Simpson the catalyst
22 February 2012
SUBWAY NATIONAL LEAGUE (WOMEN)
Eight victories in a row is the ominous record Milne Craig Western take into their crucial clash with second placed Giffnock at the top of the Subway national league. After an indifferent start to the campaign, Western still remain in third spot, two points behind Giffnock, but last weekend`s 2-1 defeat of leaders Grove Menzieshill has certainly opened up the title race.
"We have been heading in the right direction for some time now, and last weekend`s success against Grove was the result of improvements made over a long period of time," said Neil Menzies, Western`s coach.
Early in the season it was Giffnock who triumphed by 4-3, Rhona Simpson getting two, Lyn Owen and Jaclyn Fortune scoring the others. "We played reasonably well in attack that day, but we lacked composure in defence and gifted a number of the goals we conceded. Since then we have been constantly improving and I am confident that we can win the game." remarked Menzies. Statistics verify that the loss of goals at the back have dried up, in their run of eight straight wins Western have only let in a total of five goals.
But the Simpson threat is a very real one, the former Olympic striker has not only found the net 13 times already this season, but she also exerts a powerful influence on every game she plays.
"Obviously we have to be aware of the threat Rhona poses, without her goals Giffnock would not be in the challenging position they are now," said Menzies. "Equally it takes a lot more than one player to make a team, and we will be looking at all aspects of their team as we prepare for Saturday."
Again it looks as if Menzies will have to do without the injured Ali Howie.
Grove`s first defeat of the season last weekend against Western has certainly opened a door in the race for this year`s title. But Menzies was cautious: "The league is still Grove`s to lose, they are still in the driving seat. Our focus will be on winning our remaining games and being in a position to benefit from any slip-ups they may make in the run-in."
As ever, the Giffnock player/coach Rhona Simpson takes low-key view of affairs. "We always go into every game believing that we can win, but I am also realistic that on paper Western have more depth and more experienced players. However, we have proved in the past that it does not always guarantee you will win." (Titwood at 14.30 hours)
There should be no such slip-ups this week as the Taysiders are at home to Grange, currently second bottom of the division. Last time out Grove won 8-0, four goals came from Linda Clement and another two by Ailsa Wyllie.
Elsewhere, Edinburgh University should retain their fourth spot with a comfortable win over bottom side GHK. (Peffermill at 16.00 hours). Meanwhile, another relegation-threatened side Western Wildcats will hope to repeat their previous 2-2 draw with Kelburne to ensure safety in the top flight. (Clydebank High School at 15.00 hours).
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