All reports © Martin Donnelly & PollokNet, pics © Kathryn MacLeod

Saturday 27th August 2005: Stagecoach Premier League
Auchinleck Talbot 1 (Spence 46) Pollok 2 (Gavin Friels 3, 10) att: 650

10-man Pollok clung on to the three points in a tightly fought Stagecoach Super Premier League encounter with Auchinleck Talbot at Beechwood Park. The visitors made two changes to the side that defeated Bellshill the previous week, with Martin Nelson and Simon Black replacing Derek Paterson and Bryan Smith in the starting eleven, and it didn't take long for them to find the net.

Ian Wilson launched a long ball deep into Talbot territory, where it was controlled by GAVIN FRIELS, who turned and fired a clinical volley into the bottom corner of the net to give Pollok a 3rd minute lead. Stevie Mallan was wide with an effort from a David Gillies cross before Pollok doubled their lead in the 10th minute. A Nelson corner from the right hand side was met by the head of GAVIN FRIELS inside the six yard box, and he made no
mistake to grab his second of the game against his former club. He then had a chance to complete his hat-trick in the 12th minute, but his shot across the `keeper had no real pace on it and was easily held by Stuart McIntosh.

At the other end Stuart Davidson had a drive charged down by Stevie Aitchison before Gillies flicked a Liam McVey cross just wide. As Talbot increased the pressure in an attempt to narrow the deficit Mallan laid the ball off to Davidson, but he blazed the ball over before Neil Gilmour was allowed to run through the Pollok defence and Wilson had to be alert to block his effort. The `Lok `keeper then had to tip over a Bryan Slavin header, and held on when the same player headed goalwards from the resultant corner. Nelson had a long range effort easily saved before setting up Friels from a throw in, but this time the striker's effort flew over the bar. Just before half time Slavin again headed wide from a McVey corner.

Auchinleck started the second half with all guns blazing, and halved the deficit within 20 seconds of the restart. Pollok conceded the ball from their own kick off, and when the ball fell to COLIN SPENCE at the edge of the box he made no mistake with a driven effort that gave Wilson no chance. Slavin again headed wide after a Mallan shot was blocked, and Wilson had to make a great save to deny Spence his second after he ran through the `Lok rearguard, all within five minutes of the restart. Talbot were on top at this point, and their cause was helped in the 51st minute when Andy McClay was dismissed by the referee after an off the ball tussle with Slavin.

`Lok should have extended their lead, however, in the 63rd minute. Chris Cruickshank went down under pressure from Gilmour, and the referee pointed to the spot. Friels stepped forward to take the penalty rather than regular taker Martin McLauchlan, and he saw McIntosh make an excellent save to hang on to the ball low to the left hand side of the `keeper. The visitors were nearly made to pay within a minute, but Spence's effort dipped onto the crossbar and bounced over for a goal-kick. Pollok brought on Paterson and Mark McKeever for McLauchlan and Nelson in an effort to shore up the middle of the park, before Willie Stewart left proceedings with blood seeping from a head wound after a robust challenge from Derek Anderson. Smith came on as a replacement, but all the attacking was coming from the home side as `Lok tried to protect their slender lead.

Davidson was allowed to advance unchallenged before hitting a weak shot at Wilson, and Gillies volleyed wide from a good position. Spence then played an excellent ball over the top to the same man, but he could only lash his effort into the side netting. McVey and James Latta were both replaced late on for Auchinleck, before a late flurry of bookings. Simon Black was yellow carded for handball, with Paterson and McKeever both entering the book for fouls on Spence. Pollok assistant manager Harry Erwin was also spoken to after a dispute with the assistant referee. `Lok just about held on though, with Talbot's last effort being yet another off target header from Slavin.

Pollok will therefore be relieved to continue their winning start to the season as they prepare for a clash with Arthurlie, while Auchinleck showed signs that they will be major challengers for honours as they build upon their third place finish from last season.

Auchinleck: McIntosh, Latta (#12, 82), McVey (#14, 82), Anderson, Collins, Spence, Davidson, Slavin, Gillies, Mallan, Gilmour.
Booked: none
Pollok: Wilson, Carruth, Cruickshank, Aitchison, McAulay, Nelson (Paterson 59), Stewart (Smith 66), McClay, McLauchlan (McKeever 59), Friels, Black. Not used: McGinty, Burns
Booked: Black (85), Paterson (89), McKeever (90 +3)
Sent Off: McClay (51)

Pollok opened the defence of their Stagecoach Super Premier League title with a two goal victory over visitors Bellshill Athletic at Newlandsfield Park. Home fans were greeted with the news that Scotland Junior international captain Joe Carruth had joined Rab Sneddon's ranks, and he was pitched straight into the fray. Chris Cruickshank, Martin McLauchlan and Bryan Smith also returned to the starting eleven, with Ross Currie, Martin Nelson, Simon Black and Mark McKeever all being relegated to the substitutes bench. Before kick off club president Gordon Allan had the honour of unfurling the league flag for season 2004/05 before referee Tony Law blew the whistle to signal the beginning of the new campaign.

