Greenock Juniors in hard-fought win over Glasgow Perthshire

The main aim was to secure three points, and that was achieved - though a major plus point for the Nock was that they proved to themselves that even when the quality of football is not quite there, they can still dig out a victory with some hard graft.

It was clear from the outset that Greenock were the more capable football team; however they were their own worst enemy at times by being too frantic in possession and missing the composure they displayed in recent matches.

(Image: alex craig) Perthshire’s approach was very much based on longish balls to the flanks to their wide attackers Munro and Rods; Munro, in particular, caused a few problems for the Nock defence, but without anything in end product.

Greenock’s first real chance came in 17 minutes when goalkeeper Beaton threw the ball to Marks deep inside his own half; carrying the ball into the Perthshire half, he linked up with Beckley and Brown, and from the edge of the penalty box his shot drew a fine save from Matthew Glen in the visitors' goal.

The Nock received a blow a minute later when Darren Boyle went down with a recurrence of the hamstring injury he picked up a week earlier; while disappointing to see the defender go off, Andy Hunter came on and turned in an excellent performance as part of the back three.

(Image: alex craig) As the game progressed in the same frantic manner it started, it was clear that a little bit of magic was needed to break the deadlock - and that was what Greenock provided when Cammy Barclay won a corner on the left and Sinnamon played a low pass to Brown, who fired a vicious curling drive into the top corner from just inside the box.

The visitors came close to equalising in 36 minutes when the dangerous Munro worked his way into the Juniors' box and fired over the bar, and as half time approached, a timely intervention by Pat Tonner denied Perthshire the opportunity to equalise.

At the interval Greenock were worth their lead, although they had to survive a few dangerous moments in the last 10 minutes of the half.

(Image: alex craig) The second half was very much end-to-end stuff with neither team prepared to slow the game down and exert full control of the game, though overall Greenock continued to have the better of the chances.

In the 50th minute Barclay had a header comfortably gathered by Glen, and six minutes later a delicate cross by Sinnamon was met by a Beckley bicycle kick which cannoned off a defender.

READ MORE: Greenock Juniors boss delighted at 'outstanding' five-star show against Ardeer

In between these chances for the home side, Perthshire created their best chance in open play when Lynos Rwodzi, who had played a freer role in the second half, curled a shot inches over the bar from the right side of the Juniors box.

On the hour mark, Beckley was at it again for the Nock; receiving a clever pass from Ross Canavan on the right flank, the young striker played a one-two with Marks and then fired a blazing shot towards the top right hand corner of Glen’s goal.

(Image: alex craig) Most Greenock players and fans were celebrating a second goal, only for Glen to produce a magnificent athletic dive to turn the ball over the bar in a real a head-in-hands moment for the Nock contingent.

Marks was next to go for goal in 75 minutes when a long free kick by Tonner found the striker free in the penalty box. but with the ball dipping slightly behind him, he couldn’t quite re-direct his header on target.

And two minutes later Perthshire were presented with a golden opportunity to level the scores after a clumsy tackle inside the Greenock box, but Beaton stepped up to the mark with a brilliant save, while Tonner made sure there was no opportunity for a follow up by being first to the loose ball and clearing.

(Image: alex craig) The penalty miss proved to be Perthshire’s final throw of the dice, and the game rather petered out with Greenock delighted to take the win.

If, as is hoped, Greenock have a successful season it is games like this one that make the difference. Winning when you are below par is always a sign of a team with real belief in itself and that will please the management and squad alike.

Andy Hunter’s performance was a real plus for Greenock. With Darren Boyle’s injury, four of the six players who normally compete for places in the back three are out injured, with some not expected back for a few weeks, at best.

(Image: alex craig) The way Hunter slotted in seamlessly will have greatly allayed any concerns about covering the positions, and of course the young defender has flagged up that he is very much in contention for a starting berth in future weeks.

Next up for Greenock is a rearranged South Challenge Cup tie away to Newmains United on November 16 - a game that's likely to be another tough test for Gary Fleming's men, on a surface which is not always conducive to technical football.

Duo Menswear man of the match: Craig Beaton.

Gary Fleming will have been pleased with his team's gritty performance. (Image: alex craig) Greenock Juniors FC: Beaton; Boyle (Hunter 18mins), McCormick, Tonner; Sinnamon, Barclay, Brown, Canavan (Lambert 64mins) Cunningham; Beckley (Patton 64mins), Marks (McKenzie 85 mins).

Subs not used Lightfoot, McGonigle, Graham

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