Grange begin new bid to loosen Kelburne title stranglehold

Over the last 13 years Grange have been one of the few clubs to challenge Bromac Kelburne’s monopoly of the first division title. Today, David Knipe’s charges have the chance to launch another attempt at the Paisley hegemony as the sides meet at Fettes.

This time last year, the Edinburgh side came up trumps with a 2-1 home win, but their staying power was not there and Grange failed to claim their first league title since 2002.

After five games, Grange share top spot with Western Wildcats and Kelburne, although the latter are in pole position on goal difference.

Last weekend, Grange lost their perfect record in a 3-3 draw with Wildcats, but concerning for Knipe is that their normally well-drilled defence lost three goals and surrendered the lead twice in the second half.

And there is no sign that the champions are ready to relinquish their crown. In fact, coach Gordon Shepherd, pictured, claims that his side are beginning to get it together after thumping Dundee Wanderers 6-1 last weekend.

“I was extremely pleased with our domination of Wanderers. For the first time this season we really clicked and created many chances. It really should have been double the score.”

As for Grange, Shepherd said: “Firepower is not the issue, it’s the all-round game that matters and we will need to defend well against them. They are a good team. We respect them as they will be focused and dangerous.” Wildcats are the last member of the triumvirate at the apex of the table and they have a tricky away trip to face a Clydesdalesideonthe back of three consecutive wins which have taken them up to fourth place.

Edinburgh University seemed to have found a bit of form if their 5-1 defeat of Hillhead is anything to go by. The students travel to Dundee Wanderers and another three points could take them into the top four and they have still a game in hand.

Bottom side Inverleith could face another uphill battle against Grove Menzieshill, while Hillhead’s opportunity to get off the lower rungs will depend on three points at home against Uddingston.

In the women’s first division, leaders Wildcats face the first real test of their resolve with a trip to face Milne Craig Clydesdale Western at Titwood.

The sides last met in the Scottish Cup which ended in a 1-1 draw in normal time, so Kaz Cuthbert’s charges will have to go one better if they are to retain their pole position.

Waiting in the wings are Grove who should see off Watsonians in the capital and champions Edinburgh University on a banana-skin outing to fourth-placed Dundee Wanderers. The Edinburgh students seem to have recovered from their 3-1 reversal at the hands of Grove two weeks ago with a six-goal trouncing of Hillhead. While Wanderers have made a steady start to the season, Sam Judge’s students have probably too much firepower up front.