Hugh Dunnit previews the big West Of Scotland All GCFA Cup match between Rhu Colts and Woodbank FC

AlonA Hotel West of Scotland Amateur Cup Round 2

The AlonA Hotel West of Scotland Amateur Cup provides the stage for an intriguing second-round clash on October 18th, as RHU COLTS host WOODBANK AFC.

Kick-off is set for 10:00am at Ardenconnel park in what will mark the first competitive meeting between these two sides in this season.

The interesting thing about this match is that both these Sat morning sides have drawn each other in the national competition.

The good thing for the GCFA is that one of these teams will have their name in the draw for the next round of the competition.

With both teams displaying wildly inconsistent recent form, supporters are gearing up for a potential cup classic where history offers no guide.

Inconsistent Colts Seek Cup Glory

RHU COLTS enter Saturday’s fixture riding a rollercoaster of results, reflected in their recent five-match record: two wins, two defeats, and a solitary draw. Their campaign has been a story of extreme highs and lows. While they demonstrated their scoring ability in securing crucial victories against Girdle Victoria AFC and ST MUNGO 21s, their defence has shown vulnerability, conceding four goals in a heavy 1-4 loss to Eaglesham AFC.

The Colts must address the leaks at the back if they hope to progress past the second hurdle. A strong midfield performance will be key to dominating possession and protecting a back line that has, at times, looked stretched.

Woodbank Edges Ahead on Form

Across the pitch, WOODBANK AFC presents an equally varied, yet perhaps marginally more convincing, profile. Their last five outings also yielded two wins, two losses, and a draw. Woodbank secured valuable victories against Drongan United AFC and THIRD LANARK AMATEURS, showing they possess the mettle to win tightly contested affairs.

However, defeats suffered against PGBC Amateurs and Forehill AFC indicate that, like the Colts, Woodbank struggles for week-to-week consistency. Coach’s focus will undoubtedly be on replicating the clinical finishing seen in their winning performances.

THE GAFFERS

🔮 The Grand Masters Meet: Previewing Kjorstad vs. Hay

A Clash of Titans in the Dugout

This weekend’s fixture between Rhu Colts and Woodbank FC has all the hallmarks of a classic, but the real drama won’t be happening on the pitch—it will be happening on the sidelines. We have a genuine clash of titans as two of the amateur game’s most seasoned managers, Jamie kjorstad and Brian Hay, lock horns for the first time.

No Room for Error

When you have this much experience in the two dugouts, you can throw the form book out the window. This fixture will be decided by fine margins. Expect both teams to be disciplined, well-drilled, and unwilling to give an inch.

Kjorstad will likely look to seize control, aiming to dominate the midfield early on and force the opponents to play the ball where they don’t want to. Hay, meanwhile, is famous for his defensive solidity, and his first instruction will undoubtedly be to keep things tight at the back—ensuring there are no easy goals conceded.

The Deciding Factor

The beauty of a managerial head-to-head like this is the potential for an unexpected move. Which manager is willing to roll the dice? We could see a masterstroke substitution late in the game, or a simple half-time team talk that proves to be the difference-maker.

Ultimately, the team that shows the most commitment, and who truly wants it more, will walk away with the victory. When the whistle blows, the question is simple: Will Kjorstad’s attack overcome Hay’s defense?

BIG GAME PLAYERS

🛡️ The Centre-Back vs. Striker Duel: A Clash of Wills

This is the ultimate one-on-one battle in the central channel of the pitch. It’s a contest between the foundation of the attack (Wallace) and the foundation of the defence ( Hay).

This intense battle might not just be about skill; it will also be about who wants it more. Which player—the tireless striker Shaun Wallace or the gritty defender Aiden Hay.

Who will blink first under pressure? That moment of weakness will likely be the moment the game is won or lost.

FORM PLAYERS

Hugh’s Prediction: A Slim Margin

Given the identical win/loss/draw records of both sides over their recent run of games, predicting a clear winner is exceptionally challenging. The match is expected to be closely fought, likely decided by a single moment of quality or a critical defensive error.

However, the slight momentum and overall quality displayed in their recent victories suggest WOODBANK AFC may hold a fractional advantage.

They are currently tipped as the narrow favourites, with a predicted win probability hovering around 55%.

This is a tie that could genuinely swing either way, but Woodbank’s ability to grind out a result might just see them through to the third round.