Bellshill started brightly, and it was ex-Pollok captain Kevin O'Neil who nearly opened the scoring with a 30 yard drive that rattled Ian Wilson's crossbar in the 5th minute. Four minutes later Scott Miller headed goalwards after a flick-on from a free-kick, but Wilson saved well. At the other end Carruth nearly made an instant impact when his header from a Willie Stewart cross was cleared, and when Gavin Friels played the ball back into the danger area Cruickshank stretched to make contact, but could only find the side netting. Miller then tested Wilson from 20 yards, but his shot was straight at the `keeper, while at the other end Ian McFarlane easily held a Friels free-kick. On the half hour mark Bellshill thought they had a penalty when Derek Paterson fouled Andy Scott inside the box, but after pointing to the spot referee Law saw the raised offside flag of hisassistant and gave an indirect free-kick to the home side.

Pollok were to take the lead one minute later. Friels drove the ball across goal from the right hand side of the park, and Martin McLauchlan was able to pressure ROBERT COULTER into putting the ball over his own goal-line. Stuart MacDonald then had a long range effort plucked out of the air by
Wilson, and Scott was wasteful when putting a free-kick over the bar from a good position. Athletic had a chance to level in first half injury time, but after Coulter headed a corner back across goal Greig McDonald could only head wide from close range.

The first chance of the second half fell to Pollok in the 47th minute when McLauchlan got between McFarlane and his defence, but he could only put his effort wide. Coulter then volleyed well over before Pollok made the first changes of the game, with Black and Nelson replacing Smith and Paterson. Black had a great opportunity to double the lead within five minutes of coming on, but the onrushing McFarlane blocked his effort after a wonderful run and pass from Cruickshank.

`Lok were not to be denied a second goal however, and it arrived after 65 minutes. Carruth played a pass through to Black, who laid the ball off to MARTIN McLAUCHLAN who flicked the ball over the `keeper for his thirty-fifth goal in Lok colours. O'Neil became the first booking of the match in the 66th minute before making way for Murphy, and Miller was also booked before Murray Watson replaced Stevie Marshall. McLauchlan was then replaced by a trialist for the home side after 82 minutes. Wilson had to be alert with six minutes remaining to prevent Scott from getting a shot in, while at the other end Nelson linked up with Black, who played an excellent ball to release Friels, but despite having time to pick his spot he could only put the ball over the bar. McGhee came on for Miller as the clock ran down, the final efforts being courtesy of a Cruickshank effort that was deflected over and a Stevie Renicks drive that went well wide.

Pollok can be satisfied with a performance that delivered a maximum three points as they set out on the long road to try and retain their hard fought title.

Pollok: Wilson, Carruth, Cruickshank, Aitchison, McAulay, Paterson (Nelson 56), Stewart, McClay, McLauchlan (trialist 82), Friels, Smith (Black 56). Not used: Currie, McKeever
Bellshill Athletic: McFarlane, Renicks, Callaghan, B. Smith, Coulter, G. McDonald, O'Neil (Murphy 69), S. MacDonald, Scott, Miller (McGhee 87),
Marshall (Watson 73). Not used: A. Smith, Mehigan.
Booked: O'Neil (66), Miller (72)

Wednesday 17th August 2005: Sectional League Cup
St. Anthony's 1 (Mulheron 65) Pollok 3 (Friels 1, 60, Currie 50)

Pollok exited the Carlsberg Sectional League Cup at the group stages despite a two goal victory over St. Anthony's at McKenna Park. Stevie Aitchison was available for selection after the birth of his first child caused him to miss the clash with Arthurlie, and he resumed his usual role at the heart of the defence. Willie Stewart, Ross Currie, Martin Nelson and Simon Black also came in to a much changed line-up, with Andy Arbuckle, Chris Cruickshank, Derek Heaton, Bryan Smith and Martin McLauchlan all dropping out.

