Hockey: Inverleith braced for ‘massive’ clash with Western

McCurry is determined to guide his men into the top two in Division One, which could carry a passport to Europe.

But Sunday’s 4-3 home defeat to Grange has dented hopes, with McCurry saying: “We allowed turnovers and lost bad goals and you can’t let that happen against Grange. I watched Western beat Grange at Peffermill last Saturday. They are a good side. Once we went 4-0 down we left ourselves with too much to do and we can’t allow that to happen  tomorrow.”

Western, in contrast, are buoyant ahead of the clash at Auchenhowie. Their shock 5-2 win at Grange was followed by a 3-2 home victory over Hillhead. Western are third in the ten-strong table with 12 points from five matches while Inverleith are sixth with six points from four starts.

Stand-in coach Euan Miller said: “Inverleith are a very well-organised side with a dangerous short corner team. We will have to show the same composure and ruthlessness in front of goal that we demonstrated against Grange.”

Elsewhere, second-placed Grange, with 12 points from five starts, entertain Clydesdale (11.30am) and then travel to Aberdeen, who prop up the table, on Sunday (2pm). Edinburgh University, who are eighth with a single point, are desperately in need of a boost and travel to face fellow-strugglers Watsonians (1pm), who are ninth with one point from four starts, tomorrow. The students then face champions Kelburne on Sunday at Peffermill (1.30pm).