Watsonians, who are sixth in the men’s Premiership table, host struggling Hillhead at Peffermill on Saturday (14.30) looking to maintain the form which saw them go down only 1-0 at early pace-setters, Grove Menzieshill.
Hillhead, who prop up the ten-strong division, drew 3-3 with second-bottom Kelburne at Old Anniesland last weekend and Watsonians coach Mike Leonard thought his men were unlucky on Tayside.
It’s the only Premiership game in the Capital on Saturday and Leonard said: “We played some good hockey and created some excellent chances (at Grove). Unfortunately, we could not score.”
Fraser McCurdy and Paul McDonnell are both unavailable next but Ally Dougall returns to the squad and the coach said: “It will be a tough game as both teams will be desperate for points.”
Meanwhile, Grange return to domestic hockey after their EuroHockey KO 16 assignment in Barcelona hoping that the experience will aid their bid to retain the Premiership title.
Last season’s Grand Slam winners have a new niggles and Clemens Rusnjak is likely to miss out with a calf injury with and co-coach Callum Milne returning as they head for Titwood to face Clydesdale (16.00) who are fifth in the table with four points from three matches, having won and drawn one and lost another.
Grange are third with six points by from only two games and they have scored 13 goals and lost only one. Clydesdale have scored 11 and shipped five.
Elsewhere, Edinburgh University are also on their travels, visiting Dalnacraig (14.00) to face newly-promoted Dundee Wanderers.
Ian Moodie, John Stephen and Peter McKnight are all unavailable but coach Graham Moodie was pleased with the result against Clydesdale last weekend.
He said: “It was pleasing to see us take our chances but we know we can improve.”
The students are fourth with six points from three games, having lost one and won two including a narrow 3-2 success over Clydesdale at Peffermill last weekend, while Wanderers are eighth with only one point gathered so far in three outings.
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