Hockey: Return fixture against Kelburne gives Grange chance of revenge

Rob Barr, the Grange captain, was clearly disappointed that his charges lost 2-1 to six-times champions Glynhill Kelburne last weekend, but he is still confident the result can be reversed in today's return fixture at Bellahouston in the Subway national hockey league.

"We performed well last weekend and dominated large parts of the game, creating several good chances," said Barr. "After conceding a couple of soft goals in the first half, I felt we contained them effectively after the interval and in the end we were disappointed not to go on and equalise, or even win the game."

Barr can take heart from the fact that his side dominated possession against Kelburne, but that could not be converted into a winning scoreline and, in fact, Barr himself missed from the spot.

"We didn't take our chances and I felt we weren't clinical enough when we got into the final third," Barr confessed.

Victory is essential if Grange have aspirations for the league title - at the moment the Edinburgh side have a seven-point advantage, but Kelburne have four games in hand.

The pressure is also on the Paisley outfit, because after today's game against Grange the champions go to Auchenhowie to face second-placed Western Wildcats. In addition, Kelburne will be a little short-handed, David and Alan Forsyth along with Chris Nelson have long-term injuries while defender Josh Cairns will be with his indoor club Grove Menzieshill at the European Club Championships.

"Allowing for our chronic injury situation, it would be a fantastic achievement if we were to emerge from the weekend with all six points," said Harry Coles, Kelburne's manager.

If Grange are perhaps prone to be shy in front of goal, the same cannot be said of the Wildcats whose predators Scott McCartney, Ian Moodie and the Simpsons Joe and Douglas have been sharp in training according to Andrew Sewnauth, Western's captain. If Kelburne see off both Grange and Western, the race for the league title is effectively over, but if the Paisley outfit falter, then the contest returns to the melting pot.

Inverleith return to the outdoor scene with a home game against Edinburgh University.

Elsewhere, Greaves Clydesdale could return to third spot if they can see off AMN Hillhead and Western fall to Kelburne. Finally, VWS Dundee Wanderers are favourites to see off bottom side Aberdeen Asset Management.

In the second division, high-flying CALA Edinburgh should continue their winning sequence against Mango Optical Uddingston at Meggatland.

Grove Menzieshill are looking to consolidate their pole position in the women's league by repeating last weekend's 2-0 cup victory over CALA Edinburgh today. Second-placed Giffnock should advance their cause with a win at Edinburgh University.

If Milne Craig Western coach Neil Menzies is serious about his youngsters making more of an impact then victories over Grange EL and Kelburne in would be proof of that progress, while CALA have the chance to pick up three points when they are at home to bottom side Hillhead tomorrow.