Saturday 30th August 2003 - Newlandsfield Park. West Premier League. Att: 450
Pollok 3 (0) Pollok got their defence of the West of Scotland Premier League off to a flying start by beating newly promoted Troon 3-0 at Newlandsfield. Paul McMenamin was replaced in the starting line-up at the last minute by Davie Craig, with Danny Hanley featuring on the bench in his place. Bar suspended Jimmy McPhee, Martin Baker and Chris Sweeney were the most notable absentees from the starting line-up.
Troon 0 (0)
Pollok scorers: Paul McNeill (65), Raymond Logan (72), Martin McLauchlan (90)
Troon scorer: -

Paul McNeill in action

After a goalless first half in which both sides had chances, Pollok emerged for the second half the sharper of the two. PAUL MCNEILL opened on 65 minutes after being put through on goal, and from a McLauchlan cross in 72 minutes, RAYMOND LOGAN headed the second. In stoppage time, a Hamilton run and shot was blocked by Strain, but MARTIN MCLAUCHLAN was on hand to slam home the rebound for a flattering but accepted 3-0. Inbetween Pollok's second and third goals, Chris Strain rattled the crossbar.

In the other games, Arthurlie beat Glenafton 1-0 thanks to a Robert Downs goal. Brian Watret struck twice for Maryhill to level the scores against Neilston to 2-2 who led through a Derek Carson double, and Richie McCusker and John Tinney added to the 'Hill tally to give a final score of 4-2. George Wallace's opener for Auchinleck was cancelled out by a Larkhall equaliser from ex QOS midfielder Stevie Pettit. Raymond Dunne secured a point for Kilbirnie at home to Johnstone who lead through Gary McKenna. Charlie Adams' goal away to Cumnock wasn't enough to take anything for Kilwinning, with the home side netting through the controversial pair of shamed Ross Jeffries and Stevie McQuade.
McNeill takes on the Troon defence

Lok threaten the Troon defence

McLauchlan tries to lose McLuckie
Pollok: Wilson, O'Neil, M. McWilliams, Aitchison, Heaton,Nelson, Hamilton, Logan, McLauchlan, McNeill, Craig. Not used: Pacitti, McGowan, D. McWilliams, Gayne, Hanley.
booked: McNeill 58, Nelson 89.
Troon: A. Strain, McLuckie (sub 72 for Booth), Houston, Graham, Gonzague, Nolan, C. Strain, Gallagher (sub 72 for McCann), Frye (sub 67 for Crichton), Davison, Reid. Not used Hendry, Phillips.
booked: Gonzague 59, Graham 78, Houston 83
Wednesday 27th August 2003 - Gasworks Park. Sectional League Cup Q/F. Att: tbc - Reporter is Martin Donnelly
Larkhall Thistle 0 (0) Pollok once again made their fans sweat as they scraped through to the semi-finals of the Beatons League Cup with their second shoot-out win in the space of 48 hours.

Pollok 0 (0) Pollok won 3-2 on pens
Larkhall scorer: -
Pollok scorer: -


Davie Hamilton being marked

Ronnie Lowrie chose to made one change from the starting eleven that saw off Shotts at Hannah Park, with Martin Nelson returning from suspension to replace Raymond Logan in the 'Lok midfield. The first effort of the game came in the fourth minute, with a header from the home number 9 being dealt with comfortably by Ian Wilson. Nelson threatened for 'Lok two minutes later, but his effort was easily dealt with by the home 'keeper. He was brought into action again six minutes later as a mishit Kevin O'Neil cross dipped towards goal, but was easily caught at the near post.

Both teams were struggling to create any clear-cut chances, although Nelson was unlucky to see a free kick drift narrowly wide. The only booking of a low-key first half came for the Larkhall number 7 for dissent, a booking that was to prove significant later on.
The second half started with the home team looking much the brighter, and they had an early chance to open the scoring, only for their number 3 to fire wildly over from a good position. Paul McMenamin found his way into the referee's notebook with a foul on the home number 8, before the Larkhall number 6 hit the target with a header that was easily held by Wilson. Pollok's best move came in the 56th minute, with Martin McLauchlan releasing Paul McNeill down the right. His cross was met by Paul McMenamin, but his downward header was easily held by the home goalie.
Martin McLauchlan looks for room to move

Paul McNeill feels this one
Larkhall continued to exert pressure, with firstly number 8 firing just over and then number 7 taking advantage of a poor clearing header from McMenamin to aim a scissors kick just over from 20 yards. It was to be his last involvement as an attacking force, however, as four minutes later he was unlucky to find himself sent off for a second yellow card after a slight tug on Stevie Aitchison's shirt. Number 9 was also booked for his protestations over the decision. Ronnie Lowrie attempted to make use of the numerical advantage by throwing on firstly Drew McWilliams for David Craig and then Kevin Proctor for Martin McLauchlan. 'Lok could only manage one further real effort, however, as a weak Martin Nelson header was comfortably saved by the home 'keeper. For the second game in a row, therefore, 'Lok faced the drama of penalties.

