Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
GM cruise to win against Wanderers
SPORTS
THE clash of the two Dundee Premiership men’s hockey teams at Dalnacraig was not its usual enthralling encounter.
Grove Menzieshill, who lie second behind Grange, beat Wanderers 3-0.
They took the lead in the first quarter through Luke Cranney.
The second quarter began with Albert Rowling netting from a penalty corner. That was how the first half ended, though Wanderers had a chance from a penalty corner late in the half.
That Menzieshill were not further ahead in the third quarter was partly down to Wanderers’ ability to deny them scoring opportunities and partly due to Menzieshill’s lack of a cutting edge.
The third goal came at the start of the fourth quarter when Ben Cosgrove netted after a penalty corner had rebounded off the post.
These three valuable points keep Menzieshill in touch with Grange at the top but they lack the allround quality to suggest a realistic title challenge.
For Wanderers it will take a significant effort to improve on their position at the foot of the table.
On Saturday, GM are likely to have a difficult match at home to an Edinburgh University team which only lost to Premiership leaders Grange by the odd goal in three.
Menzieshill are waiting to pounce on any slip by Grange.
That could occur as Grange are at home to third placed Western Wildcats.
For Wanderers, the impetus is all about securing their first victory.
Being away to Hillhead is not the ideal opportunity but they are only four points ahead of Wanderers.
St Andrews University and Perthshire remain firmly i n Division Two mid-table after their 2-2 draw. Mike Robertson and Stephen Dick netted for the Perth club.
They both have the chance to improve their position in the standings.
Perthshire should be confident of victory over Stepps but St Andrews will have a more difficult task against Erskine Stewart’sMelville, who are one point ahead.
Inverleith and Carnegie lead the way, both with a 100% record after six games, eight points ahead of their nearest rivals. However, Inverleith have a massive advantage in goal difference, 50 compared to Carnegie’s 20.
They should further enhance their unbeaten positions against Glasgow University and Falkirk.
Monarchs lead the way in Division Three after their win by the odd goal in seven against Highland.
However, Granite City Wanderers and Highland have games in hand which could see them overtake Monarchs.
Monarchs have a real tester away to Granite City. The Aberdeen side are two points behind Monarchs with a game in hand.
So, even at this early stage, the promotion race could look very different, depending on this result.
Strathclyde University pose an even greater threat at the top, being only three points behind Monarchs with three games in hand.
Harris are still searching for their first point.
They conceded seven to Granite City with only one to their credit and are unlikely to dent Strathclyde’s record, even at Riverside.