GREENOCK WANDERERS are hoping to kick off 2025 in style as they make the short journey to North Ayrshire for their first fixture of the new year, writes John Dyer.

Weather permitting, Wanderers hope to take on Ardrossan Accies at the Memorial Field in National Division Four on Saturday, with the Fort Matilda men keen to make the most of some more encouraging performances in their matches towards the end of 2024.

The last time these two sides faced, Wanderers lost out 43-3 at home

at home back in September in what was a sore 43 - 3 defeat.

READ MORE: Greenock Wanderers spurn chance to take something from Ardrossan tie

In that encounter, the visitors dominated the second half after a close first period, so the Fort Matilda side will be looking to try and make amends this time around.

Wanderers have had a two-week break since the Boxing Day in-house match, which with the lowly league position they find themselves placed, does not make for ideal preparation for a match against the second-top team in the division.

Elsewhere at Fort Matilda, there looks to be plenty of action should pitches manage to beat the freeze that's set to engulf the west coast of Scotland this weekend.

On Saturday two matches are planned, with the men's second string preparing to welcome Lanarkshire to Inverclyde.

The under 18s are on the road to East Ayrshire where they'll go head to head with Kilmarnock.

On Sunday it's the youth section's turn to take the lead with a full day's worth of activities planned.

Micros training kicks things off, due to take place at Clydeview Academy, from 11am-12pm.

Greenock Wanderers' first XV are due to travel to Ardrossan Accies on January 11. (Image: alex craig) The minis head to East Ayrshire to face Cumnock at 11am, while the club's under-13 and under-14 boys' teams travel to East Kilbride for a 2pm kick-off.

Back in Inverclyde, the under-15 boys will train at the Battery Park from 11.15am to 12.30pm.

Rounding off the action are the under 16, who head to Lanark for a 2pm kick-off off the back of a gruelling winter training camp.

Meanwhile, the women's squads are gearing up for another exciting campaign as they prepare to compete in this year's national competitions.

Both the first and second teams face formidable challenges in their respective tournaments, showcasing the talent and determination that have defined their season.

The first team will battle it out in the National Shield competition at home to Inverness Craig Dunain on February 2 with a 2pm kick-off, while the second team have been drawn away to Cartha Queen's Park in the National Plate, with the tie to be played on January 26.

Greenock Wanderers are grateful to club sponsor, MMSearch and ladies section sponsor Brow House Cosmetics and Straps of Gourock