Second spot the target
SUBWAY NATIONAL LEAGUE (MEN)
Unless there is a dramatic slump in form by Subway
national league leaders Glynhill Kelburne, the next three sides
Grange, Western Wildcats and Inverleith will be fighting it out for
second spot and a place in Europe next season. Consequently,
the clash between the Wildcats, currently third, and second placed
Grange at Bellahouston is a crucial contest.
“We know it`s going to be a tough game against Grange, they are
well organised and have a good squad of players,” admitted Vishal
Marwaha, the Wildcats` coach.
Earlier in the season, Grange came out on top by 4-0, the goals
coming from Phil Sully, Rob Barr, Matt Connor and Guy
Murdoch. “Last time Grange played better in the
attacking and defensive areas of the pitch, so we need to minimise
their opportunities and capitalise on any chances we create,” said
Marwaha.
But since then the Wildcats have gone on a seven match unbeaten
run, but will be without the injured Andrew Sewnauth at the back
while Joe Simpson is suspended.
Grange slipped into second spot last weekend, courtesy of a 4-0
win over VWS Dundee Wanderers and a 3-3 draw with Grove
Menzieshill. “Good result against Wanderers, but we
were caught out by Menzieshill, and did well to come back to earn a
point after being 3-1 down,” said Rob Barr, Grange`s captain.
“We know we can play a lot better and with another week`s training
we will be in better shape for the game against Western.”
Barr is under no illusions about the task ahead against
Western. “Our games against Western are always tight and
difficult to call. After losing to us early in the season
Western have been on a great run, so we are expecting a tough
challenge.
“We need greater consistency and perhaps more patience in our
play to break teams down. We also require to work harder on
our defensive shape and be more clinical in front of
goal.”
Martin Johnstone returns to the Grange squad after a long-term
wrist injury, but the Edinburgh side will be missing the
influential Gary Cameron through suspension.
(Bellahouston at 12.00 hours)
Inverleith should maintain their challenge for honours with an
away match against bottom side Dundee Wanderers, a side they beat
5-3 in the first half of the season. But they will have
to do it without the services of set piece expert Adam MacKenzie
who sustained a double fracture to his hand in the final eight
seconds of the game against Lille in the European Indoor Club
Trophy. (Riverside Park at 15.00 hours)
Kelburne`s bandwagon is unlikely to be derailed by Greaves
Clydesdale whose defence is leaking an average of three goals a
game. It was more like an avalanche when the two sides met
earlier in the season, the Paisley side scored 12 times with
hat-tricks for the Christie brothers, Michael and Jonny.
The bid to avoid the relegation play-off spot is developing into
a direct contest between AMN Hillhead and CALA
Edinburgh. The Glasgow did themselves a big favour with
a 3-2 away victory against CALA last weekend, now have another
chance to pick up valuable points at home to Edinburgh
University. The latter lost 4-3 to Clydesdale last
week, but will have Scotland captain Graham Moodie available again
after the finish of the indoor season. (Jordanhill School at
14.25 hours)
CALA travel to Dundee to take on Menzieshill, but their
prospects are not good as the Taysiders have yet to lose on their
own patch.
On Sunday, Menzieshill may not relish their Arthur McKay
Scottish Cup assignment against AAM Gordonians who are top of
division two with only a single reversal all season. (Counteswells
at 14.00 hours).
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