Sunday Central Preview to a massive Sunday Trophy weekend & an interview with the brilliant Stev

This week I complete a Q&A with Steven Sharp, Manager of Eastwood Mearns. He has overcome a lot, as written in other interviews, including ours. An excellent bloke to speak to, and all business on a Sunday during a game. Steven has had a brilliant start to the season and lead his side well, and will want to be high and fighting for the championship at the end of the season. It was a pleasure to do this with Steven, a gentleman, and a great football manager. Please be sure to follow us on twitter, @__SportCentral and of course, to follow Steven at @StevenSharp90. 

1 Eastwood Mearns have had a brilliant start to the season, but have any end of season goals been set at this point? Yeah I've been realistic and the main aim is to establish ourselves being a brand new club. Having said that I'm not wanting us to make up numbers so I want us to go compete at the highest level we can 2 What’s the atmosphere like in the Eastwood Mearns camp? The atmosphere is fantastic we've got a great family atmosphere where we all back each other up and even away from football everyone supports each other and it's great to see. Very proud to have helped install and be part of it. 3 If you could compare yourself to any manager, who would it be and why? I'd love to compare myself to someone well known or successful but personally I think to be successful you need to have your own personality and stamp on things although when myself and Jose have a glass of red wine together we are like two peas in a pod 4 What has been your proudest moment as the manager of Eastwood Mearns? For me there's two first is securing our place in Championship Division One just a few months after the club being established but if I'm honest it's creating a professional yet realistic standard at the club and making it an environment players want to be part of. 5 How does the day of the game go for you as manager, what is the routine? Hahaha well I'm not one for sleeping great before a game. I'm very much an over thinker so have seen myself up as early as 5am on a match day, music blaring, lots of coffee and some scrambled egg while finalising how I plan to set up. 6 When your days of management are done, how would you want to football community to remember Steven Sharp? Someone who always worked hard and tried to do what's best for the club he was part of as well as doing as much as he could to progress his players as much as possible. I'll probably be well remembered by the Eastwood Mearns lads for a few of my teamtalks and rants but I'll not go too much into that hahaha. 7 You have played at many venues, but where is the best away day you have had with Eastwood Mearns? Although I've been involved in games at some good senior club for me It has to be being involved in Junior football and going up to Kelty Hearts before they joined the Lowland League. The set up was fantastic and they look after you very well. I even met a few of their committee on holiday one year and they bought myself and my Dad a few beers. 

8 If you could give any bit of advice to a young footballer, coming through the ranks, what would it be? Work hard and always be prepared to take advice and learn. Use people around you to learn and never be afraid to ask questions 9 Sporting Hero? Not so much a hero but I hugely admire sport people who suffer from IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) which I suffer from but they still manage to participate, Footballers Darren Fletcher, Russell Martin, Graeme Shinnie and Paralympic powertlifter Ali Jawad and Olympic Swimmer Siobhan-Marie O'Connor 10 Goal for the season, and beyond? My goal is to continue to learn as a Coach and a Manager work on improving my own ability, bring some sort of success to the club and hopefully help progress players who could potentially go to a higher level. Seeing players progress and do well is what coaching is all about. 11 Which team do you support? Grew up supporting Rangers but if truth be told since being involved in football that's always meant more to me. 12 Dream signing, who would it be? Anyone on a free transfer still not been given a budget lol 13 Quickest Player in Eastwood Mearns? I could probably say who's the slowest up top lol we defo have a few unique lads. In terms of pace we are lucky to have a few very pacy players so I'll arrange a race and get back to you. 14 Worst Dress Sense in Eastwood Mearns? Sadly probably myself but for the purposes of this maybe my captain Darren Doyle.... he's very much a taller version of Shellsuit Boab from River City. 15 Who tells the jokes in the club? We don't allow any sort of humour at the club any jokes during club time will result in a fine and said offender will be made to spend time with my Assistant Mark Carr. 16 Who plays the music before the game? Normally Alex Millar or Conor Warren 2017s answer to Zig and Zag 

