29.7.00 - Pre-Season Friendly
Beith 0 Pollok 3 (Jimmy McPhee 65, Gary Madden 81 & 85)
Att: 150
Pollok: Ian Banks, Kevin O'Neil, Roland Fabiani, Colin Giles, Mark McWilliams, Gary McGregor, Joe Bryers, Sammy Johnston, Andy Gray, Gordon Smith, Drew McWilliams. Subs: Kerr Gray, Chris Lynch, Jimmy McPhee, Gary Madden, Stuart Anderson, Stephen Roberts, Jamie Duncan.

It was an unfamiliar side that could be seen warming up for the first game of the 2000-01 season at Bellsdale Park today. Gone were Copeland, Eadie, Downs, Morrison and Prytz. In their places were Roland Fabiani (ex-Greenock), Joe Bryers (a young man who had a spell as a youth at Dundee United before ending up at Bellshill Athletic) and Drew McWilliams, as well as a handful of trialists and juveniles.

The game kicked off in a sweltering heat and within two minutes Beith had threatened young keeper Ian Banks with a snapshot that flew past his right hand post. Yet a minute later Drew McWilliams produced a bit of clever skill to create space for himself at the other end, but his shot was pushed out for a corner by the Beith keeper. If Pollok believed they were beginning to impose themselves on their opponents, then minutes later they were made aware of their own weaknesses when the entire left side seemed to disappear, allowing Beith to press forward - although their attack peetered out before it even began.

With 25 minutes on the clock, Andy Gray made a neat layoff to Drew McWilliams, but, as was to be the theme of this game, his shot was straight at the keeper. The first half on the whole was a poor affair, with Colin Giles' defending the only thing that brightened it up. half time: 0-0

Pollok began the second half playing down the slope, but almost conceded a goal when McGregor swung at a cross ball, only just deflecting it out for a corner, rather than the dreaded OG. From the corner, Beith should have scored as one of their strikers was afforded a clean header from no more than 5 yards distance, but his effort, aimed at the top corner, was brilliantly saved by young Banks. A very uninspired Pollok brightened up with the introduction of Jimmy McPhee. As Lok began to dominate proceedings, Kerr Gray rattled in a long range effort and before too long, the Glasgow side had the lead when Jimmy McPhee picked the ball up quite a way out and as the keeper came out to meet him, he slipped the ball under him from 22 yards to send Lok 1-0 up.

Beith should have equalised minutes later when a shot from the right thumped back off the opposite post with Banks beaten. Lok were living dangerously. However, with 15 minutes to go, Bryers began to control the right hand side. He played an excellent ball to Chris Lynch, and his cross found the head of Madden, but his glancing effort flew just wide, and shortly after that, Bryers set up Johnston for a header, but his effort was straight at the keeper.

Pollok moved into the last ten minutes with a 1 goal lead, and that was extended on 81 minutes. Beith's defending was appalling, but Gary Madden ignored that to head in from 2 yards out and four minutes later, he added his second when he rounded the Beith keeper to score.

In conclusion then - it was only a pre-season game, but the signs are mixed. Lok look strong up front, but despite not conceding today the defence seems vulnerable. Onwards to Accies.

31.7.00 - Pre-Season Friendly
Pollok 2 (Gordon Smith 42, Sammy Johnston 81) Hamilton Academical 3 (Robert Downs 54, Unknown 60, Unknown 72)
Att: 304
Pollok: Danny Hanley, Mark McWilliams, Kevin O'Neil, Colin Giles (sub 86 for Chris Lynch), Mario Pacitti, Gary McGregor (sub 84 for Stuart Anderson), Kerr Gray (sub 64 for Joe Bryers), Sammy Johnston, Jimmy McPhee, Gordon Smith (sub 64 for Bowie), Gary Madden (sub 64 for Drew McWilliams). Not used: Stephen Roberts, Jamie Duncan, Iain Banks.
Booked: Mario Pacitti

Pollok's home supporters were given the first opportunity to see Ronnie Lowrie's new look side in action when Hamilton Academical came to visit on Monday evening. Accies, fresh from thrashing Cove Rangers 8-0 on Sunday, fielded four ex-Pollok players - Gary Clark, Robert Prytz, Robert Downs and Sunday's four goal hero Alex Eadie. Lok meanwhile were able to put Mario Pacitti and Danny Hanley back into the side with Roland Fabiani and Drew McWilliams dropping out of the starting eleven. Gary Madden's impressive double at Beith saw him come into the side ahead of Joe Bryers, although he went on to have a very subdued game.

Pollok began fairly brightly, with both Mark McWilliams and Andy Gray hitting long range shots. At the other end, Danny Hanley was quickly tested when an Accies midfielder hit a powerful 22 yard shot that the Lok No. 1 excellently saved. Gary Clark then blasted a long range effort over the bar on 9 minutes as the visitors began to dominate proceedings. Ex-Lok player Alex Eadie then forced Hanley into fantastic another save when he sent a header goalwards, and as the half wore on, it looked only a matter of time before the SFL's reluctant vagabonds made themselves at home at Newlandsfield.

