League action returns after the winter break and Cookstown begin the second half of the campaign at home to bottom side Kilkeel - who are yet to record anything but defeat.

It's tight at the top, with the Reds currently a solitary point ahead of second-placed Banbridge - who, coincidentally, they play in the Anderson Cup semi-finals next week at Shaw's Bridge.

Cookstown can go into the second half of the campaign buoyant after some powerful goal-scoring performances in both the Anderson Cup and Irish Senior Cup during the league break.

The Town also had five of the squad on top form for Ulster in the recent Interprovincials, while Irish international Andrew Barbour has just returned from New Zealand where he helped the Irish boys to within a whisper of qualification for the Shanghai Olympics.

It all points to a bright and exciting few months ahead, but the question remains - can they maintain form and composure for seven more games and lift the league crown for the first time since 1983?

Meanwhile, Cookstown Hockey Club have two important semi-finals coming up in the coming weeks, with both the First and Second XI looking towards some cup glory.

The Firsts face a tricky looking test in the Anderson Cup semi-final when they take on a powerful Banbridge side on 2 March.

Cookstown cruised through the group stages, scoring an average of more than five goals per game, as they look to add some more silverware to the trophy cabinet.

The day before that Anderson Cup semi, the Second XI will play their biggest game of the season to date, when they take on either Annadale or Armagh in the semi final of the Irish Junior Cup.

The men have had a remarkable run in the competition, disposing of some strong sides along the way; and the Red Army faithful will be cheering them on as they look to keep the dream alive.