Champagne on ice at Whitehaugh

SUBWAY NATIONAL LEAGUE (MEN)

Glynhill Kelburne could make it official, their eighth
consecutive Subway national league title, if they take full points
from this weekend`s confrontations with CALA and then Edinburgh
University.  

Given that the Paisley side have yet to drop a single point the
whole season and have run up a total of 94 goals in 13 games, it
would be a brave man to bet against the champagne corks popping at
Whitehaugh by Sunday evening.

The ever-cautious Harry Coles, Kelburne`s manager, said: 
“From our point of view it is more about approaching every game
with the correct attitude, you have to go out there and play with
the desired intensity and tempo from the first minute of every
game.

“Edinburgh University in particular have proved a very stuffy
outfit in the past and we fully expect to be made to work hard to
gain the required result and secure the title once
again.”    (Peffermill at 13.15)

But the game of the weekend is undoubtedly the Edinburgh derby
between Grange and Inverleith.   There is not only
Capital pride at stake, but the runners-up spot in the league, the
ticket to Europe next season.

It could barely be closer between the two sides, Grange have a
two point lead, but Inverleith have a game in hand, and that is
this Sunday against Grove Menzieshill on Tayside.

“This weekend is very important, as a squad they have worked
very hard this season and given themselves a chance to finish in
the top three,” said Stevie McCurry, Inverleith`s coach.  “We
beat both Grange and Menzieshill earlier in the season, but we will
be taking nothing for granted this weekend, both are good sides who
have shown good form in the second half of the season.”

It would certainly be a substantial achievement for McCurry if
his charges emerged from the weekend with six points, that would
leave Inverleith firm favourites for that illusive second
spot.  McCurry hopes to have a full squad available for the
double header, but the decision on defender Adam McKenzie, who
broke his finger at the European indoors, will be made nearer the
time.

Grange lost the initial Edinburgh derby 2-1, but captain Rob
Barr is determined to turn the result round this time.  
“The last game was very close and was settled by a couple of
defensive errors from us.   We know we can score goals,
so if we can keep our defensive shape, we can go on and pick up
three vital points.”

But with only four games left, Barr is well aware of the crucial
nature of this encounter.   “We are now in a position
where every game is vital and there is very little room for any
slip-ups. 

Inverleith are a strong team and work very hard all over the
pitch, they will be difficult to break down and can be dangerous on
the break.”

Grange have been dragged back into the melting pot with the loss
of four valuable points in recent 3-3 draws with Menzieshill and
Western Wildcats, so only a win against rivals Inverleith will give
Barr`s men that crucial breathing space.    Barr
will then be hoping that Menzieshill on Tayside will prove too much
of a banana skin for Inverleith the following day.  (Saturday
Peffermill at 13.15 – Sunday Riverside Park at 13.30)
 
Western Wildcats have lost some ground in the race for the second
European spot after being held to draws by Grange and Menzieshill
in their last two outings.  At the moment they are five points
behind Grange with a game in hand and three adrift of Inverleith,
so full points against Greaves Clydesdale at Auchenhowie is
essential.

“I think second is still achievable, however we are relying on
other teams doing us a favour,” said Vishal Marwaha, the Wildcats`
coach.  “I also believe that Clydesdale`s current position is
false, they are a better team than their league position
shows.  We know that the game is going to be tough, but we go
in with confidence.”

Marwaha did admit that the Wildcats` form has been up and down
this season, but nothing in comparison to that of Clydesdale. 
It must be a source of complete frustration to a perfectionist like
coach Gordon Shepherd to watch his talented squad underachieve on
such a regular basis.  Last weekend`s 6-2 defeat at the hands
of AMN Hillhead was a case in point.   But the danger for
Marwaha is that the Titwood-based visitors on Saturday can suddenly
find the sort of form that saw off Inverleith 3-0 in the final game
before the winter break.

Once again, the Wildcats will have to earn the three points
without the services of injured defender Andrew Sewnauth and
striker Ian Moodie who is suspended.  (Auchenhowie at
11.00)

At the other end of the table Hillhead have an excellent to put
some further daylight between them and CALA Edinburgh in the bid to
avoid the relegation play-off spot.   The Glasgow side
entertain bottom side VWS Dundee Wanderers on the back of some good
form since the restart after the winter break, seven points in
three games is a source of satisfaction for coach Keith
Joss.   Hillhead should open up a three point gap given
that CALA are unlikely to get anything from their encounter with
Kelburne, and they still have a game in hand.  Jordanhill
School at 14.25)

Edinburgh University should be safe enough from relegation
problems, but the students have only picked up a single point since
the winter break.   And they have only three games left,
a tricky venture to Dundee to play Menzieshill, the gargantuan task
against Kelburne this weekend and a final confrontation with CALA
in two weeks time.  (Saturday Kilgraston School at 16.00
– Sunday Peffermill at 13.15)

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