Kevin O'Neil displayed just exactly why he's a fullback when he managed to break free through the middle to neatly control a layoff - before volleying the ball high and wide towards White Cart Water. Jimmy McPhee, marvellous on Saturday, was equally as impressive tonight and he produced a slice of sublime skill on the left touchline to outrun the Accies right back who must take credit for an excellent recovery and tackle. Pollok's next attack on goal came shortly after Hanley had made another superb save from distance, and involved captain Kevin O'Neil. O'Neil ran through the middle again before moving the ball to McPhee. McPhee in turn put a pass through to Smith who hit a shot onto the top of the crossbar.

Pollok managed to establish a lead on the 42nd minute. Colin Giles put the ball out to the right hand side towards Jimmy McPhee and he delivered the type of ball that Lok fans know he can - to the man at the back post. Madden made a bit of a hash of dealing with the cross though and the ball squirmed into the path of Gordon Smith who netted at the second attempt. (1-0) Half time: Pollok 1 Hamilton 0

Robert Downs was used by Accies in a right midfield role, but he managed to get himself in front of goal on 54 minutes and punished poor Lok defending to equalise with a 12 yard shot from the left. (1-1) Two minutes later Danny Hanley made his first and only error of the game when he spilled a shot back into play but luckily Mark McWilliams was the only man onhand and he booted it out for a corner.

On the hour mark, Accies netted a second when a high ball over the top of the defence evaded McWilliams in particular and the Accies man in space hit a superb shot high into Hanley's top right hand corner. (1-2) Unfortunately for Pollok a third Accies goal arrived on 72 minutes when a free header thumped into the net, (1-3) but the best of the match was yet to come.

Sammy Johnston once moved from St. Johnstone to Ayr United for £100,000 and tonight he scored a goal that would make teams pay that much for him now. He picked the ball up 20 yards out and cut out to the left before hitting a chipped effort over Accies young sub keeper to pull a goal back for Lok with 81 minutes on the clock. (2-3) The fans were cheering it before it even hit the back of the net. Three minutes later Jimmy McPhee had a good long range effort well saved, but Lok were doomed to finish losers on this occasion.

2.8.00 - Pre-Season Friendly
Pumpherston 1 (Unknown pen 49 ) Pollok 4 (Chris Lynch 25, Colin Giles 27, Mario Pacitti 71, Gary Madden 88)
Att: 44
Pollok: Archie MacLean (sub 70 for Iain Banks), Mark McWilliams, Kevin O'Neil, Alan Dickson, Mario Pacitti, Colin Giles (sub 55 for Jamie Duncan), Joe Bryers (sub 62 for Stephen Roberts), Gordon Smith (sub 62 for Gary Madden), Chris Lynch (sub 62 for Jimmy McPhee), Andy Newman (sub 82 for Sammy Johnston), Drew McWilliams.
Booked: Kevin O'Neil

The loss of Danny Hanley to Clyde the previous evening seemed to overshadow events at a tranquil Recreation Park on Wednesday, but Pollok managed to shake themselves out of an early slumber to impose themselves on their East Region hosts. Only 44 people bothered to watch this game, and those who did go were barely entertained.

Archie MacLean, currently of Lesmahagow, made his trialist debut for the club and being honest he didn't really have alot to do, but when Pumpherston did ask questions of him then perhaps he was found wanting. Hopefully he'll go on to have a long and successful career with the Lok. Alan Dickson seemed to cope with his opponents, while the other debut boy Andy Newman coped with everything thrown his way.

With six minutes on the clock Pumpherston created the first chance which Archie MacLean watched sail by his right hand post and it wasn't until over ten minutes later that Pollok managed to find their feet on the bumpy terrain of West Lothian. Joe Bryers, on excellent form once again, tormented the Pumpherston left back all night and on one occasion he fired in a low cross to the near post only to see the home defence launch the ball clear.

Pollok managed to establish a lead after 25 minutes. Andy Newman hit a cross into the box from the left and Chris Lynch was on hand to sidefoot into the net (via an alleged deflection) to give Lok a 1-0 lead. Two minutes later it was 2-0 when a deft Drew McWilliams cross was headed in by Colin Giles. As the half wore on, the home side tried to force themselves back into contention, but were unable to find the cutting edge that they needed, although McLean did give the 30-strong Lok contingent a scare when he fumbled a long range effort. Half time: Pumpherston 0 Pollok 2

The second half quickly came alive when a mixup in the Lok defence (with MacLean seemingly being the main culprit) forced Mark McWilliams into conceding a penalty that Pumpherston duly converted (1-2) and with the game peetering out, Lok boss Ronnie Lowrie then decided to make changes, one forced when Dickson limped off after a 50:50 challenge.

Mario Pacitti will remember this game as one occasion when he scored! In 71 minutes, he sent a looping header onto the crossbar, beofre it cannoned onto the post and into the net. (3-1)

Pumpherston were reduced to ten men after 75 minutes when Kevin O'Neill became involved in an off-the-ball skirmish that resulted in the Lok skipper being kicked on the behind, and the referee had no choice but to reach for the red card. Pumpherston had temporarily forgotten that this was a friendly game.

