With the last Premiership matches before the winter break due this weekend, let’s review the situation after ten games.
Champions Watsonians travelled to Titwood last Sunday on women’s Premiership business but were on the wrong end of a three goal reversal, but what was eye-catching is they drew a blank on the goal front – when did that last happen?
All credit to Clydesdale Western who took the three points to assume pole position in the table. They now have a two point lead which could become five if they win the outstanding game against Reivers. A reasonable advantage going into the top six competition next year – but by no means conclusive.
It’s down to Hillhead to try and halt Clydesdale’s winning sequence on Saturday.
So where does that leave Watsonians? What is clear is that the champions will need to see off fifth-placed Western Wildcats to avoid falling further behind Clydesdale. The Cats are secure in the top six but their results have been a little inconsistent this season. They do however have the talent and experience to give Watsonians a testing afternoon.
At the moment St Andrews University hold the crucial sixth place, but only on goal difference from the Glasgow students with Grange lurking only one point adrift – so it`s game on for that last spot. Jamie Carnegie`s youngsters have a stiff test ahead on Saturday at home to high-flying GHK who occupy third spot. You just have the feeling that St Andrews need to win this one, so chief striker Liz Agetucci will need to be at her lethal best.
Glasgow University and Grange meet head-to-head with a place in the top six the carrot – there are vital points available. Recent form has been contrasting here. The Glasgow students have gone off the boil at bit with a hat-trick of defeats while Grange recorded their first two victories of the season last weekend – so perhaps the Edinburgh side are picking up the pace with Rachel Shiel their top striker.
IInverleith, Hillhead and Fjordhus Reivers occupy the final three positions, separated by four points. Inverleith play host to fourth-placed Edinburgh University while Reivers travel to an Uddingston side that picked up four points in last weekend`s double header.
Whatever happens on Saturday Western Wildcats will be in pole position in the men`s Premiership – they have a five point cushion over second placed Watsonians. And recently they have seen off their main rivals Watsonians and Grange – both by a 4-3 margin – and also Edinburgh University 3-2. So Western`s credentials for top spot are clearly evident.
Western Wildcats finish this stage of the competition in Edinburgh against an ESM side that have succeeded to make the top six. Although ESM lost last weekend to Watsonians they secured their top status by default when rivals Grove Menzieshill went down 4-1 to Uddingston and fell out of the race.
Watsonians have been a revelation this season and thoroughly deserve their second place status. They have won eight of their ten games so far and averaged almost four goals a game with Tommy Orr, Danny Cain, Matthew Leiper and player/coach Dan Coultas from set pieces featuring on the score list. But Coultas` charges have a tough outing to Grove Menzieshill and that could test their resolve.
Grange versus Edinburgh University – 3 v 4 – should be the game of the day as there is only one point between them. Both sides are still very much in the hunt for the Premiership should Wildcats stumble but both have also had some disappointing results along the way.
The final slot in the composition of the top six is still up for grabs. After seeing off Grove Menzieshill last weekend Uddingston is in the driving seat with their destiny in their own hands – all they need to do is defeat Dundee Wanderers on Tayside and it`s theirs. If not, they can still be overhauled by Grove Menzieshill, but they have Watsonians to contend with.
And there is still Hillhead in the wings. Should both Uddy and the `Hill falter, the Glasgow side could still make it to sixth, that is assuming they see off Inverleith in Edinburgh
So there is a bit of water to go under the bridge here!
At the moment the relegation issue looks to be between Inverleith, Dundee Wanderers and Dunfermline Carnegie. Clydesdale are in ninth spot but will hope to ease further away from the danger area with a home win over Carnegie on Saturday.
