Dale and Prestwick eager to rein in leaders Ferguslie

Clydesdale host Prestwick in the Western Premier’s top fixture and the incentive for both sides is clear: win or risk losing touch with runaway leaders Ferguslie,

Third-placed Dale, the 2015 and 2016 champions, were deposed last season by today’s visitors, who are in second, but both are trailing unbeaten Ferguslie.

Clydesdale boss Colin Mitchell said: “Both teams may look on this as a mustwin match but the outcome won’t define our season. Ferguslie are the standout team but we’ll focus on ourselves.”

The home side are without Scotland star Richie Berrington, who is preparing for tomorrow’s ODI against England, while Angus Guy also misses out.

Ferguslie remain the team to beat as Clydesdale discovered last Sunday in a Scottish Cup clash which the Paisley side won with centuries from openers Gregor Prestonjones and Michael English.

With home advantage, the Meikleriggs men start favourites against Greenock today but they will be wary of opponents whose confidence is high after claiming their first win last Saturday.

Ferguslie go in with a settled side but the visitors are without the injured Sam Sanghera and Chris Hempsey, who has work commitments. Fraser Godsman and Ewan Stewart are drafted in.

Elsewhere Poloc host Ayr at Shawholm, Uddingston take on West of Scotland and Dumfries visit Stirling.