West 1 - Mid-season Report

To make sure they're not being left behind by the rest of the West Regional Leagues, West 1 are also treating their interested parties to a scrap for the sole promotion place.

At the half way point, both East Kilbride and Newton Stewart are still unbeaten, with the two of them having drawn two games each - East Kilbride are on 46 points whilst Newton Stewart are on 40, but they have a game in hand.  Newton Stewart have the slightly better points difference which could be crucial at the end of the season.



This weekend, East Kilbride welcome 3rd place Carrick, whilst Newton Stewart travel to 7th place Kilmarnock.  Kilmarnock maybe bottom half of the table, but they who drew with EK earlier in the season, so neither of the top two are guaranteed victories.  A win for Carrick would really stir things up, as they could potentially be only four points off top place. 

Garnock are another two points behind Carrick, so they'll be looking for a win away at Annan, and keeping fingers crossed that those above slip up.  Though in fourth place, Garnock have the best defensive record in the league, but will it be enough to get them back in the hunt for glory?

At the foot of the table, Helensburgh have won only one game, but with four bonus points they're only six points behind Oban, who have won two games more, but have fewer bonus points.  Helensburgh did fail to send a team to Annan earlier in the season, but have had no points deducted, so it will be interesting to see what the Championship Committee do if Helensburgh pick up a few results and get themselves out of the automatic relegation spot.  This is the challenge of being generous to Clubs who are struggling, whilst also trying to maintain the integrity of the competition.

The relegation battle in National 3 can have a knock-on effect on things in West 1, so Oban, Irvine and Kilmarnock will all be keeping an eye on the league above.  There's only 5 points separate the three Clubs, and a possible 2nd relegation place.  Dalziel are currently 10 points clear of the relegation zone in National 3, so no immediate worries, but with 14 rounds still to play scheduled in National 3, there's no guarantees.

Having had a significant investment from a 3rd party, Irvine will be hoping their playing resources which now includes the likes of former Fijian International Nicky Little and Welsh capped centre Matthew Robinson, will start to pay dividends with a couple of wins, as this would surely see them clear of all relegation worries.

Helensburgh are due at Allan Glens this weekend, whilst Oban are scheduled to travel to what is a crucial game against Irvine.