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Match Preview: Cambuslang Rangers vs Glencairn

Aug 20 2008

by Douglas Dickie, Rutherglen Reformer

 

CAMBUSLANG Rangers or Glencairn can ensure their progress in the sectional league cup with victory tonight (Wednesday).

The sides meet at Somervell Park, with victory for either side guaranteeing them a place in the next round of the competition, with a point separating them at the top of section four.

Cambuslang Rangers lead the group by a point from their local rivals, and for boss Alan Wardlaw, victory would bring a winning Glens run to an end.

He said: "I believe Cambuslang haven't beaten Glencairn in something like seven games now. Before, when I was a player, I was fairly successful against them, as I don't recall being beaten by them that often.

"But it's been a bit different as Cambuslang Rangers manager. We've played them three times since I took over, and we've still to beat them.

"Playing Glencairn is difficult enough as it is. They are a good team. They've got a vast amount of experience throughout their team, and have brought in some good players over the summer, guys like Carlo Rea and Davie Carr, and Stephen McGladrigan up front is an exceptional player.

"They have a more than decent team, with a couple of good managers. In Willie Patterson and Scott Smith, they have a management team who know how to run a junior side, and they know how to make themselves difficult to beat.

"I think this is going to be a good old fashioned junior match, with the players scrapping for every ball, challenging for everything, and competing right up to the final whistle.

"They've probably got more experience throughout their team, but from watching both teams, they're probably pretty equally matched.

"A lot of it will be down to the rub of the green and who gets the luck on the night."

Glens co-boss Scott Smith is pleased that the section is so tight going into the final match.

Scott said: "The way it's worked out is a bonus for everyone. No-one wants one team running away with the section.

"For the punters, it’s a winner takes all scenario and that will make for an exciting game.

"I know Cambuslang just need a point but there is no way they will not be trying to win the game. They won't sit back and try and get the draw.

"We've had them watched so we know what they are about. It's going to be very tough and Wardy (Lang boss Alan Wardlaw) has them playing really well.

"They've maybe played better than they expected but we have a good record at their park and we will go there full of confidence, knowing that we can score the goals we need."

Scott also knows that local pride will be at stake, with fans of both clubs eager to get one over their old rivals.

But that's the kind of game Scott and fellow gaffer Willie Patterson thrive upon, and the pair have long said that they wanted to see Cambuslang in the same league to give the fans something to shout about.

He said: "This is the kind of game you want. I said before I was quite happy for them to get promoted because it's another two derbies.

"You want as many big games as possible. You don't want to be playing poor teams week in week out. You want an atmosphere at your games and the supporters love this fixture."

Wardlaw added: "We're far further forward now than we were this time last year, with moulding, blending and building a team.

"We want to do well in every game, regardless of who the opposition are, and on our day, I think we're more than capable of giving anyone a run for their money. I'm not saying we can beat them, but we will give them a good game on the day."

Cambuslang Rangers v Rutherglen Glencairn will kick off at 6.45pm at Somervell Park.

More Glens - see pages 94-95.

 

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