GREENOCK JUNIORS boss Gary Fleming has challenged his side to make it into the last 32 of the South Challenge Cup as the Ravenscraig side prepare to face Newmains United on Saturday.
On paper it looks like a tie that Fleming's should win, but there will be no room for complacency.
The carrot dangling in front of Greenock is a trip to Fife to play Hill of Beath Hawthorn, a club with a storied past, and it is a prize that the management team and squad are highly motivated to secure.
Newmains currently occupy eighth place in Division Four and have not enjoyed the best of form recently, with only one win in the last five matches.
Greenock will also be travelling with a depleted squad as Cammy McPhee, Darren Boyle and Jay Woods are all at various stages of recovery from injury, while Tai Beckley is doubtful after picking up a knock that caused soft tissue damage.
With James Marks cup-tied and Jamie Black missing it'll have been a relief to see Scott Paterson and Ryan Corr come through training drills this week.
A decision as to whether or not they can be risked will be made on match day.
However, the strength in depth of the squad has proved a real boon for the Nock this season, so the management team have no concerns about bringing in players who have not had much in the way of competitive game time.
Last week’s vital win against Glasgow Perthshire was a demonstration of the Nock’s ability to win while not playing their best football and that will hold them in good stead for tomorrow. All in all this is a tie that the Nock should win although it could prove to be a bit of a slog and not one for the purists.
READ MORE: A tale of two Craigs as Greenock dig deep to edge out Glasgow Perthshire
Manager Gary Fleming is determined that the club continue their cup run as he targets a a run deep into the competition.
He told the Tele: “It has been a while since the club progressed to the latter stages of a cup competition and we have a great opportunity to progress to the last 32 of a tournament that started with 163 entrants.
"Additionally, if we win we will have earned a great away tie to Hill of Beath.
"While we will be going to Newmains with a number of missing players it is a fantastic opportunity for some squad members who have been patiently waiting for a chance to challenge the recent regular starters and drive us to a win.
"We are carrying a large squad this season and all signed players are capable of stepping up to the starting 11. We don’t sign players to make up the numbers.”
Greenock Juniors are sponsored by Saveheat, Keystore Cowal View, Safer Group, The Lighthouse Bar, McGills, ARC and Blairs.
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