Unlike the game at Hannah Park, the home team had the advantage of first strike. Ian Wilson, however, made a fine save to deny the Thistle number 11 from the spot. Mark McWilliams and David Hamilton made no mistake for the visitors, with number six also converting for the Gasworks Park side. When Wilson saved again from the home number 4 it seemed that Pollok were certain to take their place in the semi-finals, but Paul McNeill saw his effort saved to leave the score at 2-1 to Pollok after three strikes each. Number 17 levelled matters for Larkhall, before Kevin Proctor also saw his effort saved. With away nerves starting to twitch, Ian Wilson again proved himself the hero with a magnificent stop high to his right to deny the home number 14. Drew McWilliams had the opportunity to send 'Lok through, and he duly obliged with a cool effort low to the 'keepers left to book Pollok a date with Maryhill in the semis, while leaving Larkhall to ponder what might have been
Action in the Lok goalmouth
Pollok: Wilson, O'Neil, M. McWilliams, Aitchison, Heaton, Nelson, Hamilton, Craig (sub 72 for D. McWilliams), McNeill, McLauchlan (sub 81 for Proctor), McMenamin. Not used: Pacitti, McGowan.
booked: McMenamin 47, Nelson 76, D. McWilliams 87.
Monday 25th August 2003 - Hannah Park. Sectional League Cup play-off. Att: 210 - Reporters Al Reid & Martin Donnelly
Shotts Bon Accord 0 (0) Pollok won this game the hard way. After totally dominating for 90 minutes, during which Shotts Goalkeeper Iain Banks (formerly of Pollok Under-21s) was inspired, it took a penalty shoot-out to secure victory.

Pollok 0 (0) Pollok won 6-5 on pens
Shotts BA scorer: -
Pollok scorer: -

Pollok look to score before darkness falls

In front of a sparce crowd around the 200 mark, Pollok asserted themselves early on and David Craig was unlucky with a dipping effort in 6 minutes clipped the top of the bar. Six minutes later, Davie Hamilton brought out the best in Banks when his shot was parried. While the home side were able to hold Lok to efforts from outside the box, they rarely threatened at the other end, their only real pressure being a series of corners that failed to unduly trouble Wilson.

Lok had another opportunity to take the lead in the 27th minute after an excellent turn and pass from Martin McLauchlan released Paul McNeill. His ball across goal was met at the back post by McMenamin, who forced a fine save from Banks. Banks was again in action ten minutes before the break when he turned away a Logan piledriver and then tipped Craig’s follow-up onto the bar.

The second-half started in the same way that the first-half had ended with Banks saving acrobatically from McLauchlin after good work by Hamilton. Pollok continued to press and Hamilton hit the side-net on the hour mark. Lok had a good penalty shout in 67 minutes when Hamilton was held in the box but Mr Finnan waved away the claims.


He's back!

And big Ian's back to his best
With 17 minutes to go, Ronnie Lowrie tried to alter the scoreline by replacing McLauchlan with the returning Drew McWilliams. Within five minutes of coming on, McWilliams saw his former team reduced to ten men. Having been played in by Logan, McWilliams was bundled to the deck 19 yards out by Shotts' already booked Alex Keddie. Right to the death Pollok continued to pressurise the home goal and Banks broke the visitors’ hearts with a super block from David Craig in the last minute.

