Men’s hockey – Watsonians push Grange in Capital clash

Greg Hopkinson of Grange (white shirt) fights for the ball against Watsonians at Peffermill. Picture Nigel Duncan Media

Coach Mike Leonard and his Watsonians side play Kelburne at Titwood on Sunday in a key basement battle.

And the former Scotland international must lift his men after their 1-0 defeat to champions Grange on Saturday.

It was former George Watson’s College pupil Duncan Riddell who slotted the only goal to consolidate Grange’s place at the top of Division One.

The Scottish international robbed a Watsonians defender near the circle two minutes into the second-half at Peffermill and he rifled the ball home low past outstanding goalkeeper Luke Campbell.

Riddell’s goal stopped his former PE teacher from taking something from a game in which his men competed hard.

It was Riddell’s third league goal and fourth overall since his return from English side Reading and it helped Grange maintain their unbeaten record in the first-half of the season.

Meanwhile, Edinburgh University lost 2-1 at Clydesdale but Grove Menzieshill kept up their title bid with a 5-0 home win over Kelburne.

Western thrashed Hillhead 6-0 and Uddingston hammered pointless bottom club Aberdeen Standard 8-2 in Lanarkshire.