LEAGUE action returns to Ravenscraig this weekend as Greenock Juniors look to claim a scalp against one of the favourites for the West of Scotland Third Division title.

Greenock face what might be their biggest challenge of the season, when they welcome a highflying Threave Rovers to Inverclyde on Saturday.

Nock are looking to get back to winning waysNock are looking to get back to winning ways (Image: alex craig) The Castle Douglas side have been in excellent form this season and in the various cup competitions they have claimed victories over Berwick Rangers, Benburb and Glenvale Athletic.

They currently sit third place in the GreenVersity Division Three with a couple of games in hand over Thorn Athletic and Ardeer Thistle, who occupy the first and second places.

They also have the best offensive and defensive records in the league with 26 goals scored and eight conceded - and they were very unlucky not to secure promotion last time out.

While it may seem like a daunting prospect for Greenock, Gary Fleming’s squad will be looking forward to the match in the knowledge that on their best form they are capable of winning the match.

Despite the fact that Greenock are on a three game losing run, any honest assessment would conclude that the losses to Glenvale and Kilsyth were largely self inflicted.

The most recent game against Premier Division Darvel was an improvement and if they had been as clinical as their opponents the result could have been different.

Both sides have similar strengths - Rovers are an excellent football side, as are Greenock at their best.

Greenock will look to a controlled pressing approach to disrupt Threave’s possession based game and then implement their own passing game.

Taking good care of the ball, particularly in the midfield, will be key aspect of this game, and whoever does this best is likely to take home the three points.

Greenock are capable of matching the technical quality of Threave and if they maintain their concentration levels from start to finish as they did earlier in the season against Thorniewood, there is no reason they cannot win.

Greenock will be without Ryan Corr, Cammy McPhee and Scot Paterson. Jack Graham has returned to full training this week after a lengthy recuperation period for his ankle ligament injury.

Assistant Manager Stephen Docherty says that the Ravenscraig side are looking forward to the challenge and revealed that his side have taken extra steps to prepare for the clash this weekend.

He said: “We are very much looking forward to Saturday, after the disappointment of our cup game being postponed last weekend.

"We had a very intense though enjoyable session on the Saturday followed by more targeted sessions this week based around key messages and features that will be instrumental for a huge game on Saturday.

"Threave have started the season very well indeed. They have taken big scalps in the cups so far and are showing great form in the league.

"It is a fixture I have had my eye on for some time in advance; Not something I normally do and not something we encourage the squad to do.

"They are potentially the best footballing side that we will have faced and will present a real challenge for us.

"That said, when we start games in the right manner we are capable, in my opinion, of beating anyone.

"Even in games where we have started poorly we have shown up, looking like our true selves as the game has progressed.

"We can’t be waiting for a fiery half time team talk to start implementing our style and take control of games.

"We have to come out of the traps with the right attitude. If that happens I’m more than certain we can win this game regardless of how well they have played so far this year. “

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