Giffnock and Wildcats battle for second place and Europe spot

The game of the day in the women’s Subway national league brings together Giffnock and Western Wildcats, both in search of that elusive second place and the other spot in Europe next season. “A realistic aim for us is to finish second. Certainly a win against Giffnock on Saturday is essential in that regard,” said Neil Menzies, Western’s coach.

Last year Giffnock completed the double over Western, the first game ended 4-2, the return was 3-2, three of the goals coming from former Olympian Rhona Simpson. Menzies has recognised the potential danger posed by Giffnock. “Their main threat comes from the goal-scoring potential of Rhona Simpson and the strength of Kaz Marshall. Also, they will be well organised and highly motivated, but may lack a little in terms of depth.”

Simpson scored four and Marshall two in Giffnock’s 6-1 victory over GHK a fortnight ago, but without the double Olympian last weekend, Giffnock drew a blank in a goalless draw with Kelburne.

Grove Menzieshill are already in pole position in the league after only three games, and the eight-time champions should find little problem in seeing off Grange this weekend. The gap between the sides seems substantial, Grove have scored 15 goals this season, Grange have yet to get one, but the latter did manage a 0-0 draw against Western Wildcats in their opening fixture.

Since the inception of the national league in 1983 the balance of power has rested with Milne Craig Western initially and then in the last decade with Grove, Edinburgh Ladies providing the only break in 1997 and 1998. At present, that trend looks secure as the Capital sides Grange, CALA and Edinburgh University rest at the bottom of the division.

The students, now under the aegis of internationalist Sam Judge as player/coach, may pick up valuable points against newly promoted GHK today, but could find Western too hot to handle tomorrow.

CALA, with only one point from the opening three games, are likely to come up with another empty sack against VWW Dundee Wanderers, last season’s runners-up.

In the remaining fixture Glynhill Kelburne take on a revitalised Western Wildcats who have already picked up four points in their three games so far.

The men’s league programme goes into a week’s cold storage on account of the under-16 and under-18 inter-districts tournament to be held in Edinburgh over the weekend.