GREENOCK’S incredible winning run will be put to the test tomorrow, when promotion challengers Shotts Bon Accord come to Ravenscraig.

Four back-to-back wins have seen Stevie Mooney’s men not just move out of the relegation zone, but also rocket up the league table and into fifth place.

But the manager is under no illusions that his side’s winning streak has secured their place in the Super League for next season.

He said: “The situation can turn the other way just as quickly, and this league is so tight that we are still just five points better off than the side in the fourth bottom spot in the relegation zone.

“But our recent results have brought a great spirit and belief in the dressing room, and it is up to the boys to keep the momentum going.” Shotts stand in the way of a fifth consecutive Greenock win, and come to Ravenscraig equally determined to get the points to maintain their promotion challenge.

They are currently in third place and 10 points behind second-placed Beith, but with three games in hand.

Automatic promotion may now be a little beyond Shotts, but clinching third place would give them a chance of going up via the play-offs.

And with Maybole just two points behind Shotts and breathing down their necks, the Lanarkshire men will be going all-out to bring Greenock’s victorious run to an end and repeat their 3-1 win at Shotts earlier in the season.

For Greenock’s part, boss Mooney will be looking to John Carter to maintain his recent form.

The striker grabbed a first-half hat-trick in last week’s 4-2 win over Ashfield, adding to his winner against Kilwinning a fortnight previously.

Mooney said: “It is good to see John back amongst the goals. Like all strikers, he went through a sticky patch, but what can never be doubted is John’s work-rate.

“For a striker, one goal can get the confidence back, and he is bang on form.” In team news, the only absentee tomorrow will be Sean Doherty, missing through work commitments. The left-back was substituted midway through the second half last Saturday by Paul Scott, who might provide a ready-made replacement for the Shotts game. Mooney, though, is keeping his options open, with Brendan Gillan another possibility.

Meanwhile, the release of the first batch of midweek fixtures has given Greenock yet another home match, their fifth in the last six games.

Lesmahagow won’t be happy about being given a 50-mile trip to Ravenscraig for a 6.30pm kick-off next Wednesday, and with the bottom club staring relegation in the face, the game must give Mooney’s troops a great chance of grabbing another three points.

But minds must first focus on tomorrow’s challenge, where a positive result would put the squad in a good frame of mind ahead of their annual dinner on Saturday night at the Cruden Hall.

Kick-off at Ravenscraig is at 2pm.

Greenock Juniors are sponsored by SAVEHEAT, and the Lighthouse Bar.