Relegation battles in this weekend’s Premiership action

The main focus at the lower pool of the Premiership leagues is relegation…or rather the avoidance of it – that is the automatic drop to the second tier for the bottom side and a play-off for the team in eleventh spot. And Fjordhus Reivers with only a single point in the women`s and Dunfermline Carnegie in the men`s with two are edging closer to the point of no return.

Reivers have the chance to take the first steps to safety as they entertain a Hillhead side that are only two points ahead of them – so the three points are crucial here. It was the Glasgow side that won the earlier contest 3-1. A similar result would be curtains for the Borderers. In contrast, a Hillhead win would put them up to six points but that would still leave them five points adrift of Inverleith and Grange.

Carnegie in the men`s league are in a similar position, they are three points behind Inverleith and seven adrift of Dundee Wanderers – so still a lot to do. The Fifers salvaged a 2-2 against Clydesdale last weekend which helped a little but on Saturday they are away to a Wanderers side that have won their last two games. Perhaps not the easiest of assignments.

In the only women`s match last weekend Inverleith eased their relegation concerns with a seven goal victory in the Borders, Rachael Campbell scored a hat-trick, and the Edinburgh side move up to eleven points. On Saturday they have a more difficult assignment at St Andrews University who occupy seventh spot but are only a point ahead.

In the other fixture on the card Grange take on Uddingston, and is possibly a close encounter as the previous match ended in a goalless draw.

In the men`s competition Inverleith are currently situated to be left in the play-off place, lying four points behind tenth placed Wanderers, and they are at home to a Grove Menzieshill side that top this lower league. Inverleith, who are indoor champions but have struggled outdoor this season with only a single win to their credit, may feel they are due a turn of fortune and certainly the three points from the Grove Menzieshill confrontation would relieved some of the pressure.

Finally, there is the Clydesdale v Uddingston clash at Titwood and although neither are totally out of the relegation woods, it might be that pride will be one of the main focuses. Clydesdale`s Kyle Bannerman was the only player on target on the second day of the season to give his side a single goal victory – perhaps it might be as close again.

 

Recent posts:

Back to all news
Back to top