GREENOCK JUNIORS return to league business tonight after a busy spell of cup action - and they'll be hoping for better fortunes than the last time they played under the Friday night lights at Ravenscraig.

Their two matches against Kilsyth Athletic last season produced a total of 14 goals, so any more of the same should provide plenty of entertainment this evening.

In the first encounter at Ravenscraig, Greenock were cruising at 3-1, only to end up losing 4-3, while the return fixture ended in a 4-3 win for the Nock in a very high quality game at Kilsyth Sportsfield.

Nock were sent crashing out of the Scottish Cup last time outNock were sent crashing out of the Scottish Cup last time out (Image: alex craig)

Neither side made it through their respective Scottish Junior Cup ties last weekend, though: Nock couldn't recover from an underwhelming first half against Glenvale as they lost 3-2, while Kilsyth were knocked out in similar circumstances away to 2008 winners Bathgate Thistle.

Both sides play in a similar way, with the emphasis on possession and clever off-the-ball movement.

It will be key for Greenock to take control of the match early and impose their game on the North Lanarkshire side.

When the sides last met in Kilsyth, it took the Nock most of the first half to come to terms with their opponents' quick passing and clever interlinking style of play.

Tonight though, they will be looking to use the same tactics against the visitors, and on a fine Ravenscraig surface supporters could be in for a real treat from two very skilful teams.

A win for Greenock would seal a very satisfactory first period of the league campaign, with Nock currently third in the Third Division on 14 points, behind only Thorn Athletic and Glasgow Perthshire, who have 18 and 16 respectively.

Having played one game fewer than both of the teams above them, a win tonight would see Greenock climb into second place.

The Nock's league form has been exemplary of late with a run of four consecutive wins, and they can also reflect back on a fine win against First Division Thorniewood in the South Challenge Cup and if they reproduce the form in that game then three points is very achievable.

Kilsyth’s form, on the other hand, has been patchy: they have won three, lost three and drawn two so far, and perhaps significantly they have conceded 15 goals compared to Greenock's seven, which might suggest that they are not as strong in defence as they are in attack.

In terms of the squad, Jack Graham is still recovering from his ankle injury, while Darren Patton continues to progress in training and Tai Beckley is unavailable until next week.

That aside, there is a full group to choose from and Gary Fleming is confident the squad can put last weeks' result behind them.

“Collectively we’re happy that we’re back to league business tonight as it is our number one priority this season," said Fleming. 

"Kilsyth pose a threat right across their front three with an excellent supporting midfielder.

"I took in their Scottish Cup tie against Bathgate last week, and although they were beaten 3-2 they created lots of chances.

"I have already told the players in training this week that if we apply ourselves correctly and play to the best of our abilities, the result will take care of itself.

"The lads were bitterly disappointed last week, but I ‘ve seen a real hunger and desire in training to put things right tonight.

"Our league form is excellent, only losing one in seven, along with having the best defensive record in the league.

"The incentive tonight is that a win will move is into second place. We will be going all out to achieve that.”

Greenock are sponsored by Saveheat, Keystore Cowal View, Safer Group, The Lighthouse Bar, McGills, ARC and Blairs.