17 Which of the three people would you want to be stuck on a desert island with? Sir Alex Ferguson so I could pick his brains about football, Peter Kay so I could get a laugh and Rachel Riley so I'd finally learn my times tables wink wink 18 If you won the lottery, what would be the first thing you would buy? I would head away to an exotic holiday destination and charter a plane and bring friends and family over to join me to celebrate 19 What series are you currently watching on Netflix? I'm a bit of a bore I very rarely watch any tv or any series.... I blame a lack of attention span and I'm from West Lothian I'm still waiting on the launch of Channel 5 20 What is the perfect day in the life of Steven Sharp? Spending time having a good laugh with people close to me with maybe a beer or two. Nothing better than just chilling with good people. Nothing too extravagant because above I've won the lottery and got stuck on a desert island so just looking to take it easy now hahaha 

And here is the preview... Sunday Trophy (Round 3) •Blackburn United vs. Carluke Thistle The in form Carluke Thistle are on the road this weekend in the Sunday Trophy third round, and they are going to be playing against Blackburn United. The West Lothian based side look to be a very good side, but Jim Smith’s men will be up for this one. They have a weekend off last weekend, so they Carluke Thistle have had time to prepare and recover from any injuries, and will be hungry for this match. This will be an interesting battle between two good sides. Carluke Thistle are an excellent side and will proudly fly the Sunday Central League flag in this match. I caught up with Carluke Thistle assistant manager, Scott Parry, and he said, “This weekend we face off against Blackburn United in the 3rd Round of the Scottish Sunday Trophy. We are definitely going in as underdogs against a side who are currently undefeated in the West Lothian Sunday AFL. Blackburn have a great scoring record this season in the league with 41 goals & only conceding 4. They’ve also beat current Scottish Cup holders Harvester this season in the League Cup so we know what we’re up against. We have a strong squad available at present, with several key players coming back from work & injury respectively. A win against a club of this stature will be a massive statement & one that we hope to achieve and progress to the next round.” •Bo’Ness vs. Blantyre Albion Very tough opposition this weekend for Blantyre Albion, as they are up against Bo’Ness. Blantyre Albion currently sit top of the table in the Cutting Edge Engravers Championship 2, proving that they are an in form team. They will be up for an away day at Bo’Ness, who will be very tough opposition. •Bogarts vs. Overlee Partizans The Overlee Partizans have started the season in excellent fashion, regularly scoring more than 10 goals in the early goings of this year. They are on the road to Bogarts this weekend in the Sunday Trophy. This is a huge match for the club and one they will enjoy. They have been competing in many cup games this year, and as of yet, have not played a single game in the league. Overlee Partizans will be a dangerous team to come against, and they will look to prove that against Bogarts this weekend. •Calderside vs. Kilmarnock Supporters The excellent Calderside are going to be at home to Kilmarnock Supporters in the Sunday Trophy 3rd Round. The Sunday Central club are top of the Melheron Scaffolding Services Premier 3, and remain unbeaten in the league. They have been clinical in all forms of the game and they will be up for this one and hope to beat Kilmarnock Supporters and progress through to the next round. •Cambuslang Football Academy vs. The Bruce Arms / Westside This is a massive match coming up between Cambuslang Football Academy and either The Bruce Arms or Westside. The home club Cambuslang Football Academy are going to put last weekend behind them and focus on this huge match in the Sunday Trophy. They will hope to fly the flag for the Sunday Central League in this match and look to progress through to the next round. •Cranhill United vs. Torleys/Broxburn Sunday Central League club Cranhill United are in Sunday Trophy Round 3 action this weekend against Torleys or Broxburn. Despite not knowing their opponents at the moment, they will still be ready for a huge contest this weekend and they will be happy to be the home side going into this one, and will hope it will put them at an advantage. •Crownpoint United vs. Haldane United Two Sunday Central League clubs are going head to head in the Sunday Trophy. The home club is Crownpoint United, and they are up against Haldane United who are a league below. We know that when it comes to the magic of the cup, that the league form and positions go out of the window and it is all about the 90 minutes on the day. This is going to be a fiercely competitive match between two very good clubs and one that both clubs will be looking forward too. Haldane United have had excellent performances in