Early meeting of Grove and Western

ABERDEEN ASSET MANAGEMENT NATIONAL LEAGUE –
WOMEN

It may be early doors in the destiny of this year`s
Aberdeen Asset Management national league title, and there is still
a lot water to under the bridge, but this Sunday`s clash between
the giants Grove Menzieshill and Milne Craig Western on Tayside has
huge significance.

Last season`s championship was a straight contest between the
two great rivals, Grove had the better of the early part of the
season, and were then forced to hang on for the honours by a single
point.   That trend was reflected in the games between
the clubs, Grove strolled to a 4-1 win in the opening fixture, but
the return belonged 2-1 to the Glasgow outfit.

Although Edinburgh University, Dundee Wanderers and Giffnock may
be hoping to make an impact this season, at the moment Grove and
Western are favourites to contest the championship.  
Also there is no form guide, both Grove and Western won their
opening games with ease.

“The games last season were close, I expect it to be no
different on Sunday.  It`s early on in the season and the
international players are just back, so we`re expecting a tough
match,”  said Ailsa Wyllie, Grove`s captain.

There is no doubt that the Taysiders have plenty of players
capable of finding the net, Wyllie herself along with Ali Bell,
Linda Clement and Louise Carroll from the set piece.  
And Wyllie confirmed that Grove have a full squad on duty for the
visit of West coast visitors.

Western had been in the doldrums over the last few seasons, 2006
was the last time the title came to Titwood,  that is until
Neil Menzies succeeded in bringing in a host of young players and
created a win ethic in his squad.   Several youngsters
are in, or close to, the international scene – the likes of Fiona
Bruce, Ali Howie, Nicola Skrastin, Susan McGilveray, and keeper Amy
Gibson.       They have fitted in
well alongside seasoned internationals Catriona Ralph, Morag
McLellan and striker Holly Cram.

Last season`s 15 game winning sequence was proof of the
renaissance at Titwood, Menzies` task now is to convert that
success into a title winning outfit.

Both contestants have previous engagements on Saturday, Grove
have a potentially tricky assignment at Giffnock, while Western
should have little trouble against newcomers
Inverleith.  

Dundee Wanderers will also want to make an impact after a
disappointing show last season.   Certainly the return of
Vikki Bunce should provide some impetus to the
midfield.   Back to back wins over Grange and Wildcats
should preserve Wanderers` perfect record and keep the pressure on
the big two.

Sam Judge`s Edinburgh University also have aspirations for this
season, and should win at the Wildcats` den at Auchenhowie on
Saturday.   The final clash between CALA Edinburgh and
Glynhill Kelburne could be a close affair, although both lost
heavily last weekend.   Honours were even last season,
the Paisley side won the opener 4-1 at Bellahouston, but then lost
the return 2-1 in the Capital.

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