The scoring was wrapped up with two minutes to go when Gary Madden was put through on the left hand side in acres of space. He had plently of time to steady himself and fired an unstoppable shot beyond the Pumphertson sub keeper to seal a 4-1 victory.

5.8.00 - Pre-Season Friendly
Glenafton Athletic 0 Pollok 0
(Glenafton won 5-4 on penalties)
Att: 120
Pollok: Archie MacLean, Kevin O'Neil, Mark McWilliams, Colin Giles, Mario Pacitti (sub 55 for Stephen Campbell), Stuart Anderson, Joe Bryers, Jamie Duncan (sub 71 for Chris Lynch), Jimmy McPhee, Gordon Smith (sub 80 for Stephen Roberts), Andy Newman. Not used: Gary McGregor, Iain Banks.
Booked: none
Sent off: Mark McWilliams

Sitting here trying to find anything interesting to say about the final pre-season game of the season will prove difficult. The sky was grey, it drizzled throughout the afternoon and the game was scrappy.

What is clear however is that the defence still needs work, although hopefully Ronnie Lowrie will have a full-strength team to select from before too long. With two minutes gone, Glenafton began a wave of relentless but toothless pressure that carried on almost up to the final whistle and Lok tried to combat this with hard tackling in a gritty display. As the half crawled by, Smith and O'Neill tried long-range efforts to no avail. Half time: Glenafton 0 Pollok 0.

Mario Pacitti limped off the park ten minutes into the second period and was replaced by Stephen Campbell, a player from Pollok Juveniles.

Just before the hour mark, Archie McLean gave everyone a scare when he came charging out of his area with little conviction as he tried to block a Glens attacker. The Glens player dragged the ball wide of McLean but fortunately Colin Giles, who was having a really good game, made a strong saving tackle. Ten minutes later McLean atoned for his earlier lapses of judgements (such as punching weakly at crosses on at least three occasions) with a good double save at his right hand post.

As full time approached, there was still time for a little drama. McPhee missed a golden opportunity when he failed to catch a Lynch pass properly, resulting in him sending a shot at a vacant net about 6 feet wide and 6 feet over. Bryers then hit a long range effort in a bid to win Lok the game.

With four minutes to go a nasty tackle on Mark McWilliams resulted in a 15 man brawl, and the upshot of that was the dismissals of McWilliams and Glens' Scott Archer. Glens then went on to hit the bar while a Newman shot cum cross just drifted over Henry Smith's head.

When the referee blew for full time, most people started drifting towards the gate - until it became clear that a penalty shootout would decide who won the trophy at stake. Pollok scored their first three (Bryers, O'Neil and Roberts) while Glens netted four out of four before missing their fifth. Campbell then missed for Pollok, but Anderson followed that up by converting his. Sudden death was too much exitement for the crowd, but Newman scored before Lynch hit a weak effort at Smith for Lok's seventh spot kick. Glenafton had to score to win the game and in fact MacLean saved their seventh one, but the referee ruled that a group of children beside the goal had caused an infringement resulting in a retake and the winning goal.

This was a bad game of football.

9.8.00 - Beatons Coaches Sectional League Cup
Pollok 2 (Drew McWilliams pen 46, Sammy Johnston 53) Renfrew 4 (Jim McNally 26, 38, 82, 89)
Att: 314
Pollok: Archie MacLean, Kevin O'Neil, Gary McGregor, Colin Giles, Mario Pacitti, Sammy Johnston, Joe Bryers, Gary Madden (sub 46 for Stephen Campell), Jimmy McPhee, Andy Newman, Drew McWilliams (sub 68 for Chris Lynch). Not used: Kerr Gray, Stephen Roberts, Stuart Anderson.
Booked: none
Sent off: none

Pollok went into this game with an inexperienced side to play against one of the top league's newboys Renfrew. The home supporters realise that this will be another season of transition and change, but the first thing that will differ from last year is that Lok will in all probability not be retaining the Sectional Cup.

One of the only points of note came early in the game when a dog invaded the pitch after only two minutes, proving to be a strong defender as he got under Johnston's feet as he beared down on goal. His dogged determination proved to be the only bright spot in an extremely poor performance from Pollok. As both sides elected to shoot from distance, the two keepers were able to keep themselves busy, catching balls hit straight at them.

Renfrew's McNally and Morrison ran the show for the away team, and on 26 minutes, they took a deserved lead. A 'Frew centre-back hit a high ball through the middle which evaded Pacitti, and McNally, played onside by Giles, had the time to pick his spot beyond MacLean. (0-1). The game ebbed away from Lok after 38 minutes with a baffling decision from the referee led to Frew's second. A shot from Morrison swerved away beyond MacLean and out for a goalkick, but the match referee deemed that MacLean had helped the ball on its way. The corner was played across to the stand side and was then fired back across goal for McNally to head in. (0-2). Half time: Pollok 0 Renfrew 2

Madden was replaced at half time by Stephen Campbell, and straight away Lok were back in the game. McWilliams hit a shot towards goal but it didn't have enough power so he chased it up - only to be hauled down by veteran 'Frew keeper Ian Wilson. Drew McWilliams elected to take the penalty himself and duly scored. (1-2)

Pollok equalised on 53 minutes with an excellent goal. O'Neil hit a ball through the middle which McWilliams dummied, and Sammy Johnston ran in to finish superbly past Wilson. (2-2).

Renfrew from this point on began to dominate, and McNally bagged a hat-trick on 82 minutes when he shot low beyond McLean (2-3) and in the 89th minute he was left unmarked in acres of space and slammed the ball past MacLean for an embarrassing number 4 (2-4).

Pollok were poor in this game.

12.8.00 - Beatons Coaches Sectional League Cup
Benburb 3 (Stephen Swift 26, 50, 76) Pollok 0
Att: 400
Pollok: Archie MacLean, Kevin O'Neil, Gary McGregor (sub 56 for Stuart Anderson), Colin Giles, Kerr Gray, Stephen Campbell, Joe Bryers, Sammy Johnston, Drew McWilliams (sub 56 for Gary Madden), Andy Newman, Jimmy McPhee (sub 74 for Stephen Roberts). Not used: Chris Lynch, Jamie Duncan.
Booked: Stuart Anderson
Sent off: none

After the failure to take anything for Wednesday's Renfrew game, it was vital that Pollok came at Benburb from the start, trying to create as many openings as possible. However, this was not to be, and the league champions swamped Lok from start to finish. With six minutes on the clock they had caused panic in the Lok defence when a free header was directed goalwards, but fortunately it drifted over MacLean's crossbar. Two minutes later Archie MacLean spilled a shot, but recovered well to save the follow up.

Pollok's first real chance came about on nine minutes when Joe Bryers broke away down the left hand touchline and laid the ball off to Jimmy McPhee who was too sluggish in getting a shot in on goal. Thereafter, Lok resorted to long range efforts from the likes of Sammy Johnston and McPhee, with MacLean being tested at the other end inbetween.

Bens made the breakthrough on 26 minutes when Stephen Swift was allowed to power a header beyond McLean after slack marking from Gary McGregor. (0-1). As the half drew to a close, Lok continued to live dangerously and could be thankful that they were not dead and buried at the halfway stage. Half time: Benburb 1 Pollok 0

The game had only just restarted when Pollok threatened Lamont's goal with McPhee laying the ball off to Bryers near the corner flag on the right hand side, and his cross was met by 'Maradona' McWilliams who attempted to emulate Diego's iconic Mexican magic, vintage '86, by punching the ball into the net. Unfortunately he failed to make proper contact and the move collapsed.

Bens made it 2-0 on 50 minutes from a set piece. The ball was played from one side of the box to the other and Swift launched himself through the air to power the ball into MacLean's top right hand corner; a great finish for his second goal (0-2). Sammy Johnston and Dougie Fontana were involved in an off the ball scuffle shortly afterwards as Lok fought to get back on terms.

Lok began to try playing football therafter, with two superb moves nearly culminating in goals. The first saw Johnston lay the ball off to Gary Madden and his ball to Campbell was flicked into the path of Newman, who unfortunately shot just wide from near the angle of the six yard box. Seconds after that, Johnston played the ball to Newman, and he found Gary Madden who then shot and missed the target.

After 66 minutes Johnston fired a powerful 25 yarder goalwards but it just flew past Lamont's right hand upright, and this proved to be the last highlight for Lok in a miserable performance. With 14 minutes left, Swift netted his third goal when he was once more left unmarked inside the area. (0-3)

Final score: Benburb 3 Pollok 0

14.8.00 - Beatons Coaches Sectional League Cup
Pollok 1 (Drew McWilliams pen 82) Johnstone Burgh 3 (Alan Edmiston 17, 32, Andy Frame 90)
Att: 396
Pollok: Archie MacLean, Kevin O'Neil, Gary McGregor, Graham Japp, Colin Giles, Andy Main, Joe Bryers, Sammy Johnston, Drew McWilliams, John Hendry (sub 78 for Chris Lynch), Gary Madden (sub 69 for Kris Jamieson). Not used: Iain Banks.
Booked: Drew McWilliams
Sent off: none

The early doors football cliche of one fan turning to another after a heavy defeat, sighing with resignation 'It'll be a long season', sprung to mind when the referee blew up for full time this evening.

But wait! It all began so brightly. Warming up prior to kick off were three of the missing men that have not been onboard to steer Good Ship Pollok off the trecherous rocks of the Beatons Sectional Cup. Surely the reintroduction of Diamond, Main and Hendry would make some difference? However, Diamond is still not fit, but Main and Hendry took their places in the starting lineup that is now only three players short of what the manager has available to him. Still to come in then are Roland Fabiani (last seen on the left side at Beith), centre back Alan Dickson (honeymooning while suspended) and the crocked Diamond.