And so to penalties. If it was fiction, the script was written – Banks to take Shotts through. But it was not to be as Pollok ran out 6–5 winners to prove that sometimes there is justice in football. A total of 14 penalites were taken with Shotts' Steve Gallen and Stevie Aitchison the only sinners in the first 10. Raymond Logan and Kevin O’Neil converted Pollok's sixth and seventh penalties, and Ian Wilson was the hero at the end of the day when he saved from Shotts’ Graeme Gaffney to send the visitors through to a quarter-final tie with Larkhall Thistle.
Celebration time!
Shotts Bon Accord: Banks, R. Brown, Sloan, McInulty (sub 67 for Wilson), Gaffney, Keddie, McLintock, Boyack, Gallen, Jackson (sub 62 for McGuinness), Wallace.
booked: Keddie 13, Boyack 46, Gaffney 60.
sent off: Keddie 80
Pollok: Wilson, O'Neil, M. McWilliams, Aitchison, Heaton, Craig, Hamilton, Logan, McNeill, McLauchlan (sub 75 for D. McWilliams), McMenamin. Not used: Pacitti, McGowan, Proctor, Baker.
booked: McMenamin 40, McNeill 59.
Saturday 23rd August 2003 - McKenna Park. Group Nine, Sectional League Cup. Att: 200
St. Anthony's 2 (0) With Martin Nelson missing out through suspension, and Kevin Proctor still injured, Ronnie Lowrie had to shuffle his pack somewhat for this game with Johnstone Burgh at a damp Keanie Park. Joe Bryers was listed on the bench as a trialist, while both Davie Craig and Paul McMenamin started. Dropping out of the side altogether was youngster Ally Campbell.
Pollok 1 (1)
St. Anthony's scorer: Joe Mulherron (54), Dennis Barclay (65p)
Pollok scorer: Jimmy McPhee (34)

Lok on the attack in the first half

Ahead of the clash with Shotts Bon Accord on Monday night, Ronnie Lowrie gave a start to returning trialist Joe Bryers while resting seven players who were in the starting eleven against Johnstone Burgh three days earlier. There was a competitive start for John McGowan and a first game this year for Mario Pacitti.

Rested for Pollok were Kevin O'Neil, Mark McWilliams, Stevie Aitchison, Derek Heaton, David Hamilton, Paul McNeill and Paul McMenamin, and shorn of the players who have provided strength in defence and creativity going forward, the absence of suspended Martin Nelson was even more noticeable.

Davie Hamilton, David Craig and Raymond Logan jostle the Ants

Trialist Joe Bryers tries to evade a tackle
Pollok opened the scoring in 34 minutes through JIMMY MCPHEE with a shot from wide on the right, but JOE MULHERRON levelled for the Ants with a tap in in 54 minutes. The key moment of the game was the awarding of a penalty in 65 minutes after Gayne was penalised. It was converted by DENNIS BARCLAY to send the home support wild.

Pollok will feel aggrieved for the award of the penalty as well as the chalking off of a Bryers goal late in the second half. Nothing though can be taken away from the Ants for being the unlikely, but still most deserving, side to complete the clean sweep in the 'Group of Death' aka Section Nine of the Beaton's Sectional League Cup.


Jimmy McPhee tries to lose Frearson
St Anthony's: McLeod, Kinnaird, Donnachy, Elliot (sub 45 for Gillespie), Lennox, Frearson, Diamond, Dickson, Barclay (sub 89 for Renton), Mulherron, Ford. Not used: McIlvanney, Deeney, Trialist B.
booked: Donnachy 57, Lennox 83
Pollok: Wilson, Sweeney, Baker (sub 41 for O'Neil), Gayne, Pacitti, Craig, McGowan, Logan, McLauchlan (sub 60 for McNeill), McPhee, Bryers (sub 69 for Hamilton). Not used: Heaton, Aitchison.
booked: Pacitti 82
Wednesday 20th August 2003 - Keanie Park. Group Nine, Sectional League Cup. Att: 200
Johnstone Burgh 1 (1) With Martin Nelson missing out through suspension, and Kevin Proctor still injured, Ronnie Lowrie had to shuffle his pack somewhat for this game with Johnstone Burgh at a damp Keanie Park. Joe Bryers was listed on the bench as a trialist, while both Davie Craig and Paul McMenamin started. Dropping out of the side altogether was youngster Ally Campbell.
Pollok 3 (1)
Johnstone Burgh scorer: James Donnelly 33
Pollok scorers: David Hamilton 32, Paul McNeill 42, 68

Pollok's defence clear their lines

The opening stages of the game were largely forgettable, though Paul McNeill should have sent Lok into the lead in 15 minutes when he was set up by Jimmy McPhee from close range, but he headed directly into the clutch of Burgh trialist keeper Fulton.

