Intriguing clash between Giffnock and Wanderers

The most eye catching fixture in the Subway National League this
weekend is the meeting of Giffnock and VWS Dundee Wanderers. The
Tayside team have struggled to find the form and consistency of
last term and defeat by Edinburgh University saw them lose further
ground on the top three which must be a cause of great concern to
coach Iain Strachan.

Wanderers have suffered a further blow with the news that
Heather Elder will be out of action for 6-8 weeks with a small
broken bone in her foot.

Meanwhile Giffnock have been very consistent this season only
suffering an opening day defeat to champions Grove Menzieshill.
Since then the only points dropped have been to Kelburne and
Edinburgh University and as always player/coach Rhona Simpson will
carry the main threat for the home team.

Wanderers are arguably under the most pressure as this is a
proverbial “six pointer” – an away win would see them draw level on
points with Giffnock in third place. However a Giffnock win would
open up a significant six point gap and leave Strachan’s side with
a huge uphill task to stage any sort of recovery.
(Hutcheson’s Grammar
School-13.30)      

Edinburgh University entertain Western Wildcats following last
weekend’s great result in Dundee. However player/coach Sam Judge
urged caution “Things are going well at present but I’m not getting
too carried away as there is a long way to go.”

Wildcats are coming off a run of difficult run against the top
three teams in recent weeks  leaving them sitting in seventh
place but will be looking for a change in fortunes as they travel
to the capital.

Judge finished by saying “I watched the Wildcats play Grange and
they looked very organised and will be tough opponents.”
(Peffermill-14.45)

Champions Grove Menzieshill continue “on the road” due to the new
pitch being laid at DISC and this weekend Glynhill Hotel Kelburne
are the hosts. This fixture could provide a test for Grove as
Kelburne have been a very well organised side with a strong
defensive structure despite last week’s four goal defeat. However a
lack of a cutting edge in front of goal has been a problem for the
Paisley team coach Stacy Ramsay.

However goalscoring is not an issue for a Grove side with the
likes of Ailsa Wylie, Ali Bell and Linda Clement regularly on
target for a team leading the scoring charts by a distance. Apart
from being held (2-2) by Dundee neighbours Wanderers, all other
wins have come by at least a three goal margin being the reason
Kelburne’s ability to continue their solid defensive reputation
will hold the key as to whether this will be a test or not.
(Bellahouston-15.00) 

Milne Craig Western are at home to a GHK team finding life
difficult on their return to the top flight and presently sit
second from bottom.

Western are very much at the beginning of a rebuilding process
and it must be pleasing for Neil Menzies that his inexperienced
team continue to try to provide a challenge at the top of the
league. Menzies reflected “We were perhaps fortunate not to concede
goals last week against Kelburne especially in the first half but
when we reverted to a back four we then looked a lot more
solid.”

The many talented young players at his disposal are beginning to
find gain confidence as each week passes with the help of the
experience of captain Catriona Ralph, Holly Cram and veteran Helen
Walker. Recently also Morag McLelland has shown signs of returning
to her best and youngsters Nicola Lowery, Fiona Bruce, Ali Howie
and Nikki Skrastin continue to impress.
(Titwood-14.30)

Finally Grange EL will be looking to take something from their
clash with CALA Edinburgh as they look to move off the bottom of
the table. However the visitors, although mid table, will be keen
to build on the gap between themselves and the teams in relegation
waters.
(Peffermill-16.30)

Meanwhile Thursday evening will see Glynhill Hotel Kelburne face
CALA Edinburgh in the Women’s programme. Both teams are locked on
the seven point mark sitting sixth and seventh respectively.
CALA edged the corresponding fixture last season with a single goal
success courtesy of an Amy Brodie set piece goal.

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