Those in attendance didn't have long to wait for the first goal as the visitors took the lead after only 27 seconds. Mark McKeever crossed from the left hand side of the park and GAVIN FRIELS nipped in front of David Turner to give Pollok the lead. The 'Lok hitman then had a volley saved seven minutes later when connecting with a Black cross from the right. At the other Ronnie McDonald volleyed over from 14 yards out. Friels was continuing to cause problems at the other end of the field, firing over from a tight angle before being involved again as the woodwork denied Pollok a second. He was released by a ball from Stewart, but could only hit the legs of the 'keeper. The ball rebounded to Black, but Turner made an excellent reaction save to push his effort onto the post. Black then headed wide from a McKeever cross.

The home side slowly began to come more into the game, with Joe Mulheron being heavily involved in their best chances. His 25th minute header was saved by Ian Wilson, and when Mulheron pressured the big 'keeper shortly afterwards he could only spill a cross into the path of James Lennox, but he sliced his snapshot wide of the target. The half closed with Friels drifting inside two Ants defenders, but Nelson took the ball off his feet as he prepared to shoot and the chance was gone.

The second period began in much the same fashion as the first had, with an early goal for Pollok. Andy McClay played an excellent ball through the heart of the Ants defence, and as they claimed for offside ROSS CURRIE showed excellent composure to place the ball into the corner of the net to mark his first Pollok start with his first Pollok goal. The lead was extended to three goals on the hour mark when GAVIN FRIELS timed his run perfectly to meet a pass from Nelson and he made no mistake with his finish.

Stephen Mulligan and John Howley then made way for the home team with Martin McNicol and number 15 the replacements, while McClay was replaced by a trialist for the visitors. Ants pulled a goal back on 65 minutes when Wilson could only tip a cross from the left onto the head of JOE MULHERON, who squeezed the ball just over the line from close range. Friels turned provider in 74 minutes when his cross was met by the Pollok trialist, but Turner stuck his leg out to make an excellent save. Dennis Barclay was then substituted for St. Anthony's and Martin McGinty replaced Black for 'Lok.

As the home side chased the game Pollok were finding increased space into which they could attack, with Nelson seeing an effort blocked after a pass from Stewart and the trialist having a shot blocked by Lennox three yards out as the home side became increasingly frustrated with the rulings of the assistant referee. The substitutions had opened the game up, and Ants were also creating chances. Indeed, the final eight minutes could have been far more nervy for the visitors had Mulheron hit the target with a header from a corner rather than put the ball over. McGinty shot just wide after good play from Friels before Smith replaced McKeever for the last four minutes.

A Nelson free kick then passed wide of the post, while a Mark McCuish effort flew over at the other end. 'Lok had one final effort cleared off the line when Currie's effort was cleared by Lennox, but despite Pollok finishing as the victors the result proved immaterial as a Neilston victory at Tinto Park ensured that they would progress from Section Five and not the Glasgow side.

Pollok can therefore look back upon the first game of their campaign as being the one that did the damage, unable as they were to make up the three points dropped at Brig O'Lea.

St. Anthony's: Turner, McCuish, Donaghy, Ferris, Lennox, Mulligan (#15, 62), Barclay (#17, 78), McDonald, Howley (McNicol 62), Mulheron, Ford. Not used: #12, #14.
Pollok: Wilson, Stewart, McAulay, Aitchison, Paterson, McClay (Trialist 63), Currie, Nelson, Black (McGinty 78), Friels, McKeever (Smith 86). Not used: Arbuckle, McLauchlan.

Saturday 13th August 2005: Sectional League Cup
Pollok 1 (McLauchlan 45) Arthurlie 0 att: 890

Pollok recorded their second victory in the Carlsberg Sectional League Cup as they ground out a narrow victory over rivals Arthurlie at Newlandsfield Park.

Pollok were denied the services of Stevie Aitchison as the sweeper became a father during the night, so John McAulay partnered Derek Heaton at the heart of the `Lok defence. Other changes to the side that beat Benburb saw the return of Ian Wilson in goals in place of Robert Burns, and Derek Paterson bolstering the midfield in place of Simon Black.

It was to be the visitors who made the brighter start, with a Stevie Convery cross being volleyed over by Zander Ryan in the second minute, and the roles being reversed four minutes later when Convery put the ball over from Ryan. Pollok had a lucky escape in the 8th minute when Wilson flapped at a Ryan corner, but Bryan Smith was in position to clear off the line from Alan Rae. Wilson atoned for his error two minutes later when getting his legs in the way of a Ryan shot after Chris Cruickshank had conceded possession in a dangerous area. Wilson then had to push over a long range effort from Graham McKay before David McKenzie was booked, and Rae joined him in the notebook soon after for a foul on Smith. Smith headed wide from the resultant Andy McClay free kick.

