Greenock just one point from glory

Published 14 May 2010 14:00 0 Comments

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JOY: Greenock players are hoping to celebrate.

THERE may be high-profile cup finals both north and south of the border tomorrow, but for Greenock Juniors manager Stevie Mooney there's only one game that matters.

After four years of trying to escape from the notoriously-difficult Central League Second Division, the cherished prize of promotion is now within his team's grasp.

One point from tomorrow's game against Forth Wanderers at Ravenscraig is all that is needed. One point from the last match of a 20-game season of blood, sweat and tears - which will tomorrow hopefully be of joy.

For Forth Wanderers, their season ended long ago and they are now seeing out time. But despite having lost heavily in their last few matches, they will no doubt do their best to avoid seeing Greenock celebrate in front of them.

So there's pressure on Greenock all right. Pressure to resist the temptation to settle for the draw, pressure not to blow nine months of hard work in the space of just 90 minutes.

But Mooney has seen enough this season to convince him his troops have got what it takes to seal the deal.

He said: "Yes, there will be nerves but over the year the team has developed into a highly-professional outfit, and I am confident of getting the result we need.

"There is no way we can even think about settling for a point. We will play our usual attacking game which has stood us in good stead, while at the back we have a defence with the best record in the league."

Tomorrow, that defence will be missing Sean Stirling. With cruel timing, the big defender has copped another suspension, this time for accumulating too many disciplinary points for a number of bookings.

Mooney admits it is a setback, but far from an insurmountable one. He said: "Suspensions are part and parcel of the game, though with some of the bookings being for dissent, Sean no doubt wishes he had held his tongue at times.

"But Fraser Gunn, who has been away training for his police career, has kindly offered to provide cover and will probably be on the bench, ready to come on if needed."

Meanwhile, Mooney himself is struggling to make it following a hamstring injury, and Barry McLaughlin faces a race against time for the same reason.

But Greenock ought to have enough strength in depth to cope with any problems, and locals in the town are being urged to come along and support their home club's final push for glory.

l Kick-off at Ravenscraig is at 2pm. Greenock Juniors are sponsored by Regents Vehicle Sales, Greenock, Kingsley Wood Solicitors and Notaries, and the Lighthouse Bar.

This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 14 May 10

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