Tough day out for Inverleith
25 January 2012
SUBWAY INDOOR NATIONAL LEAGUE - BELLS SPORTS CENTRE IN PERTH
Champions Inverleith are under a degree of pressure, they are currently six points adrift of Menzieshill with a game in hand, and have a gruelling three game schedule against Glynhill Kelburne, VWS Dundee Wanderers, and finally Greaves Clydesdale.
"It is always difficult when you play three games in one day, " said Stuart Neave, Inverleith`s coach. "However, we are looking forward to the challenge as all three teams have shown their ability to make it difficult for their opposition this season."
Neave is all too aware that any slip-up in these three encounters would almost certainly be fatal to his endeavour of retaining the title, and it is unlikely he can rely on Menzieshill losing their unbeaten record to either CALA Edinburgh or Western Wildcats.
Perhaps the biggest banana skill is Kelburne, with the likes of Willie Marshall, Alan Forsyth and Gareth Hall in the ranks, the Paisley outfit are certainly capable of rattling in the goals in their mercurial style of play. In the past the outdoor champions have proved more than capable of causing an upset or two to would-be title aspirants, although earlier in the season Kelburne succumbed rather meekly 10-2 to Inverleith.
In reality, Wanderers proved more of a challenge by taking a 2-1 lead after only six minutes, although the champions rallied to finish 4-2 winners in the end. Earlier Clydesdale fell victim to a nap hand from Adam MacKenzie in a 10-5 victory in favour of Inverleith.
Goal difference could eventually come into play if Inverleith succeed in beating Menzieshill in the final outing of the season, leaving the sides level on points at the denousment. At the moment the Taysiders are ten goals in front, but that is not an immediate issue for Stuart Neave.
"We will focus on trying to win each game rather than how many goals we may score. At present the initiative is certainly with Menzieshill, they have the points on the board. However, we will continue to take each game as it comes, as I`m sure Menzieshill will too, " said Neave.
With wins over CALA and Wildcats last weekend, Grange have consolidated their third place in the table which could be almost secured if they see off Dundee Wanderers and Kelburne.
If CALA are not to make an immediate return to the second division, they must take full points from their encounters with Clydesdale and Wanderers, it would be a miracle if they took anything from their clash with Menzieshill. Their sole point came from a 5-5 draw with the Titwood outfit, but even that would not be of any use as the Glasgow side are six points ahead.
