Leeds United Women won 4-0 at mid-table Chorley on Thursday, moving ahead of Wythenshawe to take the top spot in the FA WNL Division One North.
Ellie White looped the ball over the keeper to open the scoring, with Chloe Dixon doubling the lead before the break.
Brittany Sanderson further extended the advantage, and Sian Gibrill-Keating wrapped up the scoring at the death.
While Leeds lead the table with a game in hand, Huddersfield will replace them if they win away to Doncaster at the weekend, while Stockport could go second with a victory at Durham Cestria.
Sunday’s league programme is much reduced due to County Cup and Adobe Women’s FA Cup ties, but it includes a big game for Loughborough and Derby, with Lightning in the Northern Premier relegation zone yet just two points behind the Rams.
Northampton sit next to the bottom of Division One Midlands, with a tough trip to Leafield ahead. Kidderminster are just a point above them and host Sutton Coldfield. Peterborough trail leaders Boldmere by five points but have three games in hand as they welcome Notts County.
Sunday 18 January (2pm)
Northern Premier Division
Loughborough Lightning v Derby County (Holywell Sports Complex)
Stoke City v Halifax (Wellbeing Park)
Division One North
Doncaster Rovers Belles v Huddersfield Town (Retford FC)
Durham Cestria v Stockport County (Shildon AFC)
Division One Midlands
Kidderminster Harriers v Sutton Coldfield Town (Droitwich Spa FC)
Peterborough United v Notts County (Peterborough Sports FC)
Leafield Athletic v Northampton Town (The Amber Arena, 3.30pm)