Pollok are out of the League Cup and the defence of the trophy has been defenceless. Three sides have swamped Pollok with their superior quality in every area of the pitch with Burgh comfortably beating the strongest Lok side put out in the seven games played.

As for the match itself? The amateurish defending from Lok couldn't help but aide Burgh in scoring three times. Johnstone took the lead on 17 minutes when Graham Japp attempted the simple task of backpass to Archie MacLean, but it only rolled a few yards or so, allowing Alan Edmiston to nip in and round MacLean then roll the ball into the net with ease. (0-1)

Burgh's second came in the 37th minute when unmarked Edmiston bagged his second with a tap in from a cross after the Lok rearguard still seemed to be in pre-season mode. (0-2) The kamikaze nature of Lok's play was prevalent throughout the game unfortunately. Burgh then had a goal chopped off for offside and right on half time, Sammy Johnston was penalised likewise.

Half time: Pollok 0 Johnstone 2

In the second half, John Hendry continued his trend of heading at the outstanding Burgh keeper as Lok fought to net a solitary goal, and at the other end, Archie MacLean made a fantastic save from No. 7's long ranger.

Pollok did pull one back in controversial circumstances with eight minutes to go. Chris Lynch fired a cross into the middle for Sammy Johnston, and he went down under the challenge of the Burgh keeper. The ref pointed at the spot and Drew McWilliams netted to make it 1-2.

To rub salt in the painful wound of this shambolic cup defence, former Lok player Andy Frame scored Burgh's third in the dying seconds when he was allowed to stand free in the box and headed in from close range. (1-3) To conclude, this was a very poor performance.

Final score: Pollok 1 Johnstone Burgh 3

16.8.00 - Beatons Coaches Sectional League Cup
Pollok 5 (Chris Lynch 6, Andy Main 46, 85, John Hendry 56, Andy Newman 62) St. Anthony's 1 (Kelly pen 87)
Att: 260
Pollok: Iain Banks, Mark McWilliams (sub 62 for Edmir Muharremi), Roland Fabiani, Colin Giles, Gary McGregor, Kevin O'Neil (sub 62 for Sammy Johnston), Andy Main, John Hendry, Chris Lynch, Drew McWilliams, Andy Newman (sub 68 for Gary Madden).
Not used: Graham Japp, Kris Jamieson
Booked: none
Sent off: none

It would be something of an understatement to call the first three games of Pollok's Beatons Coaches Sectional League Cup defence 'disappointing', wouldn't it? Well tonight, yet more players returned from holiday, and more importantly, key men returned to form. But just as soon as Ronnie Lowrie has a stronger squad to select, others drift away towards more sunnier climes.

It's difficult to read too much into this result, as Ants were not a cohesively great side although some of their players were skilful and caused the Lok rearguard a scare or two now and again. Pollok first threatened O'Donnell's goal after four minutes, having survived a slice of early Ants pressure, when Chris Lynch headed over from a cross ball. Two minutes later the ball was in the net when Ants goalie O'Donnell made a dreadful hash of a cross, spilling it onto the bar then one of his own defenders, who deflected it onto Chris Lynch, lurking conveniently on the goal line. (1-0)

Minutes later, Roland Fabiani hit a long range effort at O'Donnell from the left and on 21 minutes, Kevin O'Neil found Andy Main on the right and he cut inside before hitting a rasping shot across O'Donnell, who managed to push it away from the goal and out of danger. Back at the other end, comedy turn Colin Giles got himself in the way af an Ants striker's shot, and almost succeeded in deceiving Banks as the ball spun off him towards the goal. Luckily 'Banksie' was alert to the situation and positioned himself well.

With 31 minutes showing on the watch, Andy Newman delivered a curling cross towards the back post, but unfortunately Lynch was unable to get on to the end of it. McWilliams then had a superb effort well saved as Lok tried desperately to land the goal that would ease the pressure on them. As if to highlight the danger they still faced, McInally headed over unmarked right on half time.

Half time: Pollok 1 St. Anthony's 0

The second half was probably only seconds old when Pollok secured the vital second goal. Andy Main picked up the ball at the edge of the penalty area and hit an unstoppable shot into the top left hand corner high beyond the flailing O'Donnell; a magnificent finish (2-0). Almost straight from the restart, Lok won possession again and the ball was crossed back into the middle of the St. Anthony's penalty box but Chris Lynch, following the ball's progress, was deceived and wrong-footed by a deflection, and the chance of goal three ebbed away momentarily.

Kelly headed over for Ants again on 52 minutes but Lok did get the third goal four minutes after that following a clumsy challenge from Kelly. John Hendry took the free kick he conceded 22 yards out and hit the ball first time high beyond O'Donnell. It was possibly better than Main's goal. (3-0) The fourth arrived on 62 minutes when Lynch's cross from the left was missed by McWilliams, but Andy Newman was left unmarked 10 yards out on the left hand side and he hit a less than clean shot into the opposite corner. (4-0)

Pollok began a search for more goals from that point onwards, with McWilliams, Hendry and Main all going close, but no one believed when a free kick was won 40 yards out in the 85th minute that Lok would get the fifth. The kick was laid back to Andy Main, and from fully 40 yards he hit an unstoppable rocket into the same corner of the goal that his first had gone, and the crowd went wild! (5-0) Ants spoiled the party somewhat when they were awarded a suspect penalty in the 87th minute, which Kelly converted. (1-5)

Pollok will need to play better again to beat Arthurlie, with most travelling to Dunterlie in hope rather than expectation.