the past couple of weeks and will want to validate that this weekend in the Sunday Trophy. I spoke to Ryan Neill of Haldane United, and he said, “We go into this weekend’s Scottish cup tie in great form even though our results might not have shown it. We have been creating lots of chances and just not been taking them. This will be a good test against crownpoint who are in the league above us. We are all looking forward to it.” •Dalry Tartan vs. East End Star The in form East End Star are on the road this weekend to Dalry Tartan and they will be well up for this contest. The Premier 3 side East End Star are going to be wanting to progress through to the next round of the Sunday Trophy. East End Star are currently in good form, and they will be proudly representing the Sunday Central League in cup action this weekend. I spoke to Sean Smith, manager of East End Star, and he said, “Lads are buzzing for the 3rd Round tie away in the Scottish all the lads will be up for it on Sunday. I hope we do our and play football the way we can and hope the result goes in our favour Mon the Eastend star. Also best of luck to the rest of the sunday central teams in still in the cup” •Dykehead vs. Castlemilk Dynamo Castlemilk Dynamo have been in dangerous form this season so far, coming off a 14-0 win over Rumours AFC last weekend, and they will be ready to continue their unbeaten league performances into the Sunday Trophy. Castlemilk Dynamo are on the road in the Sunday Trophy to Dykehead, and they will want to progress through to the next round. Castlemilk Dynamo’s Andrew Cunningham has been in inspired form, along with the rest of the team. They appear to be an excellent complete outfit, and they will be up for the Sunday Trophy game. •Eastwood Mearns vs. The Double 5 This weekend, Eastwood Mearns A are at home to The Double 5, a West Lothian outfit that will be tough competition in the Sunday Trophy. Eastwood Mearns have won both of their games to kick off this season, scoring 11 goals in two league games. Inspirational manager Steven Sharp’s players had a weekend off last weekend, but that did not stop him putting his players through their paces inside a gym to make them ready for this massive match. They will be up for this huge Sunday Trophy 3rd round cup tie. I spoke to Eastwood Mearns A manager Steven Sharp, and he said, “As I've said before the buzz of Scottish Cup week is always fantastic. Personally on this occasion I'm looking forward to it as we welcome opponents from my neck of the woods West Lothian so it's got that added edge for me. The buzz and atmosphere at training this week has been unreal and I've got a strong squad to pick from so from that point of view I'm delighted. Having watched The Double 5 I know they are a good side with some good individuals and it'll be a tough test but that's what I want, I want my players to be tested on a weekly basis and this week will be no different. All in all I can't wait and Sunday can't come quick enough.” •Haghill vs. Stables AFC The Sunday Central League club Haghill have been incredible form this year, winning both of their games in the top division. They have been clinical in front of goal, and will be up for this Sunday Trophy cup tie against Stables AFC. Haghill will be a team that are expected to be contenders for the Sunday Trophy, but they have a tough test in their way this weekend, when they have the visit of Stables AFC. I caught up with Paul Hughes, manager of in form Haghill, and he said, “Scottish cup weekend v stables from.the A&C afl we believe they are formed from the Rolling barrel afc who we know well and know will give us a very hard test our aim is to be in the hat come sunday night we no it will be a difficult game but hope our league form and having home advantage will see us progress”. •HSV vs. Bullfrog Sunday Trophy action the Sunday Central Club, HSV as they are the hosts to Bullfrog. I know little about Bullfrog, but I know that HSV will be ready for what is coming their way and will be prepared and hungry for the win. HSV have started the season well and will hope to progress through to the next round, should they beat Bullfrog. •Edinburgh Caledonian vs. East Lane This weekend, East Lane will be travelling to the capital, as they face Edinburgh Caledonian. They will know that this is going to be a tough test, and that Edinburgh Caledonian are going to be a good team, but they will be ready for it. East Lane have been in great form, and have been relentless in front of goal from the word go this season. The Sunday Trophy is a huge competition for the club, and they will want to make a great showing, and will hope to progress through to the next round of the cup. This is an exciting fixture for everyone at the club, and I am sure it will be an enjoyable away day. East Lane will hope superstar striker, Martin Sinclair is in top form, and can fire his team through to the next round of the cup. This week I spoke to East Lane, and they have