GREENOCK JUNIORS boss Gary Fleming says he's determined to keep his side firmly in the Third Division title race after a stellar start to their campaign.

Nock sit four points and one place top spot, with a game in hand over leaders Thorn Athletic.

And the former Largs Thistle man is keen to keep his players' feet firmly on the ground ahead of what promises to be a hectic start to 2025.

Greenock head to face Glasgow Uni in fine form (Image: ALEX CRAIG) The Ravenscraig outfit head to face Glasgow University at Airdrieonians' Albert Bartlett Stadium this weekend, and Fleming says that his side's focus will only change should they come out of the tie with a positive result.

Looking back on a hugely positive first half of the season for the Ravenscraig side, Fleming told the Tele: "We've only played 13 out of 30 games, so we're sitting in second, four points behind with a game in hand.

"We've only had a good start. We're not even at the halfway point yet.

"Our full concentration is on Glasgow Uni this weekend, and then that will get us to our half way point. Then that's when we'll be assessing our new goals."

James Marks' arrival will be a huge boost for Nock (Image: alex craig) Nock were delighted to announce that goal machine James Marks had converted his loan spell in Inverclyde from Drumchapel United to a permanent deal, lasting until the end of the season.

And Fleming admits that securing the signature of the highly sought-after frontman can only be a good thing for the Ravenscraig side as they look to keep the pressure on the leaders.

READ MORE: Greenock Juniors in title boost after securing Marks' signature

"Getting James in until the end of the season is huge for us," he continued.

"Having someone with his experience and quality in the squad can be huge for us going forward.

"He's got Largs promoted countless times, played with some big, big clubs, and won the First Division with Drumchapel last season. He knows what it takes to win titles.

"That's him going for back-to-back league titles, in a way, so having that desire is going to be really important for us.

"We're delighted to have him here for the rest of the campaign."

Greenock Juniors have kept the back door shut for long periods this season (Image: alex craig) Nock are in fine fettle as they head into their first competitive game of 2025 this weekend, having not dropped any league points since the start of September and conceded only two goals to Third Division opposition since the end of October/

But rather than taking the sole credit for the impressive feat, he insists it's been a club-wide effort, from members of his coaching team to the volunteers who do their bit to try and take the club to the next level.

He added: "The run that we've been on before the Christmas break was really pleasing, and it's been a real club-wide and community effort.

"A lot of it has come down to my assistant, Stephen Docherty. He's got a group chat with our six centre halves called the Iron Curtain.

"He loves his stats and he's constantly talking about clean sheets and how important they are for us.

READ MORE: Nock are out to break their Glasgow Uni duck in their first fixture of 2025

"I think it's played a big part in our form just before Christmas because we've only conceded one goal in our last six league games.

"All of our home games are videoed and he analyses them with the boys. He coaches them on all the video footage too.

"That coupled with Gavin Anderson, who is a volunteer and who does a bit of data analysis for all of our home games, has really helped the boys this season.

"They know what areas they need to work on and we've now got stats to back it up as well which is really helpful.

"It's a really exciting time to be involved in the club."