Pollok did open the scoring in 32 minutes however when after Martin McLauchlan was fouled, DAVID HAMILTON fired in a brilliant free-kick into the top right hand corner of Fulton's goal from just outside the area. The lead didn't last though, as JAMES DONNELLY netted for Burgh a minute later following some slack Lok defending.
Davie Hamilton looks the winner of this aerial battle

Martin McLauchlan looks to shrug off his marker
Pollok regained the lead with 68 minutes played, when PAUL MCNEILL was alert enough to get onto a McPhee flick after another free-kick and he directed the bal away from Fulton for the third.

The game was spoiled from a Lok perspective by the sending off of Jimmy McPhee for seemingly elbowing Tommy Turner off the ball with 12 minutes remaining. The two players had been niggling at each other throughout the second half, and it had not gone un-noticed on the terracing. There was therefore an air of inevitability about a red card being flashed to either perpetrator, and it was disappointing to have the squad weakened unneccessarily when this tie was long won.


The Lok bench watch on as Burgh press for a goal
Johnstone Burgh: Fulton, McKinnon (sub 72 for Laidlaw), Sherry, Turner, Smith, Armour, Allison (sub 82 for McElane), McKenna, Connelly (sub 67 for McFadyen), McKelvie, Donnelly. Not used: Brown, Duffy.
booked: Turner 63, Donnelly 79
Pollok: Wilson, O'Neil, M. McWilliams, Aitchison, Heaton, Craig, McPhee, Hamilton, McNeill, McLauchlan (sub 69 for McGowan), McMenamin. Not used: Sweeney, Pacitti, Gayne, Bryers.
booked: McLauchlan 69, O'Neil 76
sent off: McPhee 78
Saturday 16th August 2003 - Newlandsfield Park. Group Nine, Sectional League Cup. Att: 400
Pollok 4 (0) The first half of Pollok's fourth sectional tie proved to be fairly uneventful, with Lok only mustering two clear cut chances against yet another incarnation of Benburb. Firstly Hamilton warmed the gloves of young Chris Lamb in the Bens goal with 40 minutes on the clock, and Jimmy McPhee tested the kid gloves' agility with a header soon after.
Benburb 2 (0)
Pollok scorers: Martin McLauchlan 55, Paul McNeill 56, 83, David Hamilton 72
Benburb scorers: Steven Wilson 64, Murdo McKinnon 71

Davidson clears the danger for Bens		 Lok opened the scoring in 55 minutes through new signing MARTIN MCLAUCHLAN with a rocket that he unleashed past Bens' kid keeper Chris Lamb. The 33 year old ex-Forfar and Clyde hitman arrives at Newlandsfield after a year away from Junior football, where he last played with Neilston.
McLauchlan created the second a minute later winning a tackle deep in Lok territory, releasing McPhee down the right. His cross into the box was met by PAUL MCNEILL who had the time to pick his spot in style.
Martin Nelson fires a free-kick goalwards

Hamilton looks for a break
Bens pulled one back through sub STEVEN WILSON when he beat the Lok offside trap, and suicidal defending by both O'Neil and Wilson seven minutes on allowed MURDO MCKINNON to equalise with a chip over the stranded keeper from 25 yards. DAVID HAMILTON fired Lok ahead again almost instantaniously as the goals continued to fly in.

Finlayson was sent off for Bens for a second yellow in 79 minutes and it got worse for the visitors when PAUL MCNEILL headed in his second from a Hamilton cross. Ref Willie Collum levelled the numbers by sending off Martin Nelson in 84 minutes for kicking out at Frankie O'Hara off the ball. Everyone else in the ground was watching another incident between McNeill and Davidson so most people had no idea what happened. The second half was definitely better entertainment that the first, though not much football was played.


Raymond Logan awaits his yellow card...
Pollok: Wilson, O'Neil, M. McWilliams, Aitchison, Heaton, Nelson, Hamilton, Logan, McNeill, McLauchlin (sub 57 for Campbell), McPhee (sub 85 for Craig). Not used: Pacitti, McMenamin, McGowan.
booked: Logan 75, Hamilton 86
sent off: Nelson 84
Benburb: Lamb, Casement (sub 59 for Stirrat), McMillan, Davidson, Sheridan, O'Hara, McKinnon, Colsh (sub 57 for Stewart), McIntyre, Finlayson, Brown (sub 59 for Wilson). Not used: McKeown, Hollis.
booked: Davidson 23, McIntyre 29, Finlayson 43, Casement 50, O'Hara 65.
sent off: Finlayson 79
Wednesday 13th August 2003 - Western Park. Group Nine, Sectional League Cup. Att: 200
Renfrew 0 (0) Pollok arrived at Western Park with a somewhat depleted squad for this Sectional League Cup tie. A combination of injuries, work commitments and holidays meant that ‘Lok could list only 4 subs and Paul McNeill played through the pain barrier once again. Danny Hanley replaced Ian Wilson in goal for his first start in a competitive match in 18 months.

