Pollok completed their league campaign in fitting style as they defeated title runners-up Auchinleck Talbot by two goals to one at Newlandsfield Park. There was just one change from the side that lost to Lanark United on penalty kicks in the Central League Cup as David McGeown made way for Robert Downs in the starting eleven.

'Lok were soon on the back foot as former Newlandsfield player of the year Gavin Friels struck the post with a left foot shot after just five minutes. Five minutes later they were not so fortunate as TOMMY SLOAN JNR. ran onto a through ball on the right hand side of the penalty area, and he made no mistake as he fired across the face of Kris Robertson for the opening goal. Colin Spence shot over from 25 yards out as Auchinleck had the better of the opening exchanges. Pollok tested Stuart McIntosh for the first time with a Zander Ryan free-kick from the edge of the box, but the 'keeper held easily. He was helpless after 27 minutes, however, as Pollok grabbed an equaliser. Alan Waddell combined with Joe Carruth on the right wing, and when the defender flashed the ball across goal JIM LEITCH could only direct it beyond McIntosh to register an own goal. Ryan then headed wide from a Chris Cruickshank cross, and Waddell shot wide after a Bryan Dingwall shot ricocheted back to him, and so the scores remained level at half-time.

The second period opened with David Gillies cracking an excellent effort towards the Pollok goal that Robertson did well to tip over the bar. Shortly afterwards Stephen White burst through the heart of the Pollok defence, only to miss the target after completing most of the hard work. Match-winner at Beechwood Park Stevie Miller tried to repeat the trick after 56 minutes, but this time his shot was deflected wide for a corner kick. Friels then wasted an excellent opportunity when he headed wide from close range. The hosts took the lead in the 66th minute when a Dingwall cross was cleared to the feet of Cruickshank, whose shot at goal struck ROBERT DOWNS, diverting the ball past McIntosh.

Downs nearly created a third with a superb ball across the field to Waddell, but his strike partner missed the target with a ferocious drive. Substitute Neal Gilmour had chances to level for Talbot, firstly with a 25-yard shot that passed wide of the post, then when he was given space on the right of the Pollok box, but again he dragged his shot wide. As the game moved towards stoppage time a quick throw from Downs to Cruickshank allowed the midfielder to cross for Ross O'Donoghue, who produced an excellent volley that was matched by a fine save from McIntosh.

The biggest cheer of the game was saved for another goalkeeper, however. In injury time Robertson was replaced by Ian Wilson, allowing the popular 'keeper a first competitive appearance since a horrific car crash that left him seriously injured 17 months ago. This was to be no mere walk-on part as there was still time for John Boyle to race towards the Pollok goal in search of an equaliser, but Wilson turned his shot away to avert the danger.

Pollok hung on to win their sixteenth league game in a row, and they received their reward after the game when the Stagecoach Super League trophy was presented to captain Stevie Aitchison amid scenes of celebration for all in black and white.

Pollok: Robertson (I Wilson 90 +1), Carruth, G Wilson, Aitchison, Heaton, Miller, Ryan (O'Donoghue 84), Dingwall, Waddell (Newall 69), Downs, Cruickshank. Not used: Booth, Black.
Booked: G Wilson (68), Heaton (70)
Auchinleck: McIntosh, Leitch, McVey, Anderson, Collins, Spence, Sloan Jnr. (Boyle 67), White, Friels (Young 67), Feroz, Gillies (Gilmour 67). Not used: Lundie, Davidson.
Ref: Gary Hilland

After the highs of securing the league title Pollok tasted the lows of football as they tumbled out of the Central League Cup on penalty kicks after a goalless draw at home to Lanark United. With Rab Sneddon unavailable, Harry Erwin assumed the managerial duties, and he recalled Derek Heaton and Alan Waddell in place of Robert Downs and Ross O'Donoghue.

Bryan Dingwall tested Tom McGuigan early on with a shot from 18 yards out, but the young 'keeper made a comfortable save. At the other end Mark Keegans curled a shot towards goal for Lanark, but Kris Robertson held easily. After 16 minutes Craig Stark latched onto a ball over the top, but was unable to direct the ball goalwards, and a minute later Robert Struthers was sent through on goal, but Robertson just managed to touch the ball wide. The subsequent corner was headed wide by Grant Cuthill. Waddell then shot wide after a Zander Ryan free-kick before Lanark had the ball in the net. Cuthill's cross was headed home by Tom Franch, but a late flag from the assistant referee cut short the 'goal' celebrations.

'Lok nearly opened the scoring after 26 minutes when Gary Wilson's free-kick was headed towards goal by Heaton, only for a United defender to hook the ball off the line. The roles were reversed five minutes later when Paul Burns had a netbound header cleared off the line by Stevie Aitchison. 'Lok attacked again when Chris Cruickshank battled to win possession at the bye-line, from where he cut the ball back to Waddell, who touched the ball to Dingwall, but his strike could only find the side-netting. The half finished with Lanark on top, and they nearly moved in front when Cuthill connected with a Burns cross, only to see the ball strike the top of the crossbar.

Slack Pollok defending allowed Burns a shot at goal within thirty seconds of the restart, and only an excellent block from Robertson prevented the visitors from taking the lead. Pollok should have scored at the other end when David McGeown's perfectly weighted ball released Dingwall, who tried to take the ball around the 'keeper, only to be denied as McGuigan's outstretched arm took the ball from his feet. After 54 minutes Waddell came within inches of scoring for 'Lok when his crashing drive from 22 yards out struck the Lanark post. The hosts struck woodwork again nine minutes later when Dingwall headed a Ryan corner against the bar, and Heaton nodded the rