Sunday Central Preview: A huge weekend in the league, top of the table clashes and an interview with

I managed to speak to Colin Hughes, the manager of Kilsyth Rovers and he should be proud of his side this season. They have been delightful. The club have been excellent start and the brilliant Colin Hughes will be looking forward to this weekend. Without me rattling on further, I am sure you would rather here what Colin Hughes has to say, be sure to follow us on twitter, @__SportCentral and enjoy the preview. Interview with Colin Hughes 1 An excellent start to the season Colin, Kilsyth Rovers have been excellent, how are the current end of season goals? Yeah, it’s been a great start for us, wee slip up with last weeks result, however, only 1 point off top so, wasn’t too damaging to our aspersions for the league, which was our main aim at the start of the season 2 What’s the atmosphere like the Kilsyth Rovers camp? Generally, atmosphere is very good. Bit down after last weeks result, but, we know we have the squad to bounce back quickly, which I’m more than confident we will. 3 If you could compare yourself to any manager, who would it be and why? Not really sure I would compare myself to another manager, as I am still learning myself, just trying to be myself. 4 What has been your proudest moment as the manager of Kilsyth Rovers? Last season was a tough season, as we were a very young team playing amateur football for the first time, and I think gaining our first(and only) point of last season against a very good side. 5 How does the day of the game go for you as manager, what is the routine? Erm... I don’t really have much of a routine, I’ll get up in the morning, have a shower and stuff, but then I’ll sort the water bottles for the game, pack the car up, head to the venue and set the kits out, that’s about it really! 6 When your days of management are done, how would you want to football community to remember Colin Hughes? I would like to hope that people remember that I helped get young lads off the street and back onto the football field. 7 You have played at many venues, but where is the best away day you have had with Kilsyth Rovers? Being honest, my away days as Kilsyth Rovers manager haven’t gone well, however, I do enjoy traveling to play South Lanarkshire Ravens, since our team formed, they have been such good friends to us. 8 If you could give any bit of advice to a young footballer, coming through the ranks, what would it be? Stick at it. If any sort of opportunity arises for them, go for it, nothing to lose, and never know if/when that opportunity would arise again. 9 Sporting Hero? Being a goalkeeper growing up, I had two idols, David Seaman and Robert Douglas, they wasn’t the greatest keepers in the world, but, to me, they were honest In what they did and that’s why I looked up to them. 10 Goal for the season, and beyond? Ultimately our goal is to go on and win the league, I feel we are more than capable of doing so. Would also, for the future, like a run in the Sunday Trophy, past two seasons we have fallen at the first hurdle so would like to improve on that. 11 Which team do you support? Being born in Manchester, I support Manchester City( yes... even before the Arab money) but with my family being from Dundee, I support Dundee FC also 12 Dream signing, who would it be? For Kilsyth Rovers? Seen as we only have one keeper, I’d like to sign Ederson from Man City, we need a back up for our keeper Aidan! 13 Quickest Player in Kilsyth Rovers? Ooooo that’s a tough one... it’s between Steven Armstrong or Jordan Taggart I think. 14 Worst Dress Sense in Kilsyth Rovers? I would have to say none really have a bad dress sense tbh! 15 Who tells the jokes in the club? There are a few funny lads in the team, couldn’t choose one! 16 Who plays the music before the game? Daniel Whyte appears to bring the speaker so I would say him, although not very good tunes (sorry Din 😭) 17 Which of the three people would you want to be stuck on a desert island with? I’m going to be boring and say my wife, rosie, and my son Fraser, and Russell Howard, as he is just too funny! Could never get bored of him. 18 If you won the lottery, what would be the first thing you would buy? A KFC! 19 What series are you currently watching on Netflix? I don’t have Netflix! 20 What is the perfect day in the life of Colin Hughes? Just seeing my wife and son happy, that’s all that matters to me. 21 If you could have personally witness anything or been at any event, what would it have been? (One football, one outside of football?) I have witnessed a few things in my life, but being a Man City supporter, I’d have liked to have been at Old Trafford when we beat Man Utd 6-1! Outside of football, I like history, so I think it would have been interesting to be in Dallas on the day JFK was assassinated, but of history that still has unanswered questions and maybe could help if I was around Sunday Trophy >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.” Premier 1 >Castlemilk Dynamo vs. Eastfield Star The excellent Castlemilk Dynamo are at home to Eastfield Star in the Premier 1, and the home club have been exceptional. Castlemilk Dynamo have scored countless goals, and almost a hundred goals this season in all competitions. Their whole squad have been awesome, and will hope stars such as Andrew Cunningham will continue his fantastic form. Eastfield Star will know this is going to be a tough game, but they will be looking forward to it this contest and will give it their all. This will be an exciting game. >Drumchapel United vs. Overlee Partizans This will be first game of the league campaign this season for the brilliant Overlee Partizans who have been excellent in the cup competitions they have competed in, and on many occasions scoring over 10 goals. But they will be looking forward to starting their league campaign, and adding an dynamic to an already exciting league. Drumchapel United however are a very in form side and have started very well in both the league and the cup competitions, scoring many goals themselves and ensuring maximum points in the league at this point. They have been excellent all season long and will be excited for this massive fixture between Drumchapel United and Overlee Partizans! I spoke to Drumchapel United, and they have said, “We return to league action this weekend after a couple of weeks of cup games. Probably our biggest test of the season so far going up against last season's champions Overlee Partizans. A challenge the boys are looking forward to.” >Haghill vs. EastEnd Tower Two unbeaten clubs are set to go head to head this weekend, as Haghill are hosting EastEnd Tower. The clubs have been in exceptional form. They are first and third, but they have played two and won two, with EastEnd Tower scoring 14 goals in their two opening games. Haghill have scored 8 from their two games, and both clubs have only conceding a goal per game. This is a match that can’t be called until the 90 minutes are up. This is going to be an incredible game between two excellent teams. This will not only have massive implications on not just this stage of the season, but the business end of the season and can have a major effect on the title race. This is going to be amazing game. spoke to Paul Hughes of Haghill, and he has said, "Home match against league leaders east end tower who are flying just now every game in the premier will be difficult this season with everyone out to beat one another. we hope to continue our good form but wont be taking anything for granted east end are top for a reason.couple of injuries to key players gives us a bit of a headache but the squad has some depth so hopefully some other players will step up. We look forward to the game as always should be a cracker" >Polonia Glasgow vs. Northend There is nothing the separate the two clubs as they both sit on the same amount of points, and similar starts of the season. Polonia Glasgow are going to be up for the challenge this weekend, and they will be ready for the visit of Northend. Northend were exceptional in their victory last weekend, showing real talent and a side that has come together! The club are going to up the challenge this weekend, they are going to be ready to travel to Polonia Glasgow. I spoke to Frankie Carrick, manager of Northend, and he said, “We go into the game full of confidence after a good solid performance on sunday in the Scottish cup but this will be a tougher game against good opposition am hoping to have a full squad to choose from and hope we take our resent form into this match and continue to get points on the board in the league” >Cranhill United vs. Crownpoint United Two clubs in the Sunday Central Premier 1, Cranhill United and Crownpoint United and they are on the hunt for their first wins of the season. Both clubs will know what an occasion this is, the clubs will know the importance of the game, and that it can have a massive impact on the way the league will shape up at the business end of the season. Premier 2 >Brunswick vs. Glasgow Rovers A very tough game for the visitors, Glasgow Rovers as they tackle Brunswick, a brilliant in form team in Premier 2. Brunswick have started the season in brilliant fashion and seem to be on a roll. They will hope to continue their fine form against Glasgow Rovers. Rovers have a passionate boss, David Ramsay who’s looking to turn their season around. This is going to be a great game and a close one for sure. I spoke to David Ramsay of Glasgow Rovers, and they said, “We travel through to falkirk this weekend to take on one of the favourites for the title Brunswick. It's gonna take a big performance to get something from the game against a well organised outfit. After last week's defeat the boys are itching to get back on the pitch and battle it out again. Although we lost last week there was a 30 minute spell in that game when we dominated and came back from 4-1 down to level the score with some quality football. A lack of options on the bench and a daft sending off ultimately cost us the points. Lots of positives to take from my first game in charge and with a few new faces added to the squad this week im sure the boys will give it a right good go.” >Rutherglen Rovers vs. Haldane United The away club Haldane United are going to be on the road this weekend and looking to pick up their first win of the season against a good Rutherglen Rovers side. Rutherglen Rovers have a win to their name but will hope to double that this weekend in their home game. This match could go either way, and with two clubs looking to pick up the win, and climb the ladder. >Sporting Pumas vs. Castlemilk United The unbeaten and excellent Sporting Pumas have been on fire not just this year, but the year before. Sporting Pumas spent last season’s league campaign without losing a game, and they have done the same this year in Premier 2. They are in form side and they do not want to end their streak this weekend, but they know that their match against Castlemilk United will be a tough one. United are on the road and will be ready to try and pick up the all important three points, and ruin the Sporting Pumas party. Premier 3 >Cambuslang Football Academy vs. Glasgow Irish Two clubs are on the hunt for their first win in the league campaign this weekend, they are going to both be up for this challenge. Glasgow Irish are a good side and they have bolstered their side recently and will hope they can pick up the win on the road to Cambuslang Football Academy. The Football Academy have picked up a draw last weekend, but they are up two very good side that are going to be up for an exciting contest. >Carluke Victoria vs. PFD Away club PFD have been fantastic this season, they have picked up a win to kick off their league campaign and will be ready for the upcoming game against Carluke Victoria. PFD’s manager John Monaghan will be looking forward to this weekend, but they know it will be a tough game against Carluke Victoria. Carluke Victoria are looking for their first win of the season, and they will be up for the contest. >Rosehill Thistle vs. Calderside The unbeaten and high flying Calderside are on the road this weekend to Rosehill Thistle. They have been in good goal scoring form, but they will know that they are up against a tough test this weekend, against high flying Calderside. Calderside will hope to continue their unbeaten run at the top of the table. >Gorbals United vs. EastEnd Star The away club EastEnd Star, have been playing well and have started well in the league. They are on the road to Gorbals United, who are currently in third place. They are a good side and they have both won, drew and lost this weekend, and they are going to be hoping for the three points this weekend. This is an important game for both sides. I spoke to Sean Smith of EastEnd Star, and he said, “The lads can’t wait to get back to league action this weekend after a tough away day in the Scottish. But we will be up for the game on Sunday with Midfielder Marc Armstrong back into the team after missing the Scottish last week.” >Sauchie vs. Red Staars Baagrade An excellent win for Sauchie last weekend in the Sunday Trophy, winning 5-1, and they will be delighted. They will hope to take the form from the Sunday Trophy tie, and translate that into wins in Premier 3. Red Staars Baagrade are an excellent team and they currently sit second in the Premier 3 and will be ready and for this clash. A brilliant game coming up! I spoke to Sauchie, and they said, “we are at home to red star baa grade in league match , hoping to build on last weeks victory. Be another test for the lads . But we will be up for the it” Championship 1 >EK Athletic vs. Eastwood Mearns This is going to be a brilliant match between two good sides, sitting top and second in the table. The two clubs have been in excellent form, and Eastwood Mearns are coming off an excellent victory in the Sunday Trophy over the West Lothian outfit. Manager Steven Sharp was delighted and is ready for this weekend. EK Athletic have a very strong side and they know this is going to be an excellent match that could go either way. EK Athletic did not have a game last weekend, so they will be rested and ready to go this weekend, and will hope to come out on top. This is a massive game in the Championship 1, the two clubs will be excited for the challenge, and being involved in a big game, such as this. I spoke to EK Athletic this weekend and they have said, “Big six pointer this Sunday against an inform Eastwood mearns. The boys are ready to go and focused on getting the three points to maintain top spot.” I also spoke to East Kilbride Athletic captain Ben Wilson, and he said, “We've prepared well and had a very good start. I think the boys would admit themselves the past couple of results arent good enough for a team