Pollok 0 (0)
Renfrew scorer: -
Pollok scorer: -

Kevin O'Neill is outbattled in defence		 In a disappointing first-half, almost half-an-hour had passed before the first real chance of a goal arrived. Jimmy McPhee and Paul McMenamin linked-up well on the left, McMenamin sent in a great cross which Paul McNeill headed against the post with the keeper beaten. Jimmy McPhee then raced clear of the Frew defence but shot weakly past the post from just inside the penalty box.

Renfrew looked the more likely side to open the scoring in the early stages of the second-half and Danny Hanley did well to push a goal-bound shot to safety. Kevin O’Neil then put Danny under pressure with a poor pass-back which resulted in an injury for the unfortunate keeper as he tried to clear from a Renfrew forward. A few minutes later, Danny had to hand over the gloves to Ian Wilson as he limped from the pitch for treatment.


Derek Heaton and Stevie Aitchison keep an eye on 'Frew

McNeill's a marked man this term...
David Hamilton created a couple of good chances for the visitors as firstly Derek Heaton shot wide and Paul McNeill headed over following good crosses from the midfielder. The referee waved away loud Pollok appeals for a penalty when a Frew defender appeared to handle a Jimmy McPhee cross in the box.

Ian Wilson then had an excellent save from a Kenna shot as Frew hit back on the break. Martin Nelson had a great chance to open the scoring when he had a free header in front of goal but McHutcheon saved. As play raged from end to end, Renfrew looked certain to score as two forwards broke through the Pollok defence but Ian Wilson did well to get a hand to the ball and Chris Sweeney cleared upfield.

With 15 minutes remaining, McHutcheon got down well to save a Paul McNeill shot at his right-hand post, following more good work from Jimmy McPhee. As the referee blew for full-time, the score remained at 0 – 0 and both sides must have regretted several missed chances to take all three points.
The sun sets on a poor game
Renfrew: McCutcheon, Hammond (sub 40 for Cuthbert), Brogan (sub 45 for Johnstone), Clark, Dickson, Harvey, Kenna, Andrews, Malone, McLafferty (sub 77 for McNally), Prentice. Not used: Coyle, Thomson.
Booked: Andrews 61, Kenna 90
Pollok: Hanley (sub 51 for Wilson), Sweeney (sub 84 for Craig), M. McWilliams, O'Neil, Heaton, Nelson, Hamilton, Aitchison, McNeill, McMenamin (sub 45 for Campbell), McPhee. Not used: Pacitti.
Booked: McMenamin 23, Nelson 90
Monday 11th August 2003 - Newlandsfield Park. Group Nine, Sectional League Cup. Att: 400
Pollok 3 (1) Lok won 3-0 tonight against Neilston though the game was not perhaps the greatest spectacle. Pollok went ahead in 27 minutes when young KEVIN PROCTOR displayed neat skill with both feet before driving a low shot from the edge of the box that cracked off Hewitt's right post, spun along the goalline and in off his left post.
Neilston 0 (0)
Pollok scorers: Kevin Proctor (27), Paul McNeill (46), David Hamilton (66)
Neilston scorer: -

McNeill's shorts almost pulled off		 Lok subbed Nelson for Craig at half-time and almost straight away doubled their lead when McPhee was bodychecked in a break but PAUL MCNEILL was on hand to pick up possession and chip deftly over a wrong-footed Hewitt into the top left-hand corner.
DAVID HAMILTON completed the scoring midway through the second half when from close range he finished well after an initial shot was blocked. Neilston sub Ian McAdam was sent off for flying into a tackle on Aitchison after the ref Mr O'Reilly had blown his whistle.
McNeill closes down Hewitt

