BT Womens Premier League Preview: Sirens hope to raise the alarm against Stirling County

This Sunday sees Stewartry Sirens take on Stirling County at Hobdell Pavilion in Castle Douglas at 2pm as the women in pink go in search of their first home victory.In the fourth round of the 2016/17 season, the Sirens are hoping to build on their first win against Ayr (33-46), while Stirling County are looking to secure their first triumph of the season despite playing away from home. This will not be an easy feat for Stirling, considering they have scored five points from three games and are therefore yet to get off the mark in the league table, placed at seventh, while Stewartry are currently fourth following their bonus point win.Stewartry were promoted last season following their success in the BT Women’s National League Division 1 and finishing second behind Ayr in the table with 54 points; 11 wins from 14.Sandy Currie, Stewartry Head Coach, spoke about their promotion: “Before the season started we knew exactly how much of a step up we were making.We played Hillhead Jordanhill in the Sarah Beaney Cup and were well aware of how difficult the BT Women’s Premier League would be. That said, the team aren’t scared of hard work and know how much effort is required to get them up to speed.”They are a hugely motivated bunch and there is a big focus on increasing fitness levels and on developing both the physical and mental skills required to play at the highest level.”Currie also reflected on their first win of the season: “Ayr are a team we know well and games against them are a good gauge of progress. It was encouraging to see everyone’s individual skills improving alongside the structure and style of play displayed as a team.This gives us a really good platform to work from and we will push on from there to our game against Stirling. If we play to our strengths, I am fully confident the result will go our way at the weekend.”Elsewhere, Melrose are set to host their first game of the season against Ayr.In the central belt, last year’s champions Murrayfield Wanderers travel to Hillhead for an exciting clash, with Wandies hoping to defeat the current table-toppers and maintain their position at the top end of the table.RHC Cougars also host Cartha Queen’s in the capital and aim to continue their winning streak to boost their season’s potential, as they currently sit second in the table behind Hillhead.