JIM DELANEY hopes to end an incredible first season as a Junior team boss on a high by steering Maryhill to promotion from the Central First Division tomorrow.

The 44-year-old, who previously managed Sunday League side Aitkenhead Thistle and Maryhill Under-21s, only took up the Lochburn Park reins at the end of last season to fill the post vacated by erstwhile gaffer Brian Heron.

His proved to be a tough early grounding with four defeats in Maryhill’s opening seven league games and his side had all but been discounted as possible promotion contenders at the turn of the year.

However a remarkable run-in, with six wins in Maryhill’s last seven outings, has coincided with rivals Wishaw and Rossvale dropping points and the Glasgow club will now be assured of second spot behind champions Renfrew if they emerge victorious from their trip to face Johnstone Burgh tomorrow.

"All credit should go to the players who have manfully refused to give up the cause," said Delaney.

“Their attitude and commitment has been nothing short of first rate even when all seemed lost when Rossvale beat us 2-1 in a supposed crunch clash at the end of last month and I just feel second would be a fitting reward for all their efforts.

“The guys are a terrific unit and don’t need reminding from me that getting over the line is going to be far from easy against a Burgh side that ran out 3-1 winners when we played them at Lochburn last month.

“But just to be in this position after coming through 9 games in 21 days is fantastic and everyone connected with the club is over the moon about taking our promotion challenge to the very last day.

“The stakes on offer at Keanie Park would have been unthinkable just a couple of months ago and hopefully we can get the job done.”

It’s not avoided notice that the quartet of Willie Wells, Justin Begg, Jamie Docherty and Andy Monaghan have chipped in with goals in Maryhill’s push up the table, however Delaney lauded the contribution of goalkeeper Grant Hay.

“The big man has pulled some remarkable saves out of the hat and on Wednesday night he saved a penalty kick during our 1-0 victory over Vale of Clyde.

“But it’s maybe unfair to single out his contribution more than anyone else, because the whole team has played a part.”

Any slip-up by Maryhill could see them pipped to second place by Wishaw, whose last league match away to Thorniewood United will not take place until Monday night.

Meanwhile, a surprising development on the Junior managerial front has seen mid-table Super First Division outfit Greenock part company with seasoned boss Martin Campbell and his dugout lieutenants John Boyd and John Paul Dow.

Campbell, previously No.2 under former gaffer Martin Mooney, has been seven years in charge of the Tail O’The Bank side and he admitted his sacking in midweek came as a bolt out of the blue.

He revealed: “Greenock have a near amateur set-up and I thought keeping them in the very competitive Super First Division is a decent feat but our club officials think otherwise and have shown me the door.

“I’m at a loss to understand why as the official statement that John , JP and I have taken the team as far as we can just doesn’t wash with us and we are convinced our sackings are for non-footballing reasons.

“It’s hugely disappointing after all the hard work we have put into building this side. Ninety per cent of the players were recruited by myself, and I just hope the committee – all three of them – have a replacement manager in mind with the know-how and expertise to help the players progress further.

“The sacking decision was totally unexpected and has left a bad taste in my mouth but nevertheless I wish the players all the best for their future in the game starting with their trip to face Largs Thistle tomorrow.”

PLAYING SATURDAY (Kick Offs 2PM):McBookie.com Super Premier Division. Rob Roy v Beith , Auchinleck Talbot v Pollok, Hurlford Utd v Arthurlie.McBookie.com Super First Division. Ardrossan Winton Rovers v Blantyre Vics, Kilwinning Rangers v Clydebank, Bellshill Athletic v Cumnock, Largs Thistle v Greenock, Maybole v Shotts Bon Accord. McBookie.com Ayrshire District League. Muirkirk v Girvan , Craigmark v Irvine Vics, Dalry Thistle v Saltcoats Vics, Whitletts Vics v Darvel.McBookie.com Central First Division Johnstone Burgh v Maryhill, Lesmahagow v Neilston, Carluke Rovers v Vale of Clyde, Rossvale v St Anthonys, Larkhall Thistle v Thorniewood Utd.McBookie.com Central Second Division. Benburb v Newmains Utd, Lanark Utd v Cambuslang Rangers, Royal Albert v Vale of Leven, East Kilbride Thistle v Gartcairn.