At the other end Convery headed over from a Ryan free kick before an enforced change for the visitors. McKenzie had to leave proceedings with blood pouring from a head wound, and his place was taken by Charlie Hobbs. The deadlock was broken in first half injury time, and against the run of play it was the hosts who got the goal. A long ball from Derek Paterson seemed to be of little danger, but when Stuart Allison was short with
his pass back MARTIN McLAUCHLAN was on hand to beat Kris Robertson to the ball to prod home the opening goal.

Arthurlie made their second change five minutes into the second half when Lee Harvey made way for Alan Waddell. Gavin Friels then went close for Pollok when holding off a challenge with his back to goal before turning and lifting a lob narrowly over the crossbar. Arthurlie were still threatening at the other end, Smith again having to clear after a goalmouth scramble and Allison going just over after Wilson failed to deal with a corner. Hobbs then squandered a terrific opportunity by firing wide when through on Wilson. Willie Stewart replaced goalscorer McLauchlan after 64 minutes as Rab Sneddon tried to freshen things up, but the next chance again fell to the `Lie when a Stevie Jack free kick was headed across goal by Ryan, but Wilson made a great save to deny Waddell as he got a hand to his goal-bound volley.

Mark McKeever was booked for Pollok before Robertson made an equally impressive save at the other end. Stewart played the ball to Friels, but the `keeper got down to prevent his driven effort from doubling the advantage. Robertson was nearly caught out moments later when Stewart latched on to a poor punch, but his effort sailed over the target. Ross Currie made his fifth appearance from the bench in five games when replacing Paterson in the 80th minute, and a minute later the scores were nearly levelled. Rae drove the ball in from the edge of the box, but Wilson managed to turn the ball around the post despite seeing the shot late. From the corner Allison saw his header cleared onto the bar and out to safety by McAulay as the home side continued to absorb pressure. Waddell was then booked and Derek Rhodden replaced McKay for Arthurlie, but they couldn't find the key to break down a resolute Pollok defence as the home side hung on for victory.

The result leaves Neilston in pole position to qualify for the quarter-finals of the competition with them requiring a victory over struggling Benburb to ensure a safe passage through to the last eight.

Pollok: Wilson, Arbuckle, Cruickshank, McAulay, Heaton, Paterson (Currie 80), Smith, McClay, McLauchlan (Stewart 64), Friels, McKeever. Not used: Nelson, McGinty, Black
Booked: McKeever (69)
Arthurlie: Robertson, C. Kerr, Wilson, S. Jack, Allison, Harvey (Waddell 50), Ryan, McKay (Rhodden 84), Convery, Rae, McKenzie (Hobbs 42). Not
used: Fitzpatrick, W. Kerr
Booked: McKenzie (22), Rae (25), Waddell (83)

Wednesday 10th August 2005: Sectional League Cup
Pollok 3 (Friels 5, 79, Black 9) Benburb 0

Pollok took the three Carlsberg League Cup points on offer at Newlandsfield Park as they emerged victorious from a one-sided encounter against their visitors from Govan.

Rab Sneddon rang the changes after an opening defeat to Neilston with Robert Burns, Andy Arbuckle, Derek Heaton, Gavin Friels and Mark McKeever replacing Ian Wilson, John McAulay, Derek Paterson, Martin Nelson and Willie Stewart in the home line-up, and his revamped side were to take the lead after just seven minutes. Martin McLauchlan crossed from the left and found the head of GAVIN FRIELS, who beat Hutchison in the Benburb goal with a near post header. Mark Davis dragged a tame effort wide for the Bens before `Lok doubled their lead. McLauchlan's shot from the edge of the box was parried by Hutchison, but SIMON BLACK was on hand to pounce on the rebound to put Pollok two ahead after 10 minutes. McKeever then crossed for Bryan Smith, but his headed effort was held by the `keeper.

When McKeever tried his luck himself he was denied by the woodwork, striking the post, before being denied again by Hutchison. Pollok were well on top at this point and Black found Friels with a good ball, but the striker could only put his attempt over the bar. Shaun Finan replaced David Boland for the Bens after 35 minutes, before Tony O'Neill found his way into referee Hilland's book for a trip on Chris Cruickshank. Heaton saw his header saved from the resultant free kick.

The pattern of the game remained the same when play resumed after the break, with Friels being denied by Hutchison early on after a dummy from Smith. Donnie McDonald was then booked, before Friels lifted a shot over the bar after being played in by Black. Black then made way for Ross Currie as `Lok continued to try to turn their possession into goals. McKeever hit the post for the second time after 63 minutes when his deep cross struck the frame of the goal before bouncing to safety. Currie then had the opportunity to open his Pollok account, but his header from an Arbuckle cross sailed wide. Stewart replaced McLauchlan for Pollok and Allan Richford came on in place of Davidson for Benburb before the home side finally killed the
game off in the 80th minute. Currie played the ball into the box, Heaton headed it across goal, Smith headed the ball back and GAVIN FRIELS volleyed the ball home to make the score 3-0. Arbuckle was then replaced by Ross Jamieson for the home side and McCluskey took the place of O'Neill for the visitors as the game drifted towards its conclusion.

