Simpson the catalyst

SUBWAY NATIONAL LEAGUE  (WOMEN)

Eight victories in a row is the ominous record Milne
Craig Western take into their crucial clash with second placed
Giffnock at the top of the Subway national league.  After an
indifferent start to the campaign, Western still remain in third
spot, two points behind Giffnock, but last weekend`s 2-1 defeat of
leaders Grove Menzieshill has certainly opened up the title
race.

“We have been heading in the right direction for some time now,
and last weekend`s success against Grove was the result of
improvements made over a long period of time,” said Neil Menzies,
Western`s coach.

Early in the season it was Giffnock who triumphed by 4-3, Rhona
Simpson getting two, Lyn Owen and Jaclyn Fortune scoring the
others.  “We played reasonably well in attack that day, but we
lacked composure in defence and gifted a number of the goals we
conceded.   Since then we have been constantly improving
and I am confident that we can win the game.” remarked
Menzies.  Statistics verify that the loss of goals at the back
have dried up, in their run of eight straight wins Western have
only let in a total of five goals.

But the Simpson threat is a very real one, the former Olympic
striker has not only found the net 13 times already this season,
but she also exerts a powerful influence on every game she
plays.  

“Obviously we have to be aware of the threat Rhona poses,
without her goals Giffnock would not be in the challenging position
they are now,” said Menzies.  “Equally it takes a lot more
than one player to make a team, and we will be looking at all
aspects of their team as we prepare for Saturday.”

Again it looks as if Menzies will have to do without the injured
Ali Howie.

Grove`s first defeat of the season last weekend against Western
has certainly opened a door in the race for this year`s
title.   But Menzies was cautious: “The league is still
Grove`s to lose, they are still in the driving seat.  Our
focus will be on winning our remaining games and being in a
position to benefit from any slip-ups they may make in the
run-in.”

As ever, the Giffnock player/coach Rhona Simpson takes low-key
view of affairs.   “We always go into every game
believing that we can win, but I am also realistic that on paper
Western have more depth and more experienced players. 
However, we have proved in the past that it does not always
guarantee you will win.”  (Titwood at 14.30 hours)

There should be no such slip-ups this week as the Taysiders are
at home to Grange, currently second bottom of the division. 
Last time out Grove won 8-0, four goals came from Linda Clement and
another two by Ailsa Wyllie. 

Elsewhere, Edinburgh University should retain their fourth spot
with a comfortable win over bottom side GHK.  
(Peffermill at 16.00 hours).     Meanwhile,
another relegation-threatened side Western Wildcats will hope to
repeat their previous 2-2 draw with Kelburne to ensure safety in
the top flight.   (Clydebank High School at 15.00
hours).

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