GREENOCK Wanderers' new management team go into their encounter with West of Scotland eager to turn the corner after a difficult first half of the campaign.

The Fort Matilda men make the short journey to Burnbrae to take on the side sitting second in the National League Division Three having played one game more than Wanderers at this stage.

The home fixture in October 2021 resulted in a 31-24 win to West.

Despite the previous defeat, Wanderers go into the fixture with renewed optimism, with head coach Bobby Mitchell and his backroom team hoping to reinvigorate the squad.

Mitchell was due to take charge of his first match last Saturday at Perthshire, however, Covid issues in both squads and travel concerns caused by winter weather saw the fixture postponed.

With the new management team in place after the departure of former head coach Grant Sweenie, Mitchell and his team are keen to get started to save Wanderers' season after a very poor first half of fixtures.

He said: "It is good to get back after a festive break to make a fresh start.

"We want to improve on the first half of the season and fight hard to stay in Division Three."

There are no injury or Covid issues within the squad and the turnout at training has been the best it has been all season.

The players are aware of the challenge, they have been preparing well and are determined to put in a very good performance and fight to if not a win then pick up some points from the match.

Director of rugby John Dyer said: "We're delighted with the commitment shown by the players at training and the mood in the camp is good ahead of the match."

While Mitchell's full focus will be on events in Milngavie, Wanderers fans will have one eye on another significant fixture in Ayrshire, with the Greenock side's relegation rivals Ardrossan Accies - seven points better off - taking on third bottom Perthshire.

Elsewhere this weekend Wanderers' 2nd team have a home fixture against GHA at 2pm.

On Sunday the ladies host Bishopton to bring the curtain down on their league season.

This is a game they should win to improve their league position, however, it won't be enough to gain promotion.

l Greenock Wanderers are sponsored by MM Search.