Tough climb for Menzieshill

It is Grove Menzieshill who have hit the ground running
in the opening salvoes of the Subway men`s indoor national league,
but coach Bruce Cuthill is fully aware that this weekend`s three
fixtures against city rivals VWS Dundee Wanderers, co-leaders
Glynhill Kelburne and Grange could really test his
resources.   “It will be difficult to take the nine
points, all teams in this league can take points off each other and
we have to be wary, but in saying that I`m confident we can win the
three games.”

Cuthill was well satisfied with last weekend`s work, a clinical
eleven goal win over Greaves Clydesdale was followed by a narrow
2-1 win over reigning champions Inverleith.   On the
latter game, Cuthill said: “Inverleith are the title holders and it
was satisfying to beat them, although it was not a classic
game.”

Despite the result reversal, Inverleith coach Stuart Neave was
far from downcast.  “Our performance against Menzieshill was
better than the Grange game, it was a fairly even contest where we
did not convert our opportunities.”

Neave should have a more relaxed day, his charges only play two
matches against Western Wildcats and CALA Edinburgh.  
The Wildcats have a wealth of goal scoring talent in brothers
Douglas and Joe Simpson along with Scott McCartney, but their
mercurial approach could be the greatest danger to Neave`s target
of retaining the crown.   Neave will have more options
for these encounters with the return of Chris Grassick and Phil
Hall to the ranks.

Grange also have a hefty programme with games against CALA,
Western and a final tilt with Menzieshill.   “It is
always a massive challenge against Menzieshill and they played well
last weekend, their whole squad looks sharp, so we will have to be
at our best to compete,” said David Knipe, Grange`s coach.

Knipe correctly observed that wasted penalty corners and a
missed effort from the spot ultimately cost Grange the game against
Inverleith last weekend, set piece conversion will certainly have
to be tightened up if his side are to trouble the
Taysiders.   Knipe does not dismiss the other teams
either.  “CALA have caused us problems anytime we have played
them, and I don`t think there is anything between Grange and
Western.”

Kelburne continue to be an enigma indoors, second bottom of the
table last season, now the Paisley outfit sit side by side with
Menzieshill at the top after back to back wins over VWS Dundee
Wanderers and CALA last week.   Manager Harry Coles said:
“I think our guys did a very good job last weekend, but we realise
that we will have to play better to be competitive against the
likes of Menzieshill who are strong favourites for the title. 
But I do feel that, like most of the teams in the league, we
sometimes tend to play a bit like outdoor hockey played
indoors.”

Consistency could again be the issue for Kelburne, they
certainly should see off both Clydesdale and Western if they have
aspirations to challenge at the top, but Menzieshill could expose
some of the Paisley side`s frailties.

Dundee Wanderers, four times champions between 1999 and 2003,
could be on the way back after beating Western 4-2 in their second
encounter last weekend.  The clash with city rivals
Menzieshill used to be the highlight of the indoor season, but it
may be a few years yet before Wanderers can mount such a
challenge.  Wanderers will be hoping to pick up another three
points in their second fixture of the day against Clydesdale.

Clydesdale may be pointless after last weekend`s defeats by
Menzieshill and Grange, but the young Titwood outfit have the
capability to survive at this level, and may fancy picking up
points against Kelburne and Wanderers.

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