Final score: Pollok 5 St. Anthony's 1

19.8.00 - Beatons Coaches Sectional League Cup
Arthurlie 1 (Stephen Quigg pen 36) Pollok 1 (Drew McWilliams 53)
Att: 550
Pollok: Derek Barnes, Mark McWilliams (sub 87 for Andy Newman), Kevin O'Neil, Colin Giles, Mario Pacitti, Roland Fabiani, Andy Main, Sammy Johnston, Chris Lynch, Drew McWilliams (sub 78 for Gary Madden), John Hendry.
Not used: Ally Wilson, Iain Banks
Booked: Drew McWilliams 62
Sent off: none

While Pollok were out of this tournament before a ball was kicked today, they can safely say that they matched Arthurlie ball for ball in a competitive and enjoyable afternoon at Dunterlie Park.

Arthurlie began far the stronger side, attacking Lok's new look 4-4-2 with a gusto; so much so that Ronnie Lowrie elected to move Sammy Johnston further foward, thus pushing the outstanding Kevin O'Neil back into the midfield role he has played all season. Lok's first real chance arrived in the 20th minute when Sammy Johnston won a tackle inside 'Lie's half, and laid the ball off to Andy Main. Main played it back to Johnston and he found Lynch in space on the right, but the resultant cross from the ex-Dunipace man just evaded John Hendry. A moment later, Lok had a goal ruled out for offside and both Hendry and Main followed that up with efforts that didn't trouble Cormack.

Arthurlie began to come at Pollok, sensing a victory that would almost assure them of qualification from this Group Of Death, and they were able to panic the Newlandsfield boys into unforced errors. Indeed, Arthurlie made the breakthough in the 36th minute. Fabiani lost possession to Arthurlie, allowing Stephen Quigg to make his way into the box. His shot at goal was unorthodox to say the least, and as it trickled goalwards, it hit the grounded and prostate Mario Pacitti on the arm, resulting in a soft - but probably justified - penalty. Stephen Quigg converted it to give the Lie a 1-0 lead.

Shortly before half time, a Kenny Gillies freekick was headed onto the bar by Clark with Barnes well beaten and in stoppage time McWilliams hit a looping cross/shot towards the back post the almost evaded Cormack, but ultimately drifted out for a goal kick.

Half time: Arthurlie 1 Pollok 0

Two minutes into the second half, Kevin O'Neil hit an excellent ball through the middle to Drew McWilliams and he hit a ferocious shot at Cormack, who saved well. Balance scorewise was restored in the 53rd minute thanks to a brilliant finish from Drew McWilliams. He received the ball 25 yards out on the right hand side and hit it first time high beyond Cormack for an early goal of the season candidate. (1-1)

Sammy Johnston hit a powerful shot goalwards in the 62nd minute but Cormack was equal to it and with 20 minutes to go, Parker miscued for 'Lie in acres of space. Back at the other end, Lok could have gone 2-1 up when Cormack was adjudged to have handled outside the penalty area, but Main's freekick cannoned back off the crossbar. Ryan McDonald then missed a point-blank range header for Arthurlie as both sides continued to be wasteful with opportunities.

In the dying minutes both sides missed gilt-edged opportunities, but perhaps a 1-1 scoreline was a fair reflection of proceedings. Few Lok fans will be unhappy with the outcome.

Final score: Arthurlie 1 Pollok 1

23.8.00 - Friendly
Pollok 6 (Kevin O'Neil pen 6, 10, Chris Lynch 43, 66, Gary Madden 67, Drew McWilliams 87) Clyde XI 3 (pens 8, 19, John Barrett 69)
Att: 200
Pollok: Derek Barnes, Kevin O'Neil, Setohul, (sub 60 for Docherty), Colin Giles, Mario Pacitti, Gary Madden, Andy Newman, Sammy Johnston (sub 66 for David Craig), Chris Lynch (sub 82 for Ally Wilson), Roland Fabiani, Derek Elliott (sub 66 for Drew McWilliams).
Not used: none
Booked: none
Sent off: none

After Saturday's excellent performance on Saturday in the Sectional Cup, tonight was a step down a gear to face what turned out to be quite a weak Clyde second string. Danny Hanley however was in goal for the Bully Wee Mark 2, and surprisingly, he was the far busier keeper. Lok fielded a number of unsigned players including some Juveniles.

