DESPITE this week’s snow flurries, tomorrow’s Greenock v Yoker match at Ravenscraig should go ahead at the third time of asking.
Earlier attempts to play the fixture in December, and then again earlier this month, were thwarted by the weather.
But Greenock boss Martin Campbell says the pitch is looking in fine condition, and there should be no worries of a third postponement.
This is a second-round tie in the West of Scotland Cup, but it won’t be the last time the sides meet this season.
They have still to face each other again in the league, also at Ravenscraig, in a match which could well be even more important than tomorrow’s clash.
Greenock are still seeking to secure their status in the Super League for another season, but on paper at least Yoker look to be in an even more precarious position.
A magnificent run in the Scottish Cup, which only ended last week with a 3-2 defeat to Linlithgow Rose in the quarter-finals, has meant the Holm Park men have only played 14 of their league games, with 12 to come, compared to Greenock’s five.
Yoker will look to use the fixtures backlog to escape the relegation zone, where they currently lie in third bottom place.
For tomorrow, though, it’s a place in the third round of the West of Scotland Cup that’s at stake.
Greenock go into the match without skipper Tam Jamieson, who is assisting at an SFA coaching seminar for those who work with youth teams.
The injured Barri Stanton also misses out, and an ankle injury to keeper Mark Monk will see Ryan McWilliams in goal once again, hoping to continue his recent impressive performances between the sticks. Jamie Cunning should make the game, with the stitches he required following a nasty cut in last week’s match at Neilston due to come out today.
And experienced amateur player Tam McQuilken looks set to get another sub outing at least.
Meanwhile, manager Campbell has been singing the praises of Ryan Begley for his outstanding displays since returning from a bad injury.
The big defender, a PE teacher at a high school in Greenock, had a nightmare start to the campaign when he broke his collar bone in a pre-season friendly.
It took months for him to recover, but Campbell has been very happy with Begley’s form since he returned to action at the turn of the year.
He said: “I am very impressed with how Ryan has managed to shrug off such a bad injury.
“His individual performances have been great, and he has been very commanding in the heart of our defence, so all credit to the big man.” Kick-off at Ravenscraig tomorrow is at 2pm, with the match going straight to penalties if level after 90 minutes.
Greenock Juniors are sponsored by SAVEHEAT, and the Lighthouse Bar.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article