Greenock Wanderers reach the halfway stage of their RBS Championship League Division ‘A’ campaign tomorrow when they head down the coast to play old rivals Ardrossan Academicals in the first derby clash of the season.

The hosts have enjoyed a lot of success against Greenock in recent years and Wanderers have not recorded a competitive victory at Memorial Field since 27thJanuary 2001 when a stoppage time try from Kiwi import Andy Tippet snatched a late win for the locals.

Last season the victories went with home advantage with Ardrossan winning in Ayrshire last October and Wanderers gaining revenge at Fort Matilda in March.

So far this season Ardrossan have won four of their eight matches and sit in 7thspot in the table, one place below Wanderers. They suffered two heavy defeats recently to Whitecraigs in late September by 69-8 and went down last weekend at Hamilton 55-7, but make no mistake, they are a formidable side on their day and only a first rate performance from Greenock will ensure that the points head to Octavia Terrace at the close of play tomorrow.

Wanderers are developing nicely this season and in truth should be occupying a loftier position in the league table. Losses to Falkirk on opening day and away at title hopefuls Cartha Queens Park could easily have been reversed, which would have put a different complexion on their league standing.

Coaches Graham Finnie, Graham Knox and Ally Hunter have moulded together a fine side, full of attacking flair and have built on the excellent groundwork done by legendary former coach Dave McVey.

The Fort Matilda men are at their best when they play a fast flowing, high-tempo style, the key element of which is quick release ball from the breakdown.

An impressive final quarter last weekend against West of Scotland put some polish on what had been a workmanlike performance but when the locals go through the phases at pace, they are capable of ripping any defence to shreds.

President John McDougall said,” The Ardrossan and Wanderers derby match is a game we look forward to and to be fair they have held the upper hand in recent seasons. We are due a win at Memorial Field and tomorrow would be the perfect time to get it. The derby is always a tough battle but we are playing well just now and we travel with confidence that if we take our best form into the game then we have every chance” In terms of selection Wanderers will rely on their experienced players to stand up and be counted.

Up front Matt Gray, Ally Abernethy, Murray McDonald and Callum Robb have been over the course many times before and they will be tasked with ensuring the forward effort is sufficient to secure the majority share of possession.

The set piece has functioned extremely well this season with the tall timber, in the shape of Gray and Robb, dominating the aerial battle at lineout time. Ryan McGhee, Alan McMichael and Martin Lavelle will create a formidable platform at the scrummage and if they can edge the tight- head count in Wanderers favour then the locals will be in business.

Confidence is high down Fort Matilda way that if the pack can churn back a healthy quota of ball then the highly talented back division can turn that possession into points.

The back line has been tweaked slightly this week with Andy McDougall and Jamie Cuffe forming a new axis at half-back. Cuffe is a quality player in his own right and the selectors have no qualms about picking him at first five- eighth for such a vital match.

McDougall and Cuffe have the imagination and tactical acumen to unlock the Ardrossan defence and with Leigh Tyley restored to his more familiar full-back berth they will have the added luxury of being able to utilise his incisive running ability when he enters the line at pace. Skipper Brendan McGroarty and Kieren Smith will, as normal, patrol central midfield and wingers Jason Smith and James Kemp will look to add to their growing reputation with another hard tackling and strong running display.

The usual travelling support will encourage the Wanderers effort and although it will be tough, with no quarter given, there is every reason to believe that the local’s can record their first win at Memorial Field for 12 years.

For those not travelling to Ardrossan the Wanderers 2nd string host Marr in a Reserve League match at Fort Matilda, kicking-off at 3 pm.

Wanderers are sponsored by Texas Instruments