Kelburne and Grove are favourites for the cup

ARTHUR McKAY SCOTTISH CUP FINALS – PEFFERMILL 
–  SATURDAY 14 APRIL 2012

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GLYNHILL KELBURNE V GRANGE

The two best teams in the land, Glynhill Kelburne,
champions for the eighth consecutive time, and Grange who finished
in the runners-up spot for the second year in a row, come together
for this season`s showdown, the final of the Arthur McKay Scottish
Cup final.

The Paisley outfit start favourites, but Grange are the only
side to have taken points from Kelburne this season in a 3-1 win at
Bellahouston a couple of weeks ago.   There was no doubt
that the Edinburgh side were up for it that day and gave Kelburne a
real run-around with two goals from Cammie Fraser and one from Rob
Barr from the spot.

“We controlled the game and dictated much of the play in our
league win, but accept that Kelburne had half an eye on the
semi-final the next day and their European tournament the following
week,”  said Barr, Grange`s captain.

But Barr does accept that beating Kelburne for the second time
this season could be a tall order.  “There`s no doubt they
will fight for everything, and the main dangers for us are Michael
and Jonny Christie who are at times impossible to play
against.  But we have Gary Cameron and Cammie Fraser who are
equally dangerous and will cause Kelburne problems.”

Barr is confident about the quality of his charges.  
“Our squad has come together well this season and everybody
contributes to the team.  This is something that has been
crucial in the final weeks of the season, and will be even more
important when we play in Europe at the end of May.”

Apart from the Grange lapse, Kelburne have been awesome this
season and were perhaps unlucky not to win the final of the
European Club Champions Trophy against Lille last weekend.

The Paisley outfit have a couple of scores to settle on
Saturday, as explained by Harry Coles, Kelburne`s
manager.   “I think it would be fair to say that all the
guys are looking forward to the final and the opportunity to
`balance the books` following the recent reversal to
Grange.   Also, I know they want to put right the
disappointment of last year`s final when we felt very unlucky to
lose out to Western in a tight match.”

After a gruelling four match schedule in Lille last weekend, it
is hardly surprising that Coles is quoting several undisclosed
injury concerns, but whatever the final line-up, the Paisley side
are still a daunting prospect.   In particular the
goal-scoring form of international striker Alan Forsyth, he scored
six goals from both open play and set pieces against quality
opposition in Lille.

But Coles was the first to concede that the final could be a
touch, competitive confrontation.   “Grange are now a
good, all-round side who play to their strengths, they have shown
that they can score from various areas of the pitch as has been
seen in the last few weeks.”

WOMEN  

VWS DUNDEE WANDERERS V GROVE MENZIESHILL

There is a feeling down Tayside way that the underdog VWS Dundee
Wanderers may just have a sniff at an upset against favourites
Grove Menzieshill in the final of the Arthur McKay Scottish Cup at
Peffermill on Saturday.

“We have come close to beating Grove the last few time we have
met, but still haven`t quite managed it yet.  An occasion like
the cup final may be just what we need to take that final step,”
said Carmin Dow, Wanderers` international goalkeeper.

In the last year Grove have by and large held the upper hand, in
the league the first meeting ended in a 2-2 draw, but in the return
fixture Grove held the upper hand with a 4-1 triumph, the goals
coming from Ailsa Wyllie (2), Ali Bell and Louise Campbell. 
This is a repeat of last year`s final, on that occasion Grove won
2-0, Nikki Kidd opened from a penalty corner and Louise Carroll
sealed the victory from the spot.

“The girls are excited about the final, it`s been a strange
season for us, not going exactly to plan, so winning the cup became
our objective half-way through the season,” said Dow.

Wanderers were second in the table last season, but now are a
more lowly fifth with a rather inconsistent set of
results.   Although the pressure may consequently be off
Wanderers on the day, Dow is quick to recognise the assets of the
Grove outfit.   “Grove`s strength is the experience they
have in their team, they have a lot of committed internationalist,
and so we really need to make sure we pull together as a team in
order to overcome that.”

If the Wanderers` management believe that they will catch Grove
suffering a European hangover from last weekend, Ailsa Wyllie,
Grove`s captain, poured cold water on the very idea.  
“As a team we are used to having a busy playing schedule, and if
anything Europe will have helped us to prepare.”

Grove finished strongly in the European Club Champions Trophy in
Belfast over Easter, after losing badly to Ukrainian side
Sumchanka, Wyllie`s charges thumped Italian side Libertas San Saba
5-1 and then La Gantoise 2-0 to finish a creditable
fifth.  

But Wyllie is certainly taking nothing for granted. 
“Wanderers have some key players who are always a threat, however
we will be focusing on our game to ensure we play well.”

Despite Dow`s optimism,  Grove are clear favourites to
repeat the league and cup double of last season.

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