said, “This weekend we want to remain focused and play our own game. Edinburgh Caledonian are a well established team let's hope our boys work hard for each other and hopefully get a good result” •Motherwell Villa vs. Drumchapel United Drumchapel United have proved every weekend this season they are a dangerous side, and a very good one. They are unbeaten in the top division of the Sunday Central, and that is not by accident. They picked up an excellent 7-1 win in the cup last weekend, against another previously unbeaten side. They are on the road to Motherwell Villa in the Sunday Trophy and will relish this challenge. I caught up with Drumchapel United this weekend, and they said, “Boys are buzzing for the Scottish this weekend. We will have to be at our best as our opposition have been banging in the goals in the last few weeks.” •Northend vs. MN United It’s Sunday Trophy time for Northend as they are at home to MN United, and they are going to be up for the challenge. The hosts have enjoyed a good start to the season, and will look to validate it against the Aberdeen based club, MN United. Northend are very good defensively, and will look to keep MN United out, and hope to progress through to the 4th round of Sunday Trophy. This week, I caught up with Frankie Carrick, manager of Northend, and he said, “Yeah that would be fine Ian we are at home this week in the Scottish cup against MN United from Aberdeen don’t know much about them but am hoping to have a full squad to pick from had injuries to two key players and I’ve added a couple of new additions this week so will be hoping for a good performance from the team as been hard losing our keeper and a defender from last seasons squad but added some quality so far” •PFD vs. Longstone United A home cup tie for PFD in the Sunday Trophy this weekend, as they are at home to Longstone United. PFD have been excellent in all competitions this season, and they will be excited about the visit. This is a major chance for PFD to progress through to the next round of the cup. •Rumours AFC vs. Highland Park The Sunday Central League club Rumours AFC will be excited for their home cup tie with Highland Park. They are going to be hoping for success and will work hard for a result against what is going to be a very good outfit. •Sauchie vs. Glasgow Irish Two Sunday Central League sides are set to do battle in the Sunday Trophy this weekend. The home club are Sauchie, a Premier League 3 outfit, that have been excellent in this cup competition so far, and they are going to be hosting Glasgow Irish, a team that sit the place above them in the same league. With not a lot separating the two clubs at all, with Glasgow Irish just having 1 point more in the same division, this will be an even cup contest in the Sunday Trophy. Both teams will want to progress through to the Sunday Trophy 4th round. I managed to speak to Sauchie this week, and they said, “Sauchie are at home to Glasgow Irish be a tough game but sure my guys will be up for it” •Sporting Pumas vs. Wishaw Wycombe Wanderers The Sporting Pumas can celebrate incredible league form, not just this season, but their unbeaten season in the league last year. They are set for a tough test this Sunday, as they host the excellent Wishaw Wycombe Wanderers. The two clubs will be hungry for the win in the Sunday Trophy and hope to progress through to the next round. It is all to play for, and I am sure the Sporting Pumas are excited ahead of this cup tie. Mulheron Scaffolding Services Premier 1 •East End Tower vs. Eastfield Star With most teams in cup action this weekend, it is just East End Tower and Eastfield Star in Premier 1 action this weekend, and both sides will see this as an advantage in the early stages of the season. It’s to early to say anything about league form for the two clubs as they have only played one league game each, but one thing for sure is that both teams will look to make a statement this weekend for when the league returns to full swing. The two excellent clubs will be up for this contest and will hope to register three points at the end of this week. Mulheron Scaffolding Services Premier 2 •Glasgow Rovers vs. Budhill United Budhill United have started their season very well this year and will take a lot of confidence into this game from their recent performances. They are on the road this weekend to a tough side in Glasgow Rovers. Despite a tough start to the season, Glasgow Rovers have appointed a new manager this week, the excellent David Ramsay, who will be being real passion, energy and hunger to his new side. Glasgow Rovers will view this as another chance, and they can start the season fresh from this weekend, at home to a brilliant Budhill United side. This will be an exciting match for both clubs, one that could go either way. I spoke to David Ramsay, the new manager of Glasgow Rovers, and he said, “I've just took over the team this week so Sunday is my first game in charge. But I'm looking to quickly put