Kevin Proctor goes up in the air with McKie

David Hamilton faces Denis Connachan
Pollok: Wilson, Sweeney, M. McWilliams, O'Neil, Heaton, Nelson (sub 45 for Craig), Hamilton, Aitchison, McNeill, Proctor (sub 38 for McMenamin), McPhee (sub 60 for Campbell). Not used: Pacitti, Hanley.
booked: McPhee 52, McMenamin 61
Neilston: Hewitt, Fallen, Fox (sub 59 for Bishop), Urquhart, Connachan, C. McKie, Murdoch, Morrison (sub 70 for McGinlay), McDonald, Carson (sub 55 for McAdam), Gordon. Not used: McKie#2, Hutchison.
booked: Fallen 13, Fox 46, C. McKie 73, Murdoch 76, McDonald 81
sent off: McAdam 79
Wednesday 6th August 2003 - Newlandsfield Park. Group Nine, Sectional League Cup. Att: 722
Pollok 1 (1) While it was superb for the club to win the SJFA Super Cup at Prestonfield on Saturday, most supporters regarded the 2003-04 season as truly started once this derby crunch with Arthurlie got underway. And 'crunch' is the right word, if the challenges on display that referee Stevie Nicol had to deal with are anything to go by.
Arthurlie 1 (1)
Pollok scorer: Steven Jack OG (10)
Arthurlie scorer: Zander Ryan (27)

Ian Wilson's mammoth kick upfield 		Pollok began brightly enough and could have taken an early lead when Chris Sweeney miscued in a crowded goalmouth, and the same player was involved at the other end when he seemingly handled inside the Pollok penalty area. The deadlock was broken in 10 minutes though, and Ian Wilson provided the assist yet again. His huge drop-kick upfield caused confusion in the Arthurlie area and both keeper mcGovern and stopper Jack failed to communicate, resulting in highly rated STEVEN JACK heading the ball over his keeper into the net.
Arthurlie got back on terms in 27 minutes though when ZANDER RYAN drilled a free-kick from distance past an unsighted and unmoving Ian Wilson. The game took a turn for the worse from a Lok point of view in 40 minutes when Kevin O'Neil, booked early on for a late challenge, clipped McKenzie after Heaton had played a daft square ball across the Lok rearguard. Ref Nicol had little option to show Kevin his 10th red card in Pollok colours.
Martin Nelson floats a free-kick into the 'Lie box

The referee has to deal with more bad behaviour

Ally Campbell picks up possession

The second half will get little mention here, suffice to say that it was littered with x-rated challenges, particularly from the visitors - though Lok were not innocent in a poor advert for the grade. More worryingly for Pollok was the lack of goal-threat without crocked star Paul McNeill.

Pollok: Wilson, Sweeney, M. McWilliams, O'Neil, Heaton, Nelson, Hamilton, Aitchison, Campbell (sub 46 for Craig), Proctor, McPhee. Not used: Pacitti, McGowan, Sturrock, Hanley.
booked: O'Neil 12, McPhee 62, Heaton 77
sent off: O'Neil 40 (2nd yellow)
Arthurlie: McGovern, McKeown, Robertson, Jack, McShane, Ross, Ryan, Smith (sub 78 for Madden), McKenzie (sub 65 for Downs), Rae, Hobbs. Not used: McCann, Sommers, Sexton.
booked: McShane 7, Rae 26, Ross 52, McKeown 67, Hobbs 71, Jack 90
Saturday 2nd August 2003 - Prestonfield. SJFA Supercup Final. Att: 450
Linlithgow Rose 1 (0) A healthy crowd wandered down to Prestonfield for the Super Cup Final between Linlithgow and Pollok this afternoon. Home side Rose started very strongly with Whyte forcing Wilson into an early save and from Dicky Gibb's cross soon after the same player headed over. In between Sweeney had to clear another goalbound effort over the bar as Linlithgow threatened to run riot.
Pollok 3 (0)
Linlithgow scorer: Chic Pearson (66)
Pollok scorers: Kevin Proctor (47, 88), Chris Sweeney 51

