Preview 5th/6th July 2008

The form book suggests that home advantage is unlikely to be much of a help in this Saturday's fixtures, with four of the top five sides away to opponents from the lower half of the Grade 1 table.

The exception is at the Allan Park, where Cults First Eleven are technically at home to their second eleven in a game from which both sides would really like to take maximum points for differing reasons.  However the gap is too close at either the top or the bottom of the league for anyone to suspect that this match will result in a cosy agreement - any more than the previous games played by the two teams this season, despite the predictions of some.

In Grade 2  last  week's defeats for St Ronald and Gordonians have enabled Grammar FPs to make up ground at the top of the table; but the King's College side still have a healthy ten percentage point lead, which could be extended if they beat Gordonians on Saturday.  With Grammar however expected to beat Kemnay, a second successive defeat for St Ronald could leave the promotion race too close to call, as the season moves into its second half.

In Grade 3 2nd Banchory face a 2nd Ellon side who, despite last week's win over FPs, could still slip back to Grade 4; while Turriff take on a resurgent Crescent, and 2nd Kintore should carry too much firepower for 2nd FPs.

2nd Stonehaven have home advantage against Portcullis in a Grade 4 battle between the top two sides in the league which will also serve as a preview of the Johnston Cup final next month.  Huntly Highlanders meanwhile will try to build on their maiden league victory at home to 2nd Queens Cross.

Sunday sees the quarter-finals of the Turriff Cup, which for once - with only Bon Accord still in the Small Clubs cup - is up to schedule; with the five top Grade 1 sides, plus holders Mannofield, Huntly, and Queens Cross competing for places in the semi-finals and final, provisionally fixed for Saturday August 30th at the Duthie Park.