Grades preview 7/8 June 2008

The last fortnight’s results mean that the middle third of the Thistle Sports Grades season will be more than usually critical this year.

While Bon Accord should carry too much firepower for Mannofield in the match between the two Links-based sides, Cults will be anxious not to lose any more ground, following two successive defeats, when they take on current league leaders Stonehaven at the Allan Park; while Caledonian will be looking for points at the foot of the table to move ahead of Inverurie and 2nd Cults in the battle to avoid struggling against relegation.

In Grade 2 leaders St Ronald will hope to continue their unblemished league run at home to Scottish Regional Villages Cup winners Methlick; while Gordonians could consolidate their challenge for promotion if they beat Artisans, and Grammar FPs slip up against an improving Queens Cross side.

In Grade 3, 2nd Banchory travel to Lairds to take on 2nd Methlick, while 2nd Kintore, having been dislodged from the top of the table, should return to winning ways at home to 2nd Ellon.  At the foot both Anchorians and Crescent, having suffered relegation last season, will be looking to take full points when the two meet the Duthie Park.

Portcullis look increasingly set for an early return to Grade 3; and, with their strengthened attack, should take full points off 2nd Gordonians; while at the top 2nd Stonehaven have home advantage against 2nd Mannofield.

Sunday sees the first full round of the Small Clubs Cup with Bon Accord again drawn against Cults, with the visitors anxious to avenge their league defeat last weekend; while current cup-holders Kintore are away to Comrie.

The first round of games in the Thistle Sports Sevens is on Monday, with the Grade Select also provisionally booked to play Huntly in the Three Counties Cup the same evening.