Greenock's cup switch

Published 5 Mar 2010 14:00 0 Comments

GREENOCK have given up home advantage for tomorrow's West of Scotland Cup tie against Irvine Meadow.

As the photograph taken on Wednesday evening shows, Ravenscraig is still under a carpet of snow and ice and would almost certainly be unplayable for the big game.

So, in a desperate bid to see the match take place, Greenock officials have agreed with the Ayrshire club that it will be played at Meadow Park in Irvine, where conditions are infinitely better at the moment.

Manager Stevie Mooney doesn't see the switch as killing off any slight hopes Greenock may have had of pulling off a giant-killing act.

He said: "We would play anywhere, to be honest, just to get a game after such a long lay-off. But in my opinion, the move might even give our boys a lift. It's a good surface at Meadow and the whole set-up is nice. There has been a good buzz in training this week, and anyone who is not well up for this kind of match would need to look at themselves."

Until recently, big spending Meadow were the Chelsea of the junior game, with some players reportedly on money which would make many a senior player envious. But, following the withdrawal of a prominent backer, the financial reins have been drawn in. Performances on the park have dipped, too. The Super Premier Division champions now have no hope of retaining their title, as they currently trail leaders Beith by a massive 19 points. But they are stuffed with seasoned ex-pros and will still present a stiff challenge.

Greenock go into the match as huge underdogs, with striker Ryan MacDonald no better than 50-50 to make it due to work commitments, and Roland Fabiani struggling with a viral infection.

But Mooney is not ruling out a cup shock.

He said: "We would need to be on top of our game, and hope Meadow slip a bit. But we need to stay solid at the back, and keep it tight. It will be a great experience for our younger players, and I just hope they can do themselves justice."

Kick-off at Meadow Park is at 2pm, with the match going to penalties if level after 90 minutes.

Greenock Juniors are sponsored by Kingsley Wood Solicitors and Notaries, and the Lighthouse Bar.

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This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 05 Mar 10

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