The first incident of note occured in the 6th minute when trialist Derek Elliott went on a run towards Hanley's goal, only to be poleaxed just inside the area. Kevin O'Neil took captain's responsibility and planted the ball away to Danny's left. (1-0) Clyde were back on terms two minutes later after a piece of ludicrously stupid goalkeeping from Barnes when he came charging out to meet a Clyde forward who was heading out towards the corner flag. Needless to say, it was almost reminicent of De Wilde's wild stab at halting a Turk during Euro 2000, and a penalty was awarded, and scored. (1-1)

Kevin O'Neil then scored a second goal (!) in the tenth minute when he went on a run down the right hand side, laid the ball off to the superb Lynch, and he cheekily flicked it back into Kev's path for him to rifle a second past old team mate Hanley. (2-1)

The free scoring continued when yet another penalty was awarded, this time a second for Clyde. Barnes saved well at his left hand post, but the rebound found its way to another Clyde attacker, and his goalbound shot was brilliantly stopped with an outstretched by Colin Giles, a centre back. Normal service would have seen Giles red carded, despite his pretence that the ball had hit him on the head, but the official had his sensible head on tonight. The penalty was scored. (2-2)

Andy Newman was along with Lynch having a good game and he had a good shot saved by Hanley in the 26th minute, and two minutes later a Newman free kick was glanced goalwards by Lynch, only for Hanley to pluck the bal lout of the air. Newman again went close before Lok went into the lead for the third time.

Chris Lynch nearly blew the move before it started when he was too slow to react to a loose ball in the area, and Madden's shot from a difficult angle was deflected wide for a corner. Newman's corner however was headed in by Chris Lynch from close range. (3-2)

Half time: Pollok 3 Clyde 2

Compared to the action-packed first half, the second period was slightly tepid, and the first action of note heralded Lok's fourth goal when Chris Lynch finished well from close range. (4-2) A minute later, a beautiful ball through the middle to Gary Madden from Newman allowed the lively forward to pick his spot past Hanley from 18 yards (5-2). There was however more than a suspicion of offside.

Clyde bounced back two minute further on when John Barrett was given time and space at the edge of the area, and he hit an unstoppable effort past Barnes. (5-3) With three minutes to go, Madden played a brilliant ball through to Drew McWilliams and he ran in towards goal, before slipping the ball under hapless Hanley to seal a 6-3 win. The remaining action saw Giles clear a goal-bound shot off the line. Maybe ten goals was asking too much?!

Final score: Pollok 6 Clyde 3

26.8.00 - Beatons Coaches Sectional League Cup
Neilston 1 (Gary Sturrock 80 ) Pollok 2 (Drew McWilliams 79, Andy Newman 90)
Att: 250
Pollok: Derek Barnes, Kevin O'Neil, Roland Fabiani, Colin Giles, Mario Pacitti, Mark McWilliams, Andy Newman, Sammy Johnston, Chris Lynch, Drew McWilliams, Derek Elliott (sub 56 for Neal Diamond).
Not used: Gary McGregor, David Craig, John Hendry, Archie MacLean
Booked: Colin Giles 33
Sent off: none

The Arthurlie game last week marked a return to form for Pollok, and the Clyde friendly gave a number of the new players the chance to express themselves and gain some confidence. The net result of that was a hard working and battling effort this afternoon, with the three sectional league points gained no more than Lok deserved.

Within five minutes, Pollok began to threaten when Derek Elliot headed a ball back towards Chris Lynch at the edge of the six yeard box, but he failed to connect properly, and two minutes later, Drew McWilliams found himself in acres of space on the right hand side and hit a powerful shot from 20 yards just wide. McWilliams then went onto hit a free-kick at Hewitt while Chris Lynch looked lively without being overly effective.

Neilston though played well in spells, with Alan Urquhart looking outstanding. In the 23rd minute, he picked up a loose ball in midfield, ran unchallenged towards goal and hit a venomous shot from 25 yards that crashed off Barnes' crosbar and out for a goal kick. The Farmers Boys then caught Lok out on a counter attack, but fortunately they hesitated for too long, allowing the defence to recover. Kevin O'Neil then forced Hewitt into a save after he went on a bursting run down the right hand side and right on half time, Lynch headed a McWilliams cross just wide.

Half time: Neilston 0 Pollok 0

While things looked fairly positive upfront, the defence still looks as strong as paper glass with Neilston threatening on numerous occasions. However, the biggest bonus from this game was the outstanding performance by Andy Newman. In the 56th minute he made a good turn before shooting at Hewitt, but the Neilston keeper was equal to his effort. McWilliams then forced Hewitt into a save and Fabiani stretched the Neilston defence with a good run down the left before running out of pitch, forcing him to play a pass to no-one.

Fabiani, also looking good, then put returning Neal Diamond through, but the tricky wide man's shot was powerpuff to say the least. As Lok began to run out of time, McWilliams proceeded to miss chance after chance, with Diamond also missing from point-blank range when he volleyed the ball high over the bar from 6 yards out. In the 78th minute, Lynch also went close, as Lok tried desperately to get the breakthough.

