Menzieshill hold most of the aces
01 February 2012
SUBWAY INDOOR NATIONAL LEAGUE - BELLS SPORTS CENTRE, PERTH
Inverleith are making a courageous effort to retain the Subway indoor national league crown they won for the first time last season, but rivals Grove Menzieshill hold most of the aces as the competition reaches its denouement this weekend.
With two matches remaining, the Taysiders are three points in front, consequently Inverleith must win the head to head against Menzieshill in the final game to stand any chance of capturing the title at the eleventh hour.
Menzieshill may be five goals adrift of the Edinburgh side going into Saturday`s proceedings, but the Dundonians first match is against second bottom Greaves Clydesdale where a goal avalanche is a distinct possibility. Meanwhile, Inverleith take on local rivals Grange who lie third in the table, any dropped points here would be terminal.
The Grange game is Stuart Neave`s first hurdle. The Inverleith coach said: "Our initial focus will be on Grange, given that they ran us close in the first game of the season and were unfortunate not to take something from the game. However, both teams have improved since then."
Neave has grounds for concern, his charges only beat Grange 5-4 in a tense contest. Inverleith were four up early in the second half and cruising, but the spirited Grange comeback centred on Gary Cameron, he notched a hat-trick but then missed from the spot with four minutes left, only for time to run out his side. But Grange`s downfall that day rested with missed penalty corners, in total they had a dozen and scored from only two.
Even if Inverleith can see off Grange, they must take the three points from Menzieshill to have any chance, and Neave concedes that the Taysiders have the advantage with the three point cushion. The first game between the sides was tight, it was one each at the interval with Michael Ross and Chris Duncan exchanging goals from the spot. The winner came three minutes into the second half with a piece of individual skill from Menziehill striker Chris Wilson for a 2-1 win.
But Neave is his usual relaxed self: "It would provide an exciting climax to the season if both teams were playing for the league title in the final game of the season."
Bruce Cuthill, Menzieshill`s coach, is a seasoned campaigner and will ensure that his squad finish the season with a perfect record and collect their 18th league crown. The Taysiders have the advantage of being in charge of their own destiny, a win against Clydesdale followed by a draw or victory over Inverleith will bring the championship back to Dundee.
"We expected Inverleith to catch up with us, but we`ve beaten them already this season, and we`re confident we can do it again and take the title," said Cuthill. "Our strengths are definitely our experience, all the team have played in important games at home and abroad, and they know what it takes to win titles."
It could be close at the end of the day, but Cuthill`s charges just have the edge to win this year`s championship.
The relegation issue is well and truly settled, CALA Edinburgh return to the second division having only amassed a single point in the top flight.
There are four places up for grabs in next weekend`s knock-out cup - Menzieshill, Inverleith and Grange are already there, the final spot is almost certain to be a contest between Western Wildcats and VWS Dundee Wanderers. The two sides clash in their second game of the day, and Wanderers won the first game 4-2. But it could all be academic if the Wildcats rip CALA apart in an earlier game and the Dundonians struggle to see off the unpredictable Glynhill Kelburne.
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