Hockey: Grange travel west in determined mood

Rob Barr, the captain, said: "Apart from Martin Kelly, we have a full squad to face a Hillhead side capable of big performances having beaten Western recently."

Grange are only too well aware they can not afford to slip up as Glynhill Kelburne are fast closing the gap. Barr added: "We are training well and have a strong squad intent on winning our next two games before the winter break."

Kelburne host Edinburgh University as the Paisley side continue to cope with recent player losses and the absence of key players through injury, and manager Harry Coles pointed out: "We face a drastic reduction in player numbers available for selection. Many of the squad who were at the Commonwealth Games are feeling the strain of a long taxing summer programme and those who remain are having to carry an additional burden."

Gordon Shepherd has been left disappointed by recent Greaves Clydesdale performances and is further hampered by the ongoing loss of Steven McKnight to injury for the tough journey to face VWS Dundee Wanderers. He said: "They have the influential Alan Law and when he plays well Wanderers do likewise."

The final fixture sees a Western Wildcats team determined to build on last week's win over Clydesdale as they entertain an Aberdeen Asset Management side still looking to open their account.

The Women's league took on a familiar look as Grove Menzieshill moved back to the top after their closely-fought win over VWS Wanderers last Sunday. The champions play Edinburgh University today at Peffermill and will be confident of continuing their unbeaten run as they continue to make light of recent loss of personnel.

Possibly the game of the day will be at Bellahouston where Milne Craig Clydesdale Western take on near neighbours and second-placed Giffnock. Rhona Simpson's team have recovered from a poor start to put together a fine run of form, including a well deserved 4-2 win over the home club a few weeks ago.

Coach Neil Menzies said: "Despite poor early form, things are beginning to improve and Sunday's Grange game was the best so far. Having been well beaten by Giffnock before, we need to produce a better performance to get the result we want."

Kelburne will be looking for an immediate response following their shock Cup exit at the hands of Third Division Inverleith, but face a difficult fixture against a lively CALA Edinburgh side, while high-flying VWS Dundee Wanderers will be confident of securing all three points against bottom side Hillhead.

Finally Grange, steadily improving under coach Mabel Neish, travel to face Western Wildcats at Auchenhowie. The Glasgow side then host Dundee Wanderers tomorrow.