Bens nearly had an opportunity seven minutes from time after an Andy McClay mistake allowed McCluskey a run at goal, but a well-timed Heaton tackle ensured that Burns would not have a save to make over the course of the game. McKeever hit the side netting in injury time after a Friels cut back, but the result had rarely been in doubt from the early stages.

Pollok will still need to rely on other results if they are to have any chance to progress from their group, while Bens fans may be in for a long season on the evidence of a performance that saw them fail to get a shot on target during the ninety minutes.

Pollok: Burns, Arbuckle (Jamieson 80), Cruickshank, Aitchison, Heaton, McClay, Smith, Black (Currie 61), McLauchlan (Stewart 75), Friels, McKeever. Not used: Nelson, Paterson
Benburb: Hutchison, Davidson (Richford 77), Boland (Finan 35), Munro, McDonald, Thomson, Downey, Davis, O'Neill (McCluskey 81), Cuthbert,
Hyndman. Not used: Coggan, Morrison
Booked: O'Neill (40), McDonald (56)

Pollok took advantage of the spare weekend afforded them by the League Cup schedulers by triumphing by three goals over their visitors from Provanmill Park at Newlandsfield Park.

All three goals arrived in the first half, with ANDY ARBUCKLE opening the scoring after 20 minutes. Gavin Friels burst down the right hand side before feeding Ross Jamieson, who cut the ball back to present the full back with an empty net to open his Pollok account. Friels was again the provider for the second after 39 minutes. His cross from the right was headed goalwards by ROSS JAMIESON, and although the visiting `keeper got a touch to the ball he couldn't prevent it from hitting the back of the net. `Lok ensured a three goal lead at the interval when GAVIN FRIELS pounced on a long ball, brought it under control, and confidently smacked home his first goal of the new season.

Pollok couldn't extend their lead in the second half despite having the vast majority of the play. The closest efforts came courtesy of substitute Willie Stewart, who saw his shot saved after an excellent through ball from fellow substitute Simon Black after 64 minutes, and six minutes later when Stewart struck the post from the edge of the box. Friels was also unlucky on two separate occasions when firstly seeing a lob narrowly clear the crossbar, then when a dipping effort just failed to come down in time to hit the target. He did have the ball in the net after 76 minutes, but was adjudged to have been offside when meeting a Stewart cross inside the six-yard box.

Pollok: Peat, Arbuckle (Jordan 60 [Jamieson 86]), Cruickshank, Aitchison, Paterson (McAulay 52), McGinty, Jamieson (Smith 60), Currie (Stewart
60), Williamson (Black 60), Friels, McKeever.

Wednesday 3rd August 2005: Sectional League Cup
Neilston 2 (Canning 23, Smith 76) Pollok 1 (Cruickshank 20)

Pollok suffered their first defeat of the season as Neilston triumphed in a Carlsberg Sectional League Cup tie at a wet and windy Brig O' Lea
Stadium.

Rab Sneddon stuck with the same starting eleven that had triumphed in the Super Cup final at the weekend, so last seasons top scorer Gavin
Friels could only find a place on the bench on his return from his honeymoon. The early stages of the game offered little in the way of goalmouth action, although Andy Whiteford tested Ian Wilson with a long range effort and Bryan Smith had a header saved at the other end by Bryan Hewitt. The breakthrough arrived in the 20th minute, and it was the visitors who took the lead. CHRIS CRUICKSHANK drove at the Neilston defence, and his neat one-two with Simon Black beat the offside trap before the full back struck a left foot shot across the keeper for his second goal in Pollok colours.

The lead was to be short lived, however, as the home side were level within three minutes. Close season signing from Benburb JAMES CANNING stepped up to send a perfectly directed free kick past the Pollok wall and beyond the despairing dive of Wilson to bring the scores level. James McGuire could have given Neilston the lead moments later, but couldn't quite capitalise on a short John McAulay back pass. Martin McLauchlan was
providing the service for Pollok down the left hand side of the park, but neither Black nor Smith could find the net from his crosses. Smith then chipped wide of the post after a moment of confusion in the Neilston defence. Derek Paterson had a volley saved from a Smith corner before Black became the first player to be shown the yellow card after kicking the ball away after a decision went against him. With three minutes of the half remaining McLauchlan cut the ball back to Smith, but he saw his effort deflected onto the post and wide.

