Paisley Pirates’ hopes of reaching the Autumn Cup Final have been dealt a blow after losing their captain Graham McCamley to injury.
The influential forward sustained a broken collar bone in last week’s league defeat at Kirkcaldy Kestrels, meaning he will miss Sunday’s trip to Edinburgh Capitals SNL.
Pirates hold a 2-1 lead from the first leg and Player/Coach Ian Turley says his team face a difficult task.
“It was going to be a tough ask anyway and it’s just got that wee bit tougher,” said Turley. “Last year the boys pulled off a couple of great results, particularly against Edinburgh, when they maybe weren’t expected to.
“This weekend would be a good time to remind everyone that this is a club which responds to adversity and the various challenges which always appear to be hovering on the horizon.
“We’re good enough to make the final, and we’re going there looking to respond to the massive challenge facing us and doing just that.”
Solway Sharks SNL travel to Dundee Comets on Saturday looking to build on last week’s win at North Ayrshire Wild.
Sharks are currently in a run of 11 weeks without a home fixture, but Player/Coach Jamie Kerr is hoping for another solid road performance.
“The boys made a really positive start to the season, but it’s been tough going recently losing out by single goals to Paisley Pirates and Dundee Tigers,” said Kerr.
“Last week’s win against a rejuvenated North Ayrshire team was a good reward for the efforts put in. We had a good tussle against the Comets in our last home game, where we pulled our keeper to earn a 3-3 draw.
“This horrendous run on the road will see us vastly short-benched this weekend through injuries or work commitments, but I hope we can still ask some serious questions of one of the most established teams in the league.
“Rab Brown has some good experience with the likes of Willie Nicolson and Lewis Gold, and great youth in Ben Edmonds and Robbie Brown, so nothing but the best will be needed in terms of performance.
“After this game we can look forward to getting back on home ice and it would be really nice to head home with more points on the board.”
WEEKEND FIXTURES
Saturday
Aberdeen Lynx v Moray Typhoons
Dundee Comets v Solway Sharks SNL
Sunday
Edinburgh Capitals SNL v Paisley Pirates (Cup)
Dundee Comets v Dundee Tigers (Cup)
Kirkcaldy Kestrels v Kilmarnock Storm
(Image permission: Derek Black)
