Women’s National League 1 gets underway

The 2018-2019 National League 1 season gets underway this weekend with four games in the women`s competition as the opener.

Edinburgh University may not be on duty on the first day of the women`s National League 1 programme this weekend, but the champions may have more than a passing interest on how potential challengers Grove Menzieshill and Milne Craig Clydesdale Western fare.

Western finished runners-up to the students last season and start their present campaign with a tricky outing to Wildcats` den at Auchenhowie. Last season`s equivalent encounter finished with a 4-0 victory for the Titwood-based outfit, but both sides were without their international players on Commonwealth Games duty – that may have warped the outcome.

It could be challenging affair if Kaz Cuthbert`s comments are anything to go by. Wildcats` player/coach said: “Our first game is against Clydesdale, we have nothing to fear and we will go out and challenge ourselves to play our game.”

Although Wildcats would have been disappointed to miss out on a top four place at the end of last season, Cuthbert remains enthusiastic about her side`s prospects.

“We are continuing to build with the strong squad we have had over the past few seasons. The girls’ are developing their experience and confidence which is great to see.”

Cuthbert admitted to a couple of new faces in the squad, but principally the addition of Scotland international Kate Holmes who has moved to Glasgow for her studies. “She will be another driving force to help lead the girls,” remarked Cuthbert.

Grove Menzieshill also have a tricky venture against Tayside rivals Dundee Wanderers, a repeat of last season`s opening fixture. Wanderers finished last year in a mid-table position, but they did manage to share a 3-3 draw in the Tayside derby.

A hat-trick by youngster Emily Dark gave Wanderers a 3-2 lead after Sarah Jamieson and Leigh Fawcett have given Grove Menzieshill a two-goal lead inside nine minutes. However, a late penalty corner strike by Katie Robertson saved Grove Menzieshill in the end.

The shock troops of last season was undoubtedly Watsonians, they shot from the relegation zone to fourth place during second half of last season. After losing 2-1 to Edinburgh University in February, they went on a seven match winning spree, and that included the scalps of both Western and Grove Menzieshill.

Watsonians will hope to continue where they left off at home to Hillhead this weekend. The Edinburgh side were 5-2 winners last season, Nikki Stobie scored twice while the others came from Emily Newlands, Georgia Jones and Ellie Wilson.

The final fixture on the card brings together GHK and Grange, both sides finished in the bottom reaches of last season`s National League 1 division, but survived the relegation play-offs. This again could be a close encounter, GHK won the clash towards the end of last season, but only by 3-2.

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