The first chance of the second half fell to Neilston when Whiteford headed over from a Canning corner. Whiteford was then booked for a foul on Andy McClay before Hewitt had to beat away a volley from Smith. Both sides brought on substitutes in effort to find the winner, with Andy Arbuckle replacing McAulay for Pollok and Derek Kennedy and Phil Cannie taking over from McGuire and Stephen Keys for Neilston.

Pollok should have grabbed their second goal in the 68th minute when Hewitt raced out of goal only to be beaten to the ball by Black. Smith
provided the necessary support in the penalty box, but Black's ball across to him was too heavy and the chance was wasted. Ex-Pollok man Cannie nearly scored against his old club, but his attempt from a short free kick passed narrowly wide of Wilson's upright. Ross Currie replaced Martin Nelson for `Lok and Robert Anderson made way for Kevin Lee for the home side. Smith had another great opportunity to snatch a second goal when pouncing on some sloppy Neilston defending, but his effort slipped agonisingly wide. Friels entered the action in the 74th minute as a replacement for Black, but the winning goal was to arrive at the other end of the park. Canning's delivery had been causing problems for Pollok throughout the game, and it was his cross that was met by the head of GORDON SMITH who flicked the ball over Wilson to give the hosts the lead. Cannie threatened again with a free kick that was well saved by Wilson, but the Brig O' Lea side had already done enough to clinch the victory that gave them the perfect start to their competitive 2005/06 campaign.

While Neilston will go into a derby clash this weekend with Arthurlie with renewed confidence, Pollok will have to wait seven days to get back on track when Benburb are the visitors at Newlandsfield.

Neilston: Hewitt, Sheridan, Connaghan, Duncan, Anderson (Lee 72), Whiteford, Canning, Cameron, Smith, McGuire (Cannie 63), Keys (Kennedy 63). Not used: Magennis + 1 other
Booked: Whiteford (55)
Pollok: Wilson, McAulay (Arbuckle 60), Cruickshank, Aitchison, Paterson, McClay, Smith, Nelson (Currie 70), McLauchlan, Black (Friels 74), Stewart. Not used: McGinty, Jamieson
Booked: Black (40)

Saturday 30th July 2005: SJFA Supercup Final
Lochee United 0 Pollok 1 (McLauchlan 29)

Pollok lifted the SJFA Super Cup for the second time in three seasons with a narrow victory over East Superleague champions Lochee United at North End Park, Dundee.

Lok boss Rab Sneddon was back from holiday to take charge for the final, and made one change from the side that had triumphed over Tayport the previous week, with Willie Stewart replacing Martin McGinty in the starting line-up. Chris Cruickshank nearly put the Glasgow side ahead after five minutes, but he could only head wide from a John McAulay cross. The Lochee number 16 became the first of what was to be ten bookings when fouling Bryan Smith after 13 minutes. Number 6 then threatened for United, but he curled his effort wide to the left of the target. Smith then had a great chance to open the scoring for Pollok, but he could only header over from a Simon Black cross. At the other end the Lochee number 10 also had a free header, but couldn't quite get enough contact on the ball and sent it wide of the post.

After 25 minutes an Andy McClay ball over the top released Black, and although he had time to pick his spot Iain Ross in the Lochee goal was able to block his effort. Ross Dorward was booked for protesting that Black was in an offside position. Lok were not to be denied for long, however, as they made the breakthrough four minutes later. Stewart played the ball to Black down the left flank, and his cut back was met by MARTIN McLAUCHLAN, who took a touch before firing home from 12 yards. Stewart nearly extended the lead a minute later, but hit his effort straight at
the `keeper. Lochee were rarely threatening, although number 6 did manage to hook a shot on target from a Phillip Hagan corner, but it
was easily dealt with by Ian Wilson. Hagan was then booked for a hefty challenge on Stevie Aitchison, before `Lok nearly doubled their
lead. Aitchison played a long ball forward, which was deflected into the path of Black. He set up Stewart, who crashed his shot off the
right hand upright. The half closed with Derek Paterson becoming the first Pollok booking for a foul on Paul Durno.