of our quality. We havent hit our top gear yet but we're very focused on improving our performances and building on the strong team spirit we have.” spoke to Steven Sharp, manager of Eastwood Mearns A and he said, “With us being a brand new club every competitive game has had a sort of cup final edge to it and this weekend is no different. EK are sitting at top of the league and a very well organised side so we know just how difficult it'll be but as always we look to the challenge at hand and take it one step at a time. We've had some great results lately but as much as they were enjoyable they are in the past now and we need to look at what we need to do to get another 3 points on the board.” I also managed to speak to many of the Eastwood Mearns A players, and they have said… >Chris Stewart's views How are you finding life at Eastwood Mearns AFC? It’s been a real difference coming from an u19 squad it's team full of different ages, experience and abilities what I have found very helpful to improve my game and others round me. The coach’s and back ground staff are all very professional and organised from injuries, preparation, training to game day. The fact that we only started in April from the first day we have grown from a few lads to 2 teams is incredible and can only go on to grow into bigger and better things. Thoughts on the last few weeks in terms of preparation, results etc? The last few weeks have been what we have been working in from my first training session to play fast, smart and attractive football. We went up against a very well known and set up Weirs team that we all knew would be our toughest game yet and we didn’t hide from it and not one player didn’t give 110% and came out very convincing winners. Next up was Glenmil Thistle in the League Cup missing a few key players for the game wasn’t the best preparation but due to the depth of the time and quality many boys were able to step In and fill the places and give management some food for thought on future teams. The game overall was a very sloppy at times conceding goals we normally wouldn’t. But on the attack we were slick and fast moving leaving their defence all over the place and creating spaces were we punished them and managed to score 6 on the night. The Double 5 were up next for us in the Scottish Cup and for this we had our strongest team available. For Sharpy most of all this was a very important game as it was a team from his area. We all met for breakfast and discussed on how we were all feeling and our tactics to get the best out of our players and limit chances of The Double 5 could create. The preparation was key for every individual to know their part and responsibilities and it payed very key. We had the majority of the the chances early on and were unlucky only to go into the second half with a narrow lead. Second half our class with and on off the ball to go further ahead, and if The Double 5 didn’t make some tactical booking the final score would have been much more. A 4-1 win and into the next round against a very good team was a good days work. Thoughts on this weekends top of the table clash? Being a newly formed team we can only go by a teams results and previous years tables so we are going in to the unknown a little. The thought of a top of the league clash gets everybody’s pulses raised and I’m sure is going to be a fast, physical and attractive football game by both teams and hopefully we are able to keep up our good run of form and keep are winning record in the league going. >Kieran Mullen's views How are you finding life at Eastwood Mearns AFC? Things at Mearns have got off to a flyer, when you join a new team it’s difficult to predict how quickly it will all piece together but look at our results so far, we’ve really gelled quickly and turned it on. last 32 of the Scottish cup, undefeated in the league, some of the football we’ve played is a joy to be a part of and hopefully that will carry on throughout the year. Thoughts on the last few weeks in terms of preparation, results etc? We’ve played some really good teams in last few weeks and come out on top. Think we shocked everyone by romping Weirs 6-1 and in training the boys are working hard all the time to improve and ensure that level becomes the norm for us. Sharpy has us focused on one game at a time, and the next one is Sunday, focus on EK and then we can start focusing on whoever’s next Thoughts on this weekends top of the table clash? Be a tough game no doubt they’ve had a really good start to the season but we’re playing well And we’ve got nothing to fear. We’ve had some great results away from home already this season and we’ve prepared well for this one. Overall feeling is confident, can’t underestimate any of the teams in this league but we’re a team high on confidence and we believe we can beat anyone on our day. >Paul Kerr's views How are you finding life at Eastwood mearns? I have played for a couple of amateur