GREENOCK got their league campaign off to a flying start on Saturday with this convincing win over Cumnock at Ravenscraig.

The side picked the ideal match to put on a performance they believe they should be producing consistently, and their only regret will be that had they done the same just a few days earlier they would have been playing a cup semi-final this Wednesday.

But against a strong Cumnock team they were firm in defence, harrying and creative in midfield, and clinical in attack.

And when any of that failed, goalkeeper Ryan McWilliams was on hand to produce the necessary stops.

The opening 10 minutes produced little in terms of chances and gave no indication as to the way the game would proceed.

But Greenock began to take control, winning a series of corners, all of which stretched the visitors defence.

The pressure finally paid off on 27 minutes, when Tam Docherty blocked a Cumnock clearance and the ball fell to his namesake Allan, who played a one-two with Kenny Munro before delivering a low cut back which Munro followed up with a drive high into the net from eight yards.

Greenock were now well on top, winning everything all over the park. However Cumnock keeper Baker was on fine form, producing a number of excellent saves.

But he was helpless three minutes before half-time, when Munro picked up a panicky clearance 25 yards out and drilled a left foot shot into the top corner.

The second half continued as the first ended.

David McNeil weaved his way into the box only to be blocked by a last minute tackle, and a 20-yard drive from Sean Doherty whistled past the right hand post.

But the third goal duly followed on 70 minutes.

McNeil went on another mazy run before passing the ball into Allan Docherty, who controlled it with one touch and expertly slotted home from 12 yards.

McNeil was in the thick of things again as Greenock scored their fourth goal nine minutes from time. The former Morton man found space on the edge of the box before sending the ball towards the top corner.

Visiting keeper Baker managed to block it, but the ever-alert Munro followed up with a diving header to complete his hat trick.

With one minute remaining Cumnock looked set to get a consolation goal when they were awarded a penalty.

But keeper McWilliams saved the spot-kick low to his left to complete a perfect day for the Ravenscraig men.

GREENOCK: McWilliams, McGarrigle, Doherty, McLaughlin, Begley, T. Docherty (McQuilken 72), Murray, McBryde (Cunningham 76), A. Docherty (Patton 82), McNeil, Munro. Subs not used: Lyden, Scott.

l Greenock Juniors are sponsored by SAVEHEAT, and the Lighthouse Bar. Match sponsored by Lawrence Miller.