YOU CAN only wonder at what betting odds would have available six months ago at the prospect of Dundee HSFP at home to Currie being the top-of-the-table clash in the Scottish Premiership. Both sides are unbeaten and both are looking to continue that run.
Remember that, as last season drew to a close, Currie were in danger of being relegated. That they finished fourth was a reflection of how close the league was — they ended only five points ahead of Stewart’s Melville, who dropped through the trapdoor. Dundee, meanwhile, were in a battle with Cartha Queens Park for the single promotion spot from division two.
Both sides have taken opposite approaches to this season’s campaign. While consistency has been the byword at Dundee — all today’s squad have a long pedigree with the club and most featured in their two runs to the Scottish Cup final — Currie have recruited superbly and are reaping the rewards.
The key has been at half back where Ally Warnock is determined to use the Premiership to revive his professional career, but he will be up against one of the brightest young talents in the Scottish game in Cammy Ferguson, the Scotland Under-19 fly half and captain, who steered his side to victory at Boroughmuir last week with an impressive display of tactical kicking.
The other key match of the day is at Myreside where Watsonians, the third unbeaten side, take on Heriot’s anxious to get their season going after last week’s home defeat by Melrose.
The visitors blood Steven Turnbull, the promising lock from the Edinburgh academy, and restore Roddy Deans, their captain. After Watsonians won their opening games without playing well, Cameron Mather, their coach, is looking for his side to add a little style to the obvious determination.
While wondering about the odds, you may also pause to wonder how Aberdeen GSFP v Glasgow Hawks as a battle to avoid last place would have been seen. It is far too early to write either off, and the Hawks have the added firepower of Rory Kerr, the Scotland cap, back from New Zealand and slotting in at centre. Their problems have been in the forwards, however, and against one of the hardest packs in the league, they may struggle to get the ball.
The final games are at the Greenyards, where Melrose take on Boroughmuir, and Hawick, who host Ayr.