teams through the south of Glasgow and I believe that Eastwood mearns are building something special, I am very happy with how much the club has moved in the small time we have been together and am looking forward to future ahead. Thoughts on last weeks preparation, result etc? As said we do things a bit different at Eastwood Mearns for our Scottish Cup tie the gaffer organised a team breakfast and meeting at a local hotel where we not only had a laugh as a team but got an understanding of our opponent and what was expected of us on the day. From having these great team bonding experiences I believe we have came together as a club and thats why we have such positive results in recent matches. Thoughts on the top of the league clash? Having a look at Ek athletic's recent results I know this is going to be a tough and hard-fought out game. As a player I am relishing this game as it is an opportunity for the Mearns to show we mean serious business. We are not in the league to make up the numbers, we are here to make a statement and on Sunday we hope to get three points and let our name be known. >Glenmill Thistle vs. Eastend Rovers Two clubs with just 1 point to separate them, as Glenmill Thistle are hosting EastEnd Rovers. Glenmill Thistle, picked up their first win of the league campaign last weekend, an excellent win, scoring 9 goals in an excellent win. They are going to be in form and ready for the upcoming game and hpoe to take positives and continue their momentum. EastEnd Rovers had a tough day out on Sunday against a good side, but it is a new week, and a new game, and it can go either way. I managed to speak to Stephen Hill of EastEnd Rovers and he said, “The lads have been counting down the days to our next game after a poor show in the 2nd half last week, which seen us concede 6 sloppy goals. Great turnout at training and all the boys worked hard and identified where we need to improve. We know this week will be a tough tie against Glenmill who picked up a great result last week but we are ready to take the challenge head on and prove ourselves as a contender in this league.” >HSV vs. Vale Rangers Vale Rangers will be up for this challenge, they have come close every weekend, and they are going to be up for this contest. HSV have played just one game in the league, but it was a win, and you can only play to what is front of you. This will be a great game, and it could go either way. >New Stevenson United vs. Rumours AFC The host New Stevenson United are going to be up for their battle with Rumours AFC this weekend. They know it will be tough, and Rumours AFC will be up this one on the road. New Stevenson United have started the season well, and will hope to continue that run of form this Sunday. >Provanmill Thistle vs. Weir Recreation It has been a tough start to the year for Provanmill Thistle, they will want to pick up a win in this one, to hope to begin a run of games. Weir Recreation are coming off an exceptional victory in the league, and the in form club are back on the road to Provanmill Thistle. They will be confident after their excellent display last weekend, and will be hoping for three money points. They know it is not going to be easy, a great match is in store for us all. I spoke to Weir Recreation this week, and they have said, “As always we are looking forward to our game on Sunday. Provanmill asked for the tie to be reversed and we were happy to oblige. We are still suffering from a few injuries but the boys available are right up for it. Hopefully get another 3 points in the board!” Championship 2 >Blantyre Albion vs. Bengal Lancers Bengal Lancers earned a reputation as the comeback kings in recent weeks, but last week, they picke dup a convincing victory. They have been in excellent form, and will want to continue the form, as they are on the road to Blantrye Albion, the side that sit second in the table. Blantyre labion are unbeaten in the league so far, winning two and drawing one, and will be ready for another challenge this weekend, in a match that can go either way. >Broadwood Clyde vs. Bardykes Rovers The home club Broadwood Clyde look to have hit their best form, and they not let last weekend's result change that. They will hope to get back on track, and hope to pick up an important win. Bardykes Rovers have been excellent in the league however, and currently sit in third place, and will be ready to go in this match. >Glasgow Star vs. South Lanarkshire Ravens Top of the table, Glasgow Star are unbeaten and are playing brilliantly, scoring 13 goals in their first 3 games! They are at home this weekend, to the South Lanarkshire Ravens, who have had a steady start too, they are just three points behind league leaders Glasgow Star, in a very tight league, at this point, a win can dramatically change your league position. >Kilsyth Rovers vs. Rutherglen Burgh The clubs are level on points and there is not a lot separating the two clubs. Kilsyth Rovers