Hockey: Inverleith under pressure

Inverleith’s hold on a coveted top-five spot before the league split is on a shaky peg. At present, they have a three-point lead and two-goal advantage over PSL Clydesdale, but that could be wiped away if Steve McCurry’s charges are on the wrong end of a whipping by champions Glynhill Kelburne at Bellahouston today.

An unexpected defeat by Gordonians has seen Inverleith throw Clydesdale a lifeline and the omens are far from promising for the Edinburgh side as, last season, they went down 9-1 and 5-0 to Kelburne, along with a couple of 9-0 hammerings the previous year. Today they can expect no favours from a Kelburne side needing the three points to stay ahead of Grange at the top of the table.

Inverleith coach Stevie McCurry admits inconsistency has cost his side this season, but he has a full squad available for today’s clash.

Clydesdale captain Ross Mcpherson is determined to take full advantage of their chance and said: “If Inverleith lose it’s then up to us to grasp fifth spot with an emphatic win over Edinburgh University.”

Grange start off the opening phase of the league split with a home game against Grove Menzieshill at Forthbank. Although Grange won the opening fixture 5-4, there was little between the sides and if they replicate their excellent second-half display against Kelburne last weekend they could keep in touch.

After several postponed games, Western Wildcats could confirm their top-five status by taking the three points away to struggling Watsonians.

In tomorrow’s catch-up Arthur McKay Scottish Cup first-round ties, Kelburne and Grove Menzieshill should see off Alpha Data Carnegie and AMN Hillhead respectively but the clash between McWhinney Uddingston and Aberdeen GSFP could be a much closer affair.