Pollok on the attack at Prestonfield		 Paul McNeill looked lively and dangerous at the other end, and on one occasion rounded Rose keeper Logan but found the angle too narrow to score. Four minutes before the break, ex-Stirling Albion hitman Kenny McLellan hit a free-kick goalwards that gave Pollok's defence trouble.
Ian Wilson was subbed for Danny Hanley at the interval as Ronnie Lowrie continues to ponder over who's his No 1 keeper, though it was Logan at the other end that was soon picking the ball out of his net. With 47 minutes played, KEVIN PROCTOR turned and spun at the edge of the box to send a sweet low shot across the Rose keeper into the net.
Pollok increased their lead in 51 minutes when CHRIS SWEENEY managed to head a free-kick into the net, but CHIC PEARSON, on himself for crocked sub McPhillips, reduced the margin to one again when he netted for the home side on the break with 25 minutes left, despite being a man down while Wood received treatment. Rose piled on the pressure trying to force a leveller but it was KEVIN PROCTOR who scored his first ever Pollok brace with a looping header over Logan into his top left hand corner in 88 minutes.
Lok clear their lines
More pictures from the celebration party here
Linlithgow Rose: Logan, Fairgrieve (sub 15 for McPhillips, sub 27 for Pearson), Gibb, Oliver (sub 62 for Kennedy), Milne, Love, Whyte, Welsh, Wood, Anthony, McLellan. Not used: Eeles, Lamont
Booked: Love 50, Kennedy 78
Pollok: Wilson (sub 46 for Hanley), O'Neil, McMenamin (sub 72 for Gayne), Aitchison, Sweeney, Nelson, Craig (sub 57 for McGowan), Logan, McNeill, Proctor, McPhee. Not used: M. McWilliams
Booked: McMenamin 32, Aitchison 40
Wednesday 30th July 2003 - Newlandsfield. Friendly. Att: 200
Pollok 2 (0) Pollok's mix of fringers and trialists showed up well against a relatively experienced Second Division side in the shape of Airdrie United tonight at Newlandsfield in front of a thin 200 crowd. With five players in their squad who faced Dundee United at the weekend and a further handful with first team experience, this was always going to be a test for Pollok. After a close first half, Lok took the lead through ALLY CAMPBELL in 49 minutes with a calm finish but when Fitzpatrick conceded a penalty five minutes later, PADDY MASTERTON levelled.
Airdrie United 2 (0)
Pollok scorer: Trialist (49), Paul McNeill (70p)
Airdrie Utd scorer: Paddy Masterton (54p, 62)

Goalscoring trialist Ally Campbell

United reaction after McNeill converts his penalty

It was MASTERTON who gave Airdrie United the lead in 62 minutes when he followed up the rebound of Grant's chipped effort off when it came back off the bar after he'd lobbed Wilson, though PAUL MCNEILL pulled Pollok level themselves from the spot in 70 minutes after being felled by the keeper.

Pollok: Hanley (sub 45 for Wilson), Sweeney, McMenamin, Gayne, Heaton (sub 61 for Aitchison), Fitzpatrick (sub 61 for Nelson), Craig, Watt, Trialist A-Campbell (sub 61 for McNeill), Trialist B-McGowan, McPhee. Not used: Trialist C, Trialist D, O'Neil.
Airdrie Utd: M. Wilson, W. Wilson (sub 45 for Gemmell), Black, D. Wilson, Watson, Grant, McKenna (sub 61 for Hoy), Gardner (sub 61 for Binnie), Glancy (sub 66 for Kerr), Gow (sub 45 for Masterton), Ronald.

Saturday 26th July 2003 - Heathryfold Park. SJFA Supercup Semi-Final. Att: 150
Sunnybank 1 (1) Sunkissed Heathryfold was the venue for one of the two SJFA Supercup ties taking place this afternoon, where North champions Sunnybank played host to Pollok. The 150 in attendance were witness to a game that never truly got going. Pollok had new signing Davie Craig in the starting XI while another arrival, Paul McMenamin, won a place on the bench.
Pollok 1 (1) Pollok won 3-1 on penalties
Sunnybank scorer: David Jappy (34)
Pollok scorer: Paul McNeill (45)
Sunnybank began well enough though Raymond Logan soon was felled by a tough tackle that went unpunished, and the physical nature of the game only grew throughout.
Paul McMenamin slips the ball past Rintoul

Gary Clark closes down Kevin O'Neil 		Former Aberdeen and Ross County striker Callum McHattie was booked for a horror tackle on Mark McWilliams in 14 minutes, and both Logan and McNeill soon fell victim to overly robust challenges. Jimmy McPhee then passed up a chance for Lok before the home side hit back on the break.