have started the season in great fashion, and Colin Hughes' men will be up for this contest against Rutherglen Burgh. Rutherglen Burgh will know they are going to be in a tough contest against Kilsyth Rovers. Both clubs will want the win, as it will give them an advantage over the other in the league, it may be vital when we get to the business end of the season. I spoke to Colin Hughes, manager of Kilsyth Rovers, and they have said, “We go into sunday on the back of 2 defeats, and we are needing to put that right against Rutherglen Burgh, however we know it won’t be easy as they have built a very good squad, who will be coming into this game on the back of a great result. We welcome back our goalkeeper from injury, a massive boost for us, looking forward to it” >Newmains United vs. Wellhouse Two teams that have had a tough run of games, for Wellhouse, but they will be ready and hungry to turn that around, and come out of the blocks well. The hosts, Nemains United have had a mixed start having won, drawn and lost in their first three games, they will be hoping to pick up a win, and to put together a run of wins. This is a big game for both clubs. I managed to speak to Wellhouse this weekend, and they have said, “We are away again this week to newmains. And again we are expecting a tough game. Last week was s hard one for us. But this weekend we are looking to put that behind us and hopefully put on a better display. Again we are missing a few key players. But the team we go with will hopefully be good enough to kickstart our season” Championship 3 >Eastwood Mearns B vs. Airdrie Albion Last weekend, Eastwood Mearns B put up an excellent fight, against in form Queenslie, and they have a lot of confidence to take into this match with Airdrie Albion, as they will hope for the first win of the season. Airdrie Albion have started the season well, and will know that this will be a tricky trip away to Eastwood Mearns. >Glasgow Athletic vs. East Lane Two unbeaten clubs, go head to head. Neither Glasgow Athletic or East Lane have lost a league game this season, with Glasgow Athletic playing 3, drawing 2, winning 1, and East Lane all three of their three games to start the season. They both go into this game with confidence running high, and top of the table East Lane, will be hungry for this one, after a difficult cup tie in the capital, despite result, playing brilliantly and have a lot to be proud of and a lot of positives to take with them. East Lane have scored 19 goals and conceded just 3 goals in their opening 3 games, a very impressive start, showing how clinical they have been in front of goal. This will be an excellent game in Championship 3. I spoke to East Lane and they have said, “This Sunday we're through in Milton to play against Glasgow Athletic. After we were knocked out of the Scottish Cup despite playing excellent we're looking to keep that same momentum as we return back to league games. We had plenty of opportunities last week and this weekend we just need to be more clinical in our finishing; the pressure is on this week for our keeper and defence, we lacked a certain control at the back and we need to put those errors to bed and to remain in the past. For our forwards we need to understand that we shouldn't need ten attempts to score one goal so let's make the most of the possession and attacks that we crate and really test Glasgow Athletic this week.” >Nethercraigs vs. Colquhoun United The home side, Nethercraigs will be up for this game, they have started well, winning 2 out of 3 in the league to kick things off. They are at home with weekend to Colquhoun United, a team who earned an excellent draw last weekend, and they will be hungry for their first win of the season. They will hope that it comes this weekend against Nethercraigs. I spoke to Nethercraigs this weekend, and they have said, "Looking forward to getting back to it as had a free week last week. Colquhoun had a decent draw againt summerston last so i no they will b looking to improve on that. We are under no illusions as we no it will be a tough game but our players are fit and ready for the challenge ahead. This is a tough league with some decents teams but we will keep our heads focused on the tasks each week and hopfully challenge at the top." >Queenslie vs. Summerston Amateurs Big good game is in store for us in Championship 3 this weekend. Queenslie have been in good form, and currently sit second in the table and their form has been excellent. Last weekend, they were in an excellent game with Eastwood Mearns, and edge out winners. Summerston Amateurs are coming off a 2-2 draw, and will be ready for this game to get underway. I spoke to Summerston Ams and they have said, “We'll need to work hard and be on our A game and totally focused last 2 game's we've been putting in a good performance and not getting the results we feel we deserve Sunday hopefully we get the performance and the result to match it”