Within three minutes of the restart Lochee came close to equalising, but number 10's speculative effort dipped just wide of the post. McClay was booked for Pollok as were Charlie Cargill and Durno for the Bluebells as the game became increasingly punctuated by whistles from the match official. Number six made way for Craig Robertson before Ross made a tremendous save to keep the deficit at one. Black was again the provider for McLauchlan, but the United `keeper managed to get his right hand to the left foot effort and pushed it wide for a corner. Smith was next into the book before Ross Currie replaced goalscorer McLauchlan for the last 13 minutes. Number 15 of United was the ninth name in the book as the rhythm of the game continued to be broken by stoppages. Currie then had an effort cleared off the line after connecting with a Martin Nelson free-kick before a moment of confusion involving the officials. After being called over by his assistant the referee showed Robertson a yellow card followed by a red. After protest from the player, however, the referee realised that Robertson was not one of the myriad of earlier bookings and so correctly allowed the player to remain on the park. As the game drew to a conclusion Nelson blasted over for `Lok, before Ross Jamieson replaced Black in injury time. Wilson held a final corner kick from Lochee before the referee blew for full time to confirm victory for Pollok.

All that was left was for Martin Nelson to pick up the Man of the Match award, an accolade he also received in the 2003 final, and for club captain Stevie Aitchison to lift the trophy for Pollok, the 2005/06 SJFA Super Cup winners.

Lochee United: Ross, Dorward, #6 (Robertson 61), Cargill, #10, MacMillan, Durno, #15, #16 (#19 71), Davidson, Hagan. Not used: #17, #20, #21
Booked: #16 (13), Dorward (25), Hagan (42), Cargill (54), Durno (58), #15 (81), Robertson (85)
Pollok: Wilson, McAulay, Cruickshank, Aitchison, Paterson, McClay, Smith, Nelson, McLauchlan (Currie 77), Black (Jamieson 90), Stewart. Not
used: McGinty, Williamson, Burns.
Booked: Paterson (45), McClay (52), Smith (64)

Wednesday 27th July 2005: Friendly
Pollok 2 (Smith 21, 27) Dumbarton 2 (Gentile 25, Gemmell 45)

Bryan Smith took his goals tally to four in three games with a double as Pollok drew 2-2 with Bell's Second Division outfit Dumbarton at Newlandsfield Park.

All four goals arrived during the first half, with the home side striking first after 21 minutes. Martin McGinty received a throw in at the edge of the box, and his ball across goal cannoned off Willie Stewart and into the path of BRYAN SMITH, who made no mistake with his finish. The visitors were on level terms four minutes later when a mistake from Ian Wilson allowed a CHRIS GENTILE shot from 20 yards to pass under his body for the equaliser. Parity was only restored for two minutes, however, as `Lok retook the lead. BRYAN SMITH played a corner low to the near post, and it eluded everybody, including John Gemmell on the Sons goal line, to give Pollok the advantage once more. The most controversial moment of the match came in the 38th minute when a hefty challenge by Gentile on Lok trialist Derek Gardiner left the home centre-back in some distress. He tried to play on until the interval, but by then Dumbarton had equalised. Andy Rodgers broke down the right hand side and cut the ball across goal
for JOHN GEMMELL to tap-in to the empty net right on the stroke of half time.

The injured number 4 made way at half time for Stevie Aitchison, as did Ian Wilson for Robert Burns, and the big `keeper was soon in the action. Within 10 seconds of the restart Rodgers had a chance to give the visitors the lead, but Burns pushed his effort wide. Further substitutions were to follow, with McGinty, Smith and Ross Currie all leaving the field to be replaced by Derek Paterson, Simon Black and Ross Jamieson. As the half wore on the senior side began to dominate proceedings, and it took some excellent goalkeeping from Burns to deny Iain Russell, Danny Ferry and Scott Bannerman, all of whom had excellent chances to win the match for Dumbarton. At the other end Paterson headed wide from a Martin Nelson free kick and Stephen Grindlay did well to keep out a Black header as the match finished all square.

Pollok: Wilson (Burns 46), McAulay, Arbuckle, Gardiner (Aitchison 46), Heaton, Currie (Paterson 57), Smith (Jamieson 57), Nelson, McLauchlan, McGinty (Black 57), Stewart.
Dumbarton: Grindlay, Ferry, Brittain, Walker, Smith, Dempsie, Bannerman, Ronald, Rodgers, Gemmell (Russell 68), Gentile (Borris 71). Not used: Dillon, Allan, Dobbins, MacDonald, Connell, McQuilken, Wight.

Saturday 23rd July 2005: SJFA Supercup Semi-Final
Tayport 0 Pollok 0 (Lok won 3-2 on pens)
att: 275

Pollok opened their competitive 2005/06 campaign with a penalty shoot-out victory over OVD Scottish Cup holders Tayport at The Canniepairt in the semi-final of the SJFA Super Cup.

With manager Rab Sneddon on holiday it was Harry Erwin who took charge of the team, although he had far from a full squad to select from. Close season signing Bryan Smith made his first competitive appearance in the black and white alongside John McAulay, formerly of Arbroath, and Martin McGinty, previously with Stranraer. It was to be the home side who threatened first, with Ian Wilson taking a Lloyd Young cross at the second attempt under pressure at the back post.

