GREENOCK WANDERERS face a tall order if they're to kick off 2025 with a positive result and ease their relegation fears, writes John Dyer.

After last week's sub-zero temperatures forced the cancellation of the Fort Matilda outfit's clash against Ardrossan Accies, Wanderers play host to table-topping Strathmore on Saturday, January 18.

In the away fixture back in October, Wanderers had a day to forget in Forfar after they were trounced 91-0 in the side's heaviest defeat of the season.

In truth, it was a complete mismatch, with the home side waltzing through Wanderers' defence with ease on more than one occasion.

Wanderers are due to play their first match of 2025 this weekend, at home to Strathmore. (Image: ALEX CRAIG) Strathmore usually field a stronger side at home than they do on the road, but they will be keen to return to Angus with a bonus point win in order to keep their unbeaten record intact.

And with promotion only available to just one side from National Division Four, competition is fierce to make it out of the league.

Despite boasting a fine unbeaten record, Strathmore are tied with Ardrossan on the same points total, although the Forfar side crucially have a game in hand.

Wanderers therefore could hardly have asked for a more difficult start to the new year if they're to ease their fears of relegation into the West regional leagues, especially after a prolonged spell without a game.

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The first XV's last match was a cup tie against West of Scotland on December 14, with only their in-house Boxing Day game to break up that run of inactivity - though they can take some heart from the result in their last league game, a 31-29 win over Hamilton Bulls the week before that cup clash that provided some assurance that all is not lost in the relegation dogfight.

Selection at this time is unclear due to all three senior men's sides being in action. The second team are away to Strathendrick, whilst the third team make the trip across the Firth of Clyde to play Isle of Arran in the West reserve development league.

Elsewhere this weekend, Wanderers' under-18s will combine their resources with those of Bishopton for their away trip to Kilmarnock.

On Sunday, the micros kick off a full day of action with training at Clydeview Academy, from 11am-12pm, whilst the minis head to play West of Scotland at 11am.

The under-13s and under-14s both face their GHA counterparts, and the under-14 girls make the long trip to Oban, whilst the Under 15's boys face GHK.

Rounding off this weekend's action are two more home ties, with the under-16 boys hosting Carrick and the women's first team welcoming Hillhead to Fort Matilda.

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