Unbeaten records on the line as Wildcats and Clydesdale clash in local derby

Scottish Hockey’s ‘Awesome October’ kicks off with undefeated PSL Team Sports Clydesdale playing Dundee Wanderers in Aberdeen Asset Management Men’s National League Division 1 at the Glasgow National Hockey Centre on Saturday.

The two teams had contrasting fortunes last time out with the Glasgow side beating Edinburgh University 5-0, whilst Wanderers suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of Inverleith.  This will be a massive test for Paul Dailly’s charges as they look to overturn their fortunes and defeat arguably Scotland’s in-form team.

In the second of Saturday’s ‘Awesome October’ fixtures, Glynhill Kelburne return to domestic action, following the EHL competition, against Gordonians, and will be keen to get back to winning ways against the unpredictable Aberdonians.

Mark Ralph’s side have had a slow start to the season and will be keen to get back to goal scoring form.  Gordonians, on the other hand, started promisingly with a win away to Dundee Wanderers and home draws against Inverleith and Grove Menzieshill.  They will be keen to regain that early form having failed to win in their last two matches.

Elsewhere, the season’s surprise package and current league leaders Hillhead clash with second placed Grove Menzieshill at the Glasgow National Hockey Centre (Pitch 2).

Hillhead will be looking to continue their new found form having left Aberdeen with a valuable three points last weekend.

Meanwhile, Chris Anderson’s will look to bounce back having surrendered a 3-2 lead away to Western Wildcats, leaving Auchenhowie pointless after a late Wildcats comeback.  The last time the two sides met the Taysiders were comfortable winners in Dundee.

Undefeated Western Wildcats travel to Peffermill to play free scoring Inverleith. Based on their league positions, Harry Dunlop’ side will start this match as favourites. However, recent results suggest that Inverleith are coming back into form with fourteen goals scored in their last two outings.

With the predatory threat of Auchenhowie pairing Scott McCartney and Joe Simpson, in addition to the set piece expertise of Inverleith’s Adam MacKenzie, this could be a high scoring affair.

The final match on Saturday sees Edinburgh University up against Grange.With one point separating the teams, a result for either side in this fixture would open up some breathing space at the foot of the table.

Grange were out of action last weekend so will be rested and raring to go as they look to reverse their poor start to the season.  Edinburgh University will look to their more senior players to take the initiative as they also aim to kick start a faltering start to their own league campaign.

On Sunday, the match of the day will see local rivals Western Wildcats and PSL Team Sport Clydesdale clash in the ‘Awesome October’ event at the Glasgow National Hockey Centre.

It is very hard to separate the two sides on paper, given their equally as impressive starts to the season.  Both teams took points off reigning champions Kelburne earlier in the season, a clear indication of their title credentials.  Wildcats are the front runners though, having only dropped two points thus far this season.  Is it too early to install the winner of this derby match as league favourites?

Hillhead and Inverleith will feature in the second men’s match on Sunday as part of the ‘Awesome October’ showcase.  Despite contrasting starts to the season, a rejuvenated Inverleith will prove a difficult challenge for a vastly improved Hillhead side.  Last time the two sides met, Hillhead were the winners by the odd goal in five.  A game there for the taking for both sides.

At the foot of the table Dundee Wanderers welcome Edinburgh University to Tayside.  With a win each so far this season, both teams will be focused on doubling their point tallies with a win in this crucial match.   With both teams guilty of leaking goals, this could be set to be another high scoring encounter.

Across the city, Grove Menzieshill host Kelburne in what promises to be a fiercely contested match as both teams look to continue their push up the league.  Last season Kelburne had the bragging rights beating their league rivals on their way to yet another league triumph.

However, the Dundonians had the last laugh though as they stunned Kelburne in a pulsating Scottish Cup Final victory in May.   A massive match for both sides if they are to be serious league contenders.

The final match of the double header weekend sees Grange travel to Aberdeen to face Gordonians.  Going into the weekend the teams are separated by a single point, however, Grange have two games in hand on their opponents.

Despite a shaky start to the season, Grange are showing signs of a recovery and should have enough quality to win, albeit against a well organised and combative Aberdeen side.

Please visit the Aberdeen Asset Management Men’s National League for all the weekend’s fixtures.

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