Kelburne`s bandwagon rolls on

ABERDEEN ASSET MANAGEMENT NATIONAL LEAGUE  –  MEN

There is an ominous sense of inevitability about Glynhill
Kelburne`s ninth consecutive championship, despite the fact that
the Aberdeen Asset Management national league programme is barely
at the half-way stage.   The Paisley outfit have a
perfect record so far, they are in pole position in the table on
goal difference from Grange with a game less played, and they have
won every game this season with considerable
conviction.   Meanwhile, challengers Grange, Inverleith,
Western Wildcats, and this season Grove Menzieshill, have all aided
the Kelburne cause by dropping points.

It is difficult to see Hillhead putting the breaks on the
Kelburne bandwagon this Saturday given the Glasgow outfit are in
the lower section of the league with only two victories and a draw
to their credit.

However, Harry Coles, Kelburne`s manager, is his usual cautious
self for the occasion.  “I think it`s all about approaching
the game with the correct attitude, starting the match with a good
tempo and applying pressure right from the first
whistle.    Over the past few seasons the games
against Hillhead have tended to be fairly feisty affairs, and we
would expect it to be no different on this occasion.”

The manner in which the Paisley side devoured the Wildcats last
weekend was clear evidence of Kelburne`s continued dominance in the
competition.   “We started the game against Western
pretty slowly but really stepped it up in the second period,
overall we were pretty satisfied with the performance, scoring five
goals and just as importantly keeping a clean sheet,” said
Coles.    (13.30 at Bellahouston)

At this stage Grange look the most likely challenger to the
Kelburne hegemony and the Edinburgh side should continue applying
the pressure with a home win over second bottom
Watsonians.   The proof of Grange`s credentials will come
the following weekend with the head to head against the league
leaders at Bellahouston.

Grange coach Colin Clarke said: “I`m please how the season has
gone, we have an extremely young squad, although it was frustrating
to lose to Western as we played beneath our normal level – but we
will learn from this and the focus is to secure the three points
this weekend.”

It would be quite a shock if Watsonians were to upset Clarke`s
optimism, especially as Grange could have Andrew Brodgon back on
duty after being out through injury since March.  
(Peffermill at 13.15)

Inverleith, six points behind Kelburne but with the champions
still to play, have Edinburgh University as their opponents on
Saturday.   Coach Stevie McCurry remarked that last
season the contests were tight between the sides, the first game
finished in a 2-2 draw while Inverleith won the return 3-1.

But Inverleith are running on the back of impressive 5-1
victories over both Wildcats and Watsonians in the last two
weeks.   “These performances have been very encouraging
both offensively and defensively.  As well as scoring ten
goals, we have defended very well with Chris Duncan and Adam
McKenzie performing well in the centre of our defence and keeper
Dave Forrester making some vital saves at key points in both
games.”

The only doubt for McCurry is German Fabian Wolski with an ankle
injury, while Andrew Johnston may return after missing the
Watsonians game due to work commitments.  (Peffermill at
15.00)

Grove Menzieshill, under the coaching aegis of Chris Anderson,
have set out their stall.   “A top five finish is very
important, but as a team we want more, we want to push for a
European spot.   This will not be simple to achieve and
will take a lot of hard work.”

This Saturday`s fixture against PSL Clydesdale will certainly
not be an easy assignment for Anderson`s charges, last season the
Taysiders lost the equivalent fixture 2-1, and in addition the
Titwood side are also looking for a top five
spot.    There is considerable talent in this
season`s Menzieshill squad and they have put together some
impressive results in beating Wildcats (5-0) and Inverleith (7-3),
but seeing off Clydesdale on their own patch would confirm their
present third spot in the table.   Their only injury for
the visit to Glasgow is Craig Falconer.

Clydesdale, on the other hand, remain an enigma, capable of
penetrating attacking hockey, but sixth place in the league will be
a disappointment to coach John McKnight.     A
repeat of last season`s win at home could be just the tonic for a
Titwood renaissance.   (Titwood at 14.30)

Western Wildcats are another side plagued by inconsistency,
their season so far has been beset by five goal victories or five
goal defeats, much to the frustration of coach Vishal
Marwaha.   But with free-scoring Scott McCartney in the
ranks anything can happen, and the Wildcats should return to
winning form against bottom side AAM Gordonians.  
(Auchenhowie at 14.30)

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