Weekend preview 25th February

Firsts v. Western Wildcats

Hillhead first XI play their first competitive outdoor fixture on Saturday against local rivals and hockey giants Western Wildcats.  A club that dominated Scottish Hockey for spells, this game is always keenly contested, although Hillhead have just about had the upper hand in the last five years or so.  In the season opener the two sides played out an exciting 3-3 draw with late goals changing the momentum of the match and adding to the tension.  Hillhead have improved significantly since then and will be hopeful of a strong performance and three points in this encounter.  A pre-season trip to Amsterdam has done a lot to focus the squad as they push the European play off places.

Seconds  v. Grange III

Hillhead seconds host Grange thirds on Saturday, keen to reverse a disappointing 4-3 loss earlier in the season.  The twos have always found Grange threes to be a tricky match and will need to find some consistency to win this one.  A disappointing loss to Edinburgh Uni on Saturday is not indicative of the team’s ability as they were decimated on the day.  The scorer of Hillhead’s consolation goal was young talent Euan Cochrane.  A win for Hillhead in this fixture.

Thirds v Edinburgh Uni III

Hillhead host Edinburgh University’s third string on Saturday on the back of their best performance and win of the season against Inverleith seconds in Edinburgh.  Having been humbled by Inverleith 6-0 earlier in the season, the youngsters upset the form guide, trouncing their opponents 6-2.   Goals coming from Matt Appelquist (2), Liam Witt (2), Jackson Corry Duff and Alan Meikle. Edinburgh Uni have been in equally impressive form beating Anchor 10-3.  When the two sides met earlier in the season they shared the points in a 2-2 draw.  Neither team played well on the day.  The winner in this match will depend on which team has improved the most since the last encounter.  

Fours v Dumfries

Hillhead travel down south on Saturday to play title contenders Dumfries in what could be a pivotal game in deciding the destination of the West District championship.   A win for Dumfries would see them move to within a point of Hillhead but with a game in hand.  If Hillhead can avoid a loss it will see them maintain the favourite status for the league.  A disappointing 3-1 loss to Uddingston on Saturday, however, may have dented their confidence.   Hillhead’s scorer was Calum Millar.  If Hillhead can put together a strong team on the road they will give Dumfries a good match.  Dumfries, however, are very strong at home where they are yet to drop a point.

Fives v Giffnock II

Hillhead fives face Giffnock seconds on Saturday as they continue their assault on WD3.  The last time the two sides met Hillhead came away with a 2-1 win, despite a performance which merited a bigger winning margin.  Giffnock are sitting middle table but have three games in hand so their league position is not a great indicator of their collective ability.  Hillhead survived a tricky away match to Helensburgh seconds on Saturday winning by the odd goal in a five goal thriller.   Goals for Hillhead came from Gordon McIntyre-Kemp, Ewan Methven and Tom Bennett.   That win helped them maintain an eight point lead at the top with seven matches remaining.  A win for Hillhead on the cards if they can field their normal squad.

Sixes v Uddingston Vs

Hillhead sixes are the on-form team in WD3 continuing their rich vein of form with a fine 3-0 against Greenock Morton seconds on Saturday.  That win kept them level with Clydesdale fours in second and with a faint chance of catching Hillhead’s fifth XI.  On Saturday they play Uddingston fives, a team normally composed of younger players and with development at heart.  When the two sides met earlier in the season there was a stalemate.  Home advantage for Uddingston move prove vital in what promises to a competitive encounter.

Sevens v Ayr IIs

Hillhead sevens face Ayr seconds for the third time this season on Saturday.  With two wins and no goals conceded they will be confident of another win over the Alloway men.  Despite a disappointing defeat on Saturday to table toppers Western Vs, Hillhead are having a great season and will challenge for the top spots come the end-of-season reckoning.  Home advantage will be too much for Ayr who traditionally do not travel well.