my stamp on a team that are in a transitional period and start picking up valuable points against tough opponents Budhill. The boys will need to gel quickly and hit the ground running if we want to start climbing the table and push for promotion which is our aim for the season. I'm looking forward to working with the team and hopefully it's the start of something we can all be proud of.” •Rutherglen Rovers vs. Brunswick An excellent league game is in store for us as Rutherglen Rovers will play hosts to Brunswick. Rutherglen Rovers have started the season well and will hope to continue that this weekend, but they are up against very tough opposition in Brunswick. Brunswick have been exceptional this season in the league, only conceding 1 goal in their opening 2 games and scoring 7, meaning they have claimed maximum points from their opening games. Brunswick superstar Jamie Cairns has been in excellent form picking up multiple man of the match awards as well as important goals for his club, and will be a major threat this weekend. Rutherglen Rovers will be up for the tough test, and a great match is set to be in store for us! I spoke to Rutherglen Rovers, assistant manager, Raymond Brady, and he said, "We are due a good result after our performances in the last few weeks so we are looking forward to this one. We have played Brunswick a few times before, they are a good side but if we put in a good performance we are confident we can take the 3 points" Mulheron Scaffolding Services Premier 3 •Red Stars Baagrade vs. Carluke Victoria Two teams that have had a very similar start to life in Premier 3 this year are the two clubs in action this Sunday. Both clubs will be up for this contest, an added bonus being there aren’t many teams in league action this weekend, and both teams will want to have the advantage and momentum on their side when all of the teams return to league action. •Rosehill Thistle vs. Gorbals United Another match in this division for teams that have started similarly this year so far, but will Rosehill Thistle flying high. They picked up an excellent win before hand meaning they sit second in the table. Gorbals United are our and hungry for that first win of the season in the league and they will be wanting it to come this bonfire night. Rosehill Thistle have been clinical in front of goal this year having scored 11 from their opening to goals, Gorbals United will hope to silence the free scoring and excellent Rosehill Thistle. Cutting Edge Engravers Championship 1 •Glenmill Thistle vs. Provanmill Thistle As the two Thistles collide this weekend, they will know that not a lot separates the two sides, besides 1 point. Excluding the 1 point they have had almost the same starts to the season. The two clubs will know this is a big chance to beat a team around them and to progress up the Championship 1 table. •EastEnd Rovers vs. Weir Recreation A tough match in the Championship 1 coming up for both of these excellent teams. The two clubs have started this season in great style and they will both be ready and wanting to push onto the next step of the ladder. EastEnd Rovers currently sit 3rd in the table, and just 1 point ahead of their visitors Weir Recreation. Weir Recreation will be hungry to get back in action and back on the park this Sunday. Both clubs are going to be serious contenders, and will hope to be near the top at the business of the season. This is going to be exceptional game and I hope to bring you lots of coverage after the match on this game. I managed to speak to Weir Recreation this week, and they have said, “Buzzing to get back playing again after having a bye in the league cup last week. Eastend are a good team and they had a great result against the league leaders so we should be in for a difficult game. Hopefully it stays dry so the game is on” I also managed to speak to Stephen Hill of EastEnd Rovers, and he said, “Going into the match with Weir Recreation off the back of a number of good results so far this season and we will be hoping to keep pushing up the table. Expecting a tough match but the boys are in good spirit and we are expecting to have plenty of competition for places with some fresh faces coming back from injury and training well this week.” •New Stevenson United vs. Vale Rangers After a tough start to the season, with a lot of matches that could have gone either way for Vale Rangers, who never seemed to get that element of luck, changed that around when they picked up and excellent win in the League Cup last weekend. They played a good side and picked up an incredibly important victory, that will give them tremendous confidence going into this weekend. New Stevenson United will be the home side in their way, and will hope they can continue a good start to the season this weekend by picking up three vital points. Cutting Edge Engravers Championship 2 •Kilsyth Rovers vs. Bengal Lancers This is going to be exciting game in Championship 2, and high flying Kilsyth Rovers