The opening goal did eventually arrive moments later. Neal Diamond played a precise ball to Drew McWilliams a few yards inside the Lok half, and he burst down the right hand side heading towards the Neilston penalty area. With no support though, he elected to have a go himself and was delighted to see the ball nestle in the back of the net after thumping down off the underside of the bar with Hewiitt well beaten. (1-0)

Straight from the restart, Neilston were back on terms. The ball at kick off moved a foot, and Gary Sturrock glanced up to see Barnes standing 25 yards out, so he hit a looping chip fully 55 yards into the top corner. (1-1) Ronnie Lowrie's face and glare at Barnes was a picture, but I doubt I'd be saying that had the winner not arrived in stoppage time.

Drew McWilliams played the ball to Kevin O'Neil, and his layoff to Andy Newman was controlled then hit powerfully past Hewitt into the right hand corner from 19 yards distance. (2-1)

This was another excellent performance, which bodes well for the season ahead. The next game for Pollok will be a league game, to be announced on Sunday.

Final score: Neilston 1 Pollok 2

2.9.00 - Abercorn Builders Central League Premier Division
Larkhall Thistle 2 (Brian Watret 25, Charlie MacLean 29) Pollok 2 (Jimmy McPhee 52, 85)
Att: 375
Pollok: Derek Barnes, Alan Dickson, Roland Fabiani, Colin Giles, Mario Pacitti, Mark McWilliams, Andy Main, Sammy Johnston (sub 53 for Gary Madden), Jimmy McPhee, Andy Newman (sub 34 for Joe Bryers), Chris Lynch.
Not used: Gary McGregor, Derek Elliot, Archie MacLean
Booked: Alan Dickson 35, Andy Main 38, Jimmy McPhee 78, Chris Lynch 83
Sent off: none

With only three minutes gone, a Larkhall freekick almost deceived Barnes, but fortunately he managed to get himself down quick enough to save the shot. Thistle should have taken the lead in the 12th minute when Barnes punched weakly at a high ball, only for Brian Watret to fail to connect properly and his effort dissapeared off towards Stonehouse.

Pollok's first real chance came two minutes later when Chris Lynch was put through by Johnston, but the Larkhall keeper defied logic and gravity to beat the former Dunipace man to the ball. Shortly after the 15 minute mark, Lynch managed to get free down the right hand side, and put a cross ball in for Main, but he was another player having difficulty with his control, and the ball sliced off the side of his foot. Jimmy McPhee then sent a wild shot flying wide of the Thistle goal, and a Main free kick also followed a similar trajectory as it curled away from the left post, out for a goal kick.

Thistle made the breakthough in the 25th minute with a bizarre goal. A Larkhall player received the ball around 20 yards out, and instead of taking time to control it, he produced a spinning shot on the turn that had Barnes frantically backpedaling. The on-loan Dumbarton keeper elected to try to catch the ball (instead of tipping it over) as it swerved towards his top corner, but unfortunately he fumbled the ball, gifting a goal to Brian Watret. (0-1) The second Larkhall goal arrived four minutes later when the ball-watching Lok rearguard gave former 'Lie star Charlie MacLean the time and space to have a shot that seemed to creep past the leaden Barnes. (0-2)

By this stage Larkhall were dominating. As the newboys pushed forward, Colin Giles was exposed time and time again. But Lok could have pulled one back in first half stoppage time when Main shot over, and just as Lok could have scored, Larkhall very nearly added the killer third at the death when McWilliams failed to close down a Larkhall forward, and his shot at goal from close range was diverted goalwards by Barnes, only for Colin Giles to head off the line.

Half time: Larkhall Thistle 2 Pollok 0

Whatever Ronnie Lowrie told his players at half-time, it seemed to have the desired effect. Almost straight from kick off, first half sub Joe Bryers (on for Newman) managed to hit a shot goalwards after Chris Lynch had dispossessed the Thistle keeper but it drifted over for a goal kick. But Barnes was almost chipped again by a Larkhall player when he caught him off his line, and the groans of derision and dispair were clearly audible as the ball rapped off the top of the crossbar with Barnes stranded.

When Lok scored it was a surprise as the home side still were dominating proceedings. McPhee put Bryers through the middle, but his effort was cleared, only for Dickson to punt a high ball back into the middle of the pitch and Jimmy McPhee came sliding in around 25 yards out to send a swerving and unorthodox volley beyond the Thistle keeper. (1-2) With 55 minutes gone, Lynch should have equalised when he slipped the ball past the keeper, only for the ball to be scrambled off the line with inches to spare.

The most controversial incident of a lacklustre game arrived in 78 minutes when McPhee chased down a long ball through the middle. The Thistle goalkeeper managed to grab the ball, but McPhee swung an arm into his face before falling over. The referee deemed it a dangerous challenge, but only produced a yellow card, much to the consternation of the massed home supporters.

With Jimmy McPhee still on the park, he was free to score the Lok equaliser in the 85th minute. Fabiani laid the ball into his path and from around 22 yards he sent a powerful shot with the outside of his right foot into the back of the net. (2-2) In stoppage time, Larkhall were reduced to ten men when No. 7 elbowed Barnes in the face off the ball, an incident observed by the linesman.

Final score: Larkhall Thistle 2 Pollok 2