Hockey: Grange eager to build on good form at Wanderers

Grange captain Rob Barr feels that his squad have made a much better start to this season's Subway national league campaign as he prepares to take on Dundee Wanderers on Tayside this weekend.

"I'm happy with the start to our season and the points we've picked up. The draw at Western two weeks ago was crucial in keeping our season on track and we'll be looking to build on the focus and drive we showed in that second half," said Barr.

The Edinburgh outfit found themselves three down to the Wildcats that day, but goals from Phil Sully, Callum Milne and Barr himself carved out a fighting 3-3 draw. "I feel we can improve in all areas, and now that our new players have had time to settle in, I expect to see more consistency and control in our performances," remarked Barr.

Last season Grange found the equivalent fixture a disappointment with a 2-2 draw. "Wanderers is always a difficult fixture for us and we've struggled against them in recent seasons. They've had a good start this year and are above us in the table, so we know we will need to play well if we're to pick up the three points," maintained Barr.

After a disastrous start against Greaves Clydesdale in the opening fixture, the Taysiders have collected decisive victories over Edinburgh University and Aberdeen Asset Management.

Grange will be without David Knipe, still recovering from injury, and Martin Johnstone who has work commitments.

Inverleith seem to be struggling with the loss of several key players, but should collect their first victory against an Aberdeen Asset Management side that seems to be struggling to get up to speed with the pace of the top flight.

Western Wildcats could claw their way to the top of the Subway national league if they can see off Edinburgh University at Auchenhowie today. At the moment the Wildcats trail leaders Greaves Clydesdale by two points, but the Titwood outfit are idle this weekend.

The omens look good for the Wildcats - the students have yet to record a win this year and last season the Wildcats gave them a 7-1 mauling, striker Scott McCartney scoring four of them. Given the statistics, it would be a major surprise if the Wildcats were not in pole position at the end of the day.

In the women's competition, leaders Kelburne have no game, but Giffnock should continue their perfect record with an away victory over Western Wildcats while Hillhead travel to meet Edinburgh University.