Hockey: Stuart Neave hoping his side can push on after perfect start

It WAS mission accomplished for coach Stuart Neave - Inverleith sit resplendent at the top of the Subway national indoor hockey league after the first round of matches - and his charges will strive to maintain that momentum by seeing off Greaves Clydesdale and AMN Hillhead this weekend.

"Three wins from three potentially awkward games last Saturday was a good effort and we managed to play some good hockey, especially against Western, but the games also highlighted some areas for improvement which we intend to work on," said Neave.

But Neave is wary of complacency. "This weekend is about giving the opposition the respect they deserve, and a side like Clydesdale who can hold Menzieshill to 6-3 cannot be taken lightly," he said. But if Stephen Dick and Chris Grassick can maintain their scoring momentum that brought a total of 12 goals last weekend, Neave may have little grounds for concern.

Ironically, city rivals Grange could do Neave a massive favour if they can take something from their opening fixture with seven-times champions Grove Menzieshill.

Over the years Grange may have lacked consistency of performance, but they have produced the odd rogue result against the Taysiders.

"We'll certainly be trying hard to cause an upset against Menzieshill, but it'll be a very difficult challenge against a very strong indoor side," remarked David Knipe, Grange's coach.