Last weekend of the league format at the Indoor National League Division 1

This is the last weekend of the indoor league format for both men`s and women`s division 1 as the teams jostle for one or other of the groups on the 1,4,5,8 and 2,3,6,7 format for the next stage of the competition.

In the men`s competition Western Wildcats and Inverleith seem to be vying for the top spot – the former lead by three points but the latter, with a game in hand, could easily catch up if they win their three game session against Dundee Wanderers, Clydesdale and finally Watsonians. On the last outing`s form they will believe this is achievable, then Stuart Neave`s charges beat Grove Menzieshill 5-0 and Grange 12-2. So the form is there.

The Edinburgh side are certainly popping in the goals, mainly through Charlie Jack, Keir Robb, Alex Wilson and Sam Hunt, and they will be hoping that goal flow can continue.

Current leaders Western Wildcats are also on the goal prowl with Jamie Golden, Fraser Moran and Rob Harwood chief among several predators. They open against Grange but then have a tricky assignment against a Grove Menzieshill side that lurk only a point adrift.

As always the Taysiders, with such an illustrious indoor history, are in the mix at the top of the table. In fact they are currently in second spot and very much in the hunt. They have won four out of their five games, but came a cropper against Inverleith, going down five goals without reply. There is no doubt that they have enough talent and experience in the side to cause problems for the Wildcats, but will that shine through on Saturday at DISC? The Dundonians start off their day against a Watsonians side that have yet to make an impact.

At the moment Grange occupy fourth place after a promising start with three wins out of four outings, but were then on the wrong end of a 12-2 thumping by Inverleith which brought with it a reality check. On Saturday they line up against Wildcats which could be a challenge, and then Watsonians. They might need to take something from these fixtures to hang on to fourth.

So where might the challenge come from? Dundee Wanderers have had an up and down season so far but are on six points after their five games and seem the most likely side to move up. On Saturday the Taysiders start off against high-flying Inverleith where points might be a challenge, and then take on Uddingston.

Last time out Clydesdale finally picked up their first victory against Watsonians, and on Saturday they have the same programme as Wanderers against Inverleith and Uddingston. The latter fixture could be another source of points. Uddy have struggled to make an impact so far and last time out they went down to Grange, Grove Menzieshill and Western Wildcats, and presently sit on a single point. A win against Clydesdale could lift the gloom – but in any case this could be a tight struggle.

That leaves Watsonians, also on a single point, but they have three games to get off the bottom rungs – that is Grove Menzieshill, Grange and finally Inverleith – points could at a premium here.

Azets Clydesdale Western look on course to finish top of the women`s Division 1, they have a six point lead over Watsonians – the latter have a game in hand however – and Wildcats.  Clydesdale have two games left on Sunday against Hillhead and Inverleith, and given their present form, they will fancy all the points for themselves.

Nobody has really been in touching distance of Clydesdale – they have scored 47 goals in five outings with Jennifer Eadie top scorer and Lucy Williamson, Millie Steiger, Kayleigh Justice, Ciara Forgie, Anna Hoolaghan and others also pitching in from time to time.  But their international players will not now be available for the rest of the indoor season – let`s see what difference that will make.

Watsonians could come to within three points of the league leaders if they can take nine points from their games against Grange, GHK and Hillhead – and that is not beyond Keith Smith`s charges. The Edinburgh side`s goal tally may be slightly reduced this season…they won’t involve their international players… but Emily Dark and Katie Stott in particular have been regular contributors.

Western Wildcats have made a determined move up the table with back-to-back victories over Dundee Wanderers and Inverleith, and also rest on the nine point mark. Alex Stuart in particular has shown some sharpness in front of goal. On Sunday the Cats finish their league programme against GHK and Grange and another six points is not beyond their capability.

Meanwhile, there are three teams sitting on six points in the middle of the table – GHK, Inverleith and Dundee Wanderers – so which side will improve their status? Wanderers look to be in a good position in this department, they play Inverleith followed by Hillhead and will hope to collect some points here. Inverleith face a challenge as their other game takes on high-flying Clydesdale, while GHK have Wildcats and Watsonians to contend with and may find points here difficult to glean.

Grange did finally collect their first victory of the campaign with a 2-1 win over Inverleith; Iona Syme and Hannah Coll on target, but face a challenge to advance further against Watsonians and Wildcats on Sunday.

Finally, Hillhead did well last season but this time have struggled so far and now come up against Wanderers, Clydesdale and Watsonians to try and get off the foot of the table.

 

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