No picnic for Inverleith at Bellahouston

SUBWAY NATIONAL LEAGUE (MEN)

It is the turn of Inverleith to visit the lion`s den at
Bellahouston to take on a Glynhill Kelburne side that have just won
their eighth consecutive Subway national league title, and without
dropping a single point in the process.    If Stevie
McCurry, Inverleith`s coach, believes the Paisley side will now
take their foot off the pedal, the words of manager Harry Coles
will quickly stifle that fleeting thought.

“We will be looking to maintain our winning momentum against
Inverleith this weekend in the run in towards the European Club
Trophy in Lille two weeks from now.   Games against
Inverleith are always keenly contested affairs, we are aware we
have to be on our toes defensively as they pose a number of goal
scoring threats throughout their squad.  In particular, we
will be looking to limit the number of penalty corners we concede,
this is always a factor in Inverleith games,” Coles said.

Given that Kelburne have scored no fewer than 113 goals in their
15 league games so far, the odd goal lost is perhaps hardly a
concern on the domestic front, but it could mean the difference
between success and failure in Europe.  International strikers
Alan Forsyth and Jonny Christie have been the most consistent
scorers for the Buddies this season.  But Kelburne`s goals can
come from so many sources, and of late youngsters Lee Morton and
Ross McIntyre have been on target.

McCurry will probably not want to be reminded of the last
meeting of the clubs earlier in the season, Inverleith were on the
wrong end of a 9-1 reversal, Christie (4), Forsyth (2) along with
Mark Ralph (2) from set pieces and Gareth Hall were the tormentors
that day.  (Bellahouston at 13.30)

Grange could confirm their second spot in the table and a place
in Europe next season if they can take the three points at home to
AMN Hillhead.  In the cup quarter-final last Sunday, the
Edinburgh side won comfortably 5-1, but captain Rob Barr is not
taking anything for granted.

“Last week`s score gives us optimism that we can win again on
Saturday, but we know we still have to go out and work hard for the
three points.   We will be clearly focussed for the game
and if we can get some more consistency and control in our play, we
can hopefully secure second place in the league,” said Barr.

The Grange captain is satisfied overall with this season`s
performance.   “One of our targets for this season was to
retain our position at the top end of the table and qualify for
Europe again.  I understand that it would be the first time
Grange have qualified for Europe two years in succession, so it
would mark a big achievement for the club.”  (Peffermill at
15.15)

Western Wildcats will continue to keep the pressure on Grange
for that second spot by seeing off already relegated VWS Dundee
Wanderers at Auchenhowie, but coach Vishal Marwaha has already
conceded that the European spot is becoming an increasingly forlorn
hope.  (Auchenhowie at 14.00)

The struggle to avoid the drop is still a very live issue, the
relegation play-off spot is a three way contest between CALA
Edinburgh, Hillhead and Edinburgh University.   At the
moment, CALA are three points behind Hillhead and four adrift of
the Edinburgh students, and are on paper play-off
favourites.   That makes Saturday`s confrontation between
Edinburgh and CALA crucial, a win for the students would keep them
in the first division and almost certainly send CALA to a one-off
fixture against either Watsonians or Stepps from division
two.   Alternatively, a CALA victory would make life very
uncomfortable for both Hillhead and Edinburgh University.  A
repeat of the 1-1 draw earlier in the season would also keep the
students in the top flight and give CALA a lifeline. 
(Peffermill at 13.15)

The final fixture is between Greaves Clydesdale and Grove
Menzieshill in a mid-table clash with little more than pride at
stake.  (Titwood at 14.30)

In a midweek fixture Western Wildcats beat AMN Hillhead
3-0.   After a goalless first half Scott McCartney
notched a hat-trick of penalty corner strikes after the break to
keep the three points at Auchenhowie.   The result
confirms the Wildcats in third spot but does little to ease
Hillhead`s relegation concerns.

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