford 5-0, having fired four first half goals. Leon Naylor two, Kyle Carter, Aaron Lloyd and Joe Colley inflicted the damage as Dynamo made it 12 wins in 13 matches.

They and nearest rivals Bushbury Rovers are now locked on the same points and goal difference after the latter hit Springvale Steelers 6-0, with prolific marksman Kyle Matthews bagging another hat-trick, supported by Pat Rafferty (two) and Courtney Allen.

However, Dynamo have two games remaining whereas Bushbury round off their programme at home to Pendeford this weekend. Meanwhile, Dynamo face a tough penultimate test away to fifth place Old Cross Athletic, who have only slipped up twice in 12 games so far this term.

Third place FC Premier rounded off their first championship programme in some style, crushing basement side Wyrley Targaryens 10-3. The former are currently on the same points as the top two.

In this league finale, Alex Cashmore and Kyle Thorp shared the goal limelight for FC Premier with matching trebles, the rout rounded off by Andy Day (two), Elliot Milward and Jack Woolridge.

Pensnett Panthers, who have three matches to play, still remain hopeful of some silverware after running out 4-2 home victors over battling Shere Punjab. Steve Jeavons two, Jay Willis and Ian Burton netted for the Panthers, while Sidhu and Mann replied.

Old Cross, who have still to play Dynamo and Pensnett, could yet have a big say in the title race. This week the former virtually guaranteed themselves a top five finish with a 3-1 success against The Old Bush.

And that was despite Old Cross having two players red-carded in the first half. Old Bush also had a player sent off, as Jordan Anderson's hat-trick secured maximum points for Old Cross, while Luke Cole replied.

The new year will see big changes as regards the fixture format of the league.

This month will see member teams compete for silverware in two new cup competitions, both of which will kick off with matches in two groups of eight, the top four in both going on to contest semi-final knockout games.

Matches in the start-of-season Beacon Championship are close to completion and the top eight will contest the Martyn Chell Cup, with the bottom half eight set to challenge for the Clinton Cup. These matches will be played alongside fixtures remaining in the overall league.

"We used the criteria of the current standings of the league table, together with the remaining games to make an informed decision which will give fair and realistic football for all teams," said assistant league secretary David Clinton.

"The early resolve of the decision means that both (new) competitions can commence in January and avoid any delays in formulating fixtures."

The line-up in the inaugural Martyn Chell Cup is: Dynamo Dudley, Bushbury EMB Rovers, FC Premier, Pensnett Panthers, Old Cross Athletic, Claregate Park Rangers, Whitmore Reans, Codsall Station Clinton Cup: The Old Bush, Black Country Fusion, Sandwell Action, Springvale Steelers, Shere Punjab Jacks, Pendeford, Pensnett Youth, Wyrley Targaryens.

All three cup finals, including the Midlands Lester Charity Cup, will be played at AFC Wulfrunians ground towards the end of April.