David Craig and Kevin Proctor wait anticipate another Lok attack		 With 34 minutes played, A free-kick on the left was played by Greig into the path of DAVID JAPPY and he was given time to pick his spot to beat Ian Wilson. Pollok responded quickly with Kevin Proctor chipping over, but in 36 minutes, Sunnybank were reduced to ten men when McHattie was shown a straight red card for kicking out at Chris Sweeney off the ball.
Pollok equalised in first half stoppage time when PAUL MCNEILL ran onto a ball played over the top of the 'Bank rearguard and he kept his cool to finish well. The second half saw the introduction of Paul McMenamin for Mark McWilliams and Danny Hanley for Ian Wilson, and was comparitively tame compared to what went before, with the only real incidents of note being a handful of bookings.
Greig gets the better of Jimmy McPhee

David Craig takes on an opponent		 With the score being 1-1 at full-time, the game went to penalties. Sunnybank's Garden was first to take, but his weak effort to Hanley's right was easily saved. Martin Nelson was the first Lok taker and he scored. Robertson then hit wide of target for Bankies and Kevin O'Neil followed that up with another miss.
David Jappy stepped up to draw 'Bank level by changing direction, through Kevin Proctor scored. Rintoul's effort to the left, was clawed to safety by Hanley, setting up Stevie Aitchison for a potential winner. Aitchison duly obliged with a powerful penalty high into past Stephen. Pollok were 3-1 shootout winners and now face Linlithgow Rose, conquerors of Tayport by 4 goals to 2, in the final at Prestonfield.
Kevin O'Neil deciding between Craig and Nelson
Sunnybank: Stephen, Cowell, Greig, Morland, Cooper, Robertson, Nicol (sub 60 for Douglas), Jappy, McHattie, Clark (sub 56 for Garden), Rintoul. Subs not used: Hutton, Carbry.
Booked: McHattie 14, Rintoul 18, Robertson 31, Greig 49
Sent off: McHattie 36
Pollok: Wilson (sub 46 for Hanley), O'Neil, M. McWilliams (sub 46 for McMenamin), Aitchison, Sweeney, Nelson, Craig, Logan, McNeill, Proctor, McPhee. Sub not used: Gayne
Booked: McPhee 27, Aitchison 56, Nelson 71

Wednesday 23rd July 2003 - Newlandsfield Park. Friendly. Att: 400
Pollok 5 (1) Partick Thistle's youngsters were given a lesson in finishing by a threadbare Pollok outfit at Newlandsfield in the Caledonian Paper Premier Division champions' opening friendly of the season. Thistle, under the leadership of Gerry Britton and Chic Charnley, had a number of players with top flight experience among their number, though took the lead in the 8th minute through ex-Queen's Park forward JOHN GEMMELL when he headed home unmarked from a corner.
Partick Thistle U21 1 (1)
Pollok scorers: Paul McNeill (37), Jimmy McPhee (60), Davie Watt (64, 89), Kevin Proctor (76)
Partick Thistle U21 scorer: John Gemmell (8)

Lok's goal under threat versus Thistle 		Pollok responded through PAUL MCNEILL in the 37th minute when he harried Gavin Rushford into making a mess of clearing his lines and McNeill picked up the scraps to beat Pinkowski from the edge of the area.
JIMMY MCPHEE deftly chipped Pinkowski for the Lok second on the hour and listed striker DAVIE WATT curled in a sweet free-kick for number three in 64 minutes. KEVIN PROCTOR added a fourth with 14 minutes left after being set up by one of the trialists on show Paul McMenamin, and DAVIE WATT rifled in from distance a stunning fifth in the 89th minute, just to remind the 400-strong crowd what sort of talent he is.
Lok's trialist John McGowan

Davie Watt gets ready to take his free-kick		 A number of trialists were on show, with ex-Baillieston midfielder John McGowan and retained Largs Thistle forward Alan Blaikiegetting a runout. Ally Campbell, David Craig, John Docherty, Derek McAllister and Paul McMenamin all also featured.

Lok: Hanley, Sweeney, M. McWilliams, O'Neil, Heaton, Aitchison, McGowan (trialist), Nelson, McNeill, McPhee, Blaikie (trialist). Subs: (all used) Craig (trialist), Fitzpatrick, Watt, Proctor, Wilson, Campbell (trialist), Doherty (trialist), McMenamin (trialist), McAllister (trialist).
Partick Thistle u21: Pinkowski, Wilson, Rushford, Kascan, Lilley, Panther, Ross, O'Donoghue (trialist), Gemmell, Shields, Gibson. Subs (all used i think): Boyle, McMahon, McBride, Cassidy, Howie.