Top four battle it out for European qualification at Indoor Gala Day

After winning the National Indoor League Division 1 title on final day of the season, Grove Menzieshill Head Coach Chris Anderson is now targeting European qualification for a second year running at Saturday’s Indoor Gala Day in Perth.

“Our objective is to win in order to qualify for Europe next year. We will be trying hard to do that. We are training as normal and will continue to do so leading up to Europe [play offs]”, said Anderson.

Chris Anderson AAM Coach

His Grove Menzieshill side face their local rivals Dundee Wanderers in the first of the men’s semi-finals at Bell’s Sports Centre and will be confident of progressing to the European qualification match following two wins (8-2 and 4-2) over Wanderers during the regular season.

Anderson will look to the likes of Scottish internationals Ross Stott and Gavin Byers to provide momentum, with the experience of Allan Law and Ross McPherson also important to the side’s chances.

Meanwhile, in the second men’s semi-final, it’s an all capital clash as Inverleith go head-to-head against Grange.

Inverleith - Adam McKenzie

The Stags effectively ended Inverleith’s hopes of reclaiming the Division 1 title from Grove Menzieshill following two draws (2-2 and 3-3) during the season. And they could go one better by beating their Edinburgh rivals to reach the final on Saturday.

Grange M indoor

However, Inverleith Head Coach Stuart Neave knows that if they can overcome Grange then they have a good chance of snatching the European spot in the final.

“We have been preparing for the play offs the same way we prepare for any other match. We have to treat it the same. It is a great opportunity considering the format and if it was the same as last season we would never have this opportunity to be able to compete in Europe”, said Neave.

“Before we get to that stage we have a difficult game against Grange. They are strong and worthy opponents, who we haven’t been able to pick up full points against this season. So we need to concentrate hard on that game before thinking about the next stage.”

With the likes of international players Graham Moodie, Derek Salmond and Adam MacKenzie available to Neave, the Purple Robes will pose a real threat on the day.

Indoor Gala Day at Bell’s Sports Centre, Perth on Saturday 9 February.
An action packed day of indoor hockey is on offer, including play-off semi-finals and finals between the top four sides in the Men’s and Women’s National Indoor League Division 1 to determine Scotland’s European indoor participants next season.

The Indoor Gala Day take place at Bell’s Sports Centre, Perth on Saturday 9 February.

An action packed day of indoor hockey is on offer, including play-off semi-finals and finals between the top four sides in the Men’s and Women’s National Indoor League Division 1 to determine Scotland’s European indoor participants next season, and the U18 Indoor Cup finals.

Please visit the events calendar for more information.

 

 

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