Promotion/relegation down to the wire

Some issues are already settled. After winning the men`s National League by a massive 14 points ESM are promoted to the Premiership for the first time in the club`s history. The Edinburgh side cross over Grove Menzieshill who are relegated from the Premiership after finishing in bottom spot.

ESM women have been relegated after only a year in the top flight, they did manage a win and a draw in their final games but a long way from safety. They will be replaced by another capital club Inverleith who went through their 21 matches in the National League unbeaten.

So to the nervy play-offs.

They always present an intriguing culture clash – the side that finished second bottom of the Premiership are used to a higher tempo of game but also of defeats. In contrast, the side in the runners-up spot in the National League are accustomed to a slower tempo but have a positive win ethic.

The men`s play-off is an all-Tayside affair between Dundee Wanderers and FMGM Monarchs. On their day Wanderers were capable of producing results – they managed to beat Inverleith, Kelburne and Grove Menzieshill – but it was always consistent enough. On these victories much depended on the finishing of Bobby Ralph, Callum Ross and Jack Donaldson.

Monarchs took second place by a single point from Strathclyde University and if they were to triumph on Saturday it would be their first venture into the top flight – a tremendous achievement.

In the women`s National League Grange showed good form last season, they missed out on taking the title in a close title race to Inverleith and had a healthy points advantage ahead of third placed Fjordhus Reivers. In addition Grange were regulars in the top league before, although not in recent years.

They take on a Grove Menzieshill side that won the Premiership ten times between 2001 and 2013, but since these heady days have gradually fallen from grace. This season they finished second bottom with only three victories to their credit and seven points adrift of Gordonians above them.

However the rest of the issues are settled this weekend it’s sure to be a nervy finish to the season.

Saturday 7 May | Peffermill

14:00 | Women’s playoff | Grove Menzieshill v Grange

16:00 | Men’s playoff | Dundee Wanderers v FMGM Monarchs

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