YOKER Athletic's long wait for a league fixture ended in disappointing fashion with defeat away to Greenock on Saturday.

It has been over a month since Yoker last took to the field and they struggled to get into their stride.

The visitors never really got going in the match and it was clear to see from the very early stages the home side wanted the win more.

Greenock’s front 3 of Craig Brown, Jamie Campbell and Paul Harkins were too much to handle for the Whe-Ho.

At the other end of the pitch Ryan McWilliam’s in the Greenock goal was rarely troubled as David Crerand cut a lonely figure up-front for Yoker.

The home side took the lead after 25 minutes when Yoker failed to clear their lines despite having a number of chances to do so, before Harkins smashed home to open the scoring.

Yoker’s best chance of the half fell to John Harvey but his header from a corner went just past the post.

Eight minutes before half-time Brown was allowed far too much time and space, despite having three visiting defenders in close attention, to slot past Liam Campbell to double his side’s lead.

Whe-Ho gaffer Steven Reilly would have been hoping his side could make a fist of it second half but their hopes of a comeback were quickly ended when Brown picked out Campbell who slotted home his side’s third of the match.

Reilly rang the changes with Shaun Kelly and Ally Graham replacing Michael Bailey and Mark McManus, the fresh legs gave them some hope and a better foothold in the game but Greenock stood resolute and organised to see the game out.

Ultimately Yoker paid the price for failing to match the work rate and desire of the home side in the game’s opening exchanges.

This young and talented Whe-Ho side must learn quickly that hard-work is just as important as ability at this level of football particularly with two very tough matches coming up.

On Saturday high-flying Cumnock are the visitors to Holm Park, kick-off is at 2pm.

Yoker: Campbell, Rankin, Cairns, Carson, Harvey (Ross), Henry, Bailey (Graham), Ramage, Crerand, Bissland, McManus (Kelly). Subs not used: Jones, Hardie.