GREENOCK JUNIORS are looking to pick up from where they left off and keep piling the pressure on Thorn Athletic in the GreenVersity Division Three title race.

Nock welcome Vale of Leven to Ravenscraig on Saturday in what will be their first home match of the New Year.

Gary Fleming wants his side to keep on churning out results (Image: alex craig) It also marks the halfway point in the season for Gary Fleming's side and they will be aiming to add a further three points to complete a very impressive first half of the campaign.

The two teams last met in July on matchday two in Alexandria, playing out a 1-1 draw on a day when, if Nock had been a little less profligate in front of goal, then the result would have been more favourable.

Saturday’s opponents sit 12th in the division, 17 points behind Greenock. The Vale’s most recent match ended in a high scoring 5-4 loss to Glenvale.

Indeed, a review of their past results shows no shortage of goals for or against.

Their best win of the season, to date, was a 2-0 win against Cambuslang Rangers, and they also enjoyed a 4-1 win against promotion contenders Ardeer Thistle.

READ MORE: Inside look on how Greenock Juniors have thrust themselves into title race

As with most teams in this division, on their day they can present a formidable challenge and while at first pass this should be a comfortable win for Greenock, there will be no sense of complacency in the Nock camp.

The management team demand that the squad go into each match with the same desire and attitude as any other. The recent match against Glasgow University is a good example of the standards that have been set for the team.

While a very welcome win, the technical aspects of the performance were not up to scratch and training this week has focused on decision making and taking better of the ball.

If Greenock are at, or near their best they will have enough quality to win the game. Anything less won't be acceptable.

The strength in depth of the squad will be put to the test this weekend. Jamie Cunningham is out with a groin strain, Jamie Black and Pat Tonner are unavailable and Darren Paton is being monitored while nursing a hamstring tweak.

On the plus side Inness Lambert is back in contention for a first team place.

READ MORE: Docherty delighted as Greenock dig deep to see off Glasgow University

Manager Gary Fleming is aware of the challenges facing the team this week and revealed that he will be without three key players heading into the clash at Ravenscraig.

He said: “Unfortunately we've lost three big players in Jamie Cunningham, Pat Tonner and Jamie Black due to injury and pre-arranged holidays.

"All three have been mainstays in the team this year, so they will be missed. However I have said all season that we need the full squad to play their part.

"Thankfully we’ve got strength in depth in our squad and any player who comes in is just as capable as the person who has vacated the position.

"Vale of Leven are a team we have yet to beat since our management team took the reins in June 2023, and it is something we are looking to put right on Saturday.

"We know they are a hard-working, very direct team, so we need to be at our best defensively and keep our composure, bravery and calmness in possession."

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