Resurgent Clydesdale aim to topple Ferguslie

Colin Mitchell, the Clydesdale manager, believes his side can give leaders Ferguslie a run for their money in today’s top Western Premier clash.

It is second versus first at Titwood and Mitchell is convinced a resurgent Dale will be much more competitive than they were in a 105-run defeat to the Paisley team on the opening day of the season.

They have recovered from that reverse and have shrugged off the absence through illness of player/ coach Con de Lange to emerge as genuine title contenders.

Mitchell said: “We’re delighted to find ourselves where we are in the league and we have probably surpassed early expectations, but now we have to re-set these expectations.

“Ferguslie are the outstanding team in the league – they have assembled a powerful team and are playing some good cricket. They were worthy winners on the opening day but we felt we were much closer to them in the cup a few weeks later and we have nothing to fear.”

Clydesdale are without Scotland Under-17 batsman Angus Guy but Ferguslie are at full strength. Their skipper Jamey Carruthers said: “It’s a huge game after a good win last week.”

Ferguslie will tomorrow turn their attention to a home Scottish Cup quarter-final against Carlton.

The only other Western Premier side still in the knockout competition are Uddingston who visit Ayr today before travelling to Arbroath. Elsewhere, Poloc host West of Scotland, Prestwick face Ferguslie at New Williamfield while bottom-of-the-table Dumfries entertain second -bottom Greenock.