will be looking forward to this encounter. They have been excellent at the start of the season, and currently sit second placed in the table. Bengal Lancers are a side that have proven that they should never be counted out, and you must never switch off against the Lancers. They have had multiple games this season, in which they have come back from behind to win a game, most notably, when they were losing 3-1 with 15 minutes to go, and they came back to win the game, 4-3. Kilsyth Rovers will be aware of the threat, and Colin Hughes will have prepared his men correctly for this match, and they will hope to continue an excellent run of games. I managed to speak to Colin Hughes, manager of Kilsyth Rovers, and he said, “We are looking to bounce back after our defeat in the cup last weekend, but, being able to take a lot of positives from our performance against Calderside, I hope we can take it into the game this sunday and get the points” •Rutherglen Burgh vs. South Lanarkshire Ravens Two clubs with barely anything between them, Rutherglen Burgh and South Lanarkshire Ravens have just a point that separates them both, and they are next to each other in the table. The two clubs are going to be up for this contest, Rutherglen Burgh have scored 11 goals this year, conceding 9, and South Lanarkshire Ravens have scored 3 conceding 4, suggesting a contrasting set of styles going into the match, but all know this does not mean anything on the day of the game. When the game came comes round it all hinges on the 90 minutes of the game. •Broadwood Clyde vs. Glasgow Star It seems as though Broadwood Clyde have hit their best as of late, having had a tough start, but many people saying they performed fantastically during them games, and as of late they have found their best form. Broadwood Clyde have won their last few games, looking as though they are stringing wins together. Glasgow Star have started the season, and they currently sit third in the table, and haven’t lost in either of their two opening games. Glasgow Star are three points behind top of the table and have a game in hand on first and second, therefore this is an excellent start and a massive opportunity to claim top spot in Championship 2. •Bardykes Rovers vs. Wellhouse This will be an excellent match between two good clubs in Championship 2, and two clubs that are looking to kickstart their season, and put together a string of wins. Bardykes Rovers, who have had a tough game last time out to top of the table, will be looking to get back to winning ways, and to continue their rise up the table. Wellhouse are going to be looking to pick up their first win of the season, and turning their season around. They will want to treat this weekend as a fresh start and looking to come out hungry to win this one. Wellhouse are a good side, and will be looking forward to play in this one and travel to Bardykes Rovers. This week I spoke to Wellhouse, and they said, “This weekend we are away to Bardyke rovers. We have never met before so they are totally unknown to us. But we go there knowing that if our midfield and strikers play as well as they have been. Then we will give them a game. Brian laing was back to form in defence last weekend and if we defend as a unit. Then hopefully we can get the 3 points and start moving up the league.” Cutting Edge Engravers Championship 3 •Airdrie Albion vs. Glasgow Athletic Two teams that have started the season in very similar fashion this weekend, and Airdrie Albion and Glasgow Athletic just have a point separating them, and have both had great starts. They are going to try and push for a win this weekend, as it will have massive impacts at the business end of the season. This is in an interesting game that can go either way, and one I am looking forward too. •Colquhoun United vs. Summerston Amateurs Another close game, in the fantastic Sunday Central League and once again, only a point separates them. Colquhoun United have played just 1 game in the league, and therefore both clubs are hoping that the massive win in this match would be important for both of clubs. Summerston Amateurs have a very good side, and will be expecting to have key and star players returning this weekend. I caught up with Summerston Amateurs and they have said, “Yeah we treat the next game as the biggest game of the season so this weeks no different we've improved from a bad defeat on our first game and will be looking to take all 3 points” •Queenslie vs. Eastwood Mearns B Eastwood Mearns B are on the road this weekend, and they have the tough test of Queenslie, a team that have been excellent this season. Eastwood Mearns B are going to be looking for a change of fortunes this weekend, and Queenslie are sitting second in the table. Queenslie are three points behind top of the table East Lane, and they are going to be hoping for three points this weekend. Queenslie are going to be up for this game, and they know it will be a tough match, and an excellent contest.