Robbie Henderson then found space down the Pollok right, but there was no supporting player to meet his square ball across the face of goal. It took the visitors 10 minutes to produce a save from Frazer Fitzpatrick when a Martin McLauchlan cross was headed tamely at goal by Simon Black. Four minutes later and makeshift centre-half Derek Paterson fouled Henderson 20 yards from goal, with Sean Christie rattling the crossbar with the resultant free kick. Henderson continued to cause problems for the Pollok back line, including one effort where he hit the side netting despite being grounded earlier in the action. At the other end McLauchlan provided again for Black in the 23rd minute, but his tame shot was dealt with by Fitzpatrick. McLauchlan himself then came close to breaking the deadlock in the 31st minute. A Chris Cruickshank cross was headed back across goal by Smith before being cracked against the bar by McLauchlan. The Pollok striker was fouled four minutes later by Roberto Morris, who became the first booking of the match. Smith then had the opportunity to cap his debut with a goal, but Fitzpatrick and Ross Gunnion combined to force the ball wide for a corner. McLauchlan then had a penalty appeal turned down before Tayport had their best chance of the match. Pollok had enough numbers back to clear any danger, but failed to do so, leaving Gunnion in a position to curl an effort goalwards, but Wilson turned the ball around the post.

It was to be the `keepers last involvement in the game as he made way at half time for Robert Burns in the Pollok goal. Pollok should have taken the lead seven minutes into the second half when Black found himself six yards from goal with just the `keeper to beat, but he pulled his shot wide of the target. The game was then stopped for a lengthy period when a collision between Gunnion and Martin Nelson left the Pollok midfielder in need of a stretcher, with Willie Stewart replacing him. Shortly after the resumption of the game Andy McClay was booked for kicking the ball away, before Black put another header over the bar. Smith then had a hooked shot saved as Pollok began to dominate more and more. Black squandered two further chances for the visitors who were clearly missing the cutting edge of last season's top scorer Gavin Friels. Brian Duell was booked for the home side before 44-year-old Gus Malone replaced Henderson. Burns was called into action ten minutes from time when turning a Gary Middleton effort around the post. Gunnion was then booked before Ross Jamieson replaced McGinty for the `Lok. Although he came on in the 89th minute he would get eleven minutes of playing time due to the additional time that resulted from the Nelson injury. During that time Black had another chance to win the game but fired straight at the `keeper, and Jamieson also put a header wide as the game remained goalless.

The new season was therefore to start in the same way that the old one had ended at Beith, with the lottery of a penalty shoot-out. Things didn't look good for `Lok when Fitzpatrick saved from Smith, but Steven Stewart put his effort wide. Black and Willie Stewart converted for `Lok, as did Young for the hosts. Middleton then saw his effort saved by Burns, but McClay struck the left hand post with his effort before Duell scored off the inside of the same post to leave the scores at 2-2 after four penalties each. McLauchlan thundered his penalty home, before Morris struck the same post for Tayport that had denied McClay seconds earlier, sending Pollok through to a final clash with Lochee United.

Tayport: Fitzpatrick, Wemyss, Young, Duell, Stewart, Christie, Morris, Dailly, Gunnion, Middleton, Henderson (Malone, 75)
Booked: Morris (35), Duell (69), Gunnion (83)
Pollok: Wilson (Burns 46), McAulay, Cruickshank, Aitchison, Paterson, McClay, Smith, Nelson (Stewart 59), McLauchlan, McGinty (Jamieson 89), Black. Not used: Currie, Williamson.
Booked: McClay (60)

Wednesday 20th July 2005: Friendly, report by Jamie Wire
Yoker Athletic 1 Pollok 3 (Smith 2, Nelson)

A fairly low key game at Holm Park that Lok won comfortably. Brian Smith scored his first goal for Lok in 24 minutes when Black's initial effort was blocked by the keeper and he chipped in the rebound from the angle of the area. Martin Nelson then drove in a free-kick four minutes later and Smith chipped in his second in the 33rd minute. Yoker pulled one back in the 79th minute. Lok only had two new signings on show, Ross Currie and former Arthurlie midfield man Smith. But a number of trialists, seven at a count, fleshed out last year's team. In fact, two of the seven played a year ago to the day at Camelon, keeper Mark Peat and forward Barry Williamson.

Pollok: Peat, McAulay, Arbuckle, Aitchison, Paterson, McClay, Smith, Nelson, Black, Currie, Cruickshank. Subs: Heaton, McGinty, Jamieson, Williamson, Gardiner (all used), Wilson.