Hockey: Watsonians aiming to beat the drop in crucial clash

WATSONIANS face a massive fixture tomorrow as they bid to beat the dreaded drop from the elite of Scottish men's hockey.

The Tipperlin team entertain Aberdeen as the second part of the outdoor season creaks back into gear after the winter shutdown.

All six teams in Division 1B start with a clean slate, their results in the pre-Christmas session having been wiped.

And coach Graham Joyce will aim to kick-start Watsonians' campaign with a confidence-boosting home win.

Edinburgh University, who drew 2-2 with city neighbours Inverleith in a warm-up game on Monday, entertain Stepps and the remaining fixture features Hillhead at home to Dundee Wanderers.

Inverleith are on duty on Sunday in a re-scheduled last-16 Scottish Cup tie against Hillhead at Peffermill (1pm).

The winners move forward to a quarter-final clash against minnows Granite City Wanderers who currently sit in second spot in National League Division Three.

Inverleith lost the National Indoor title in dramatic fashion on Sunday in Perth when Menzieshill scored with ten seconds remaining to draw 3-3 after the defending champions had led 2-0.

Coach Dave Reid said: "If we play to our potential against Hillhead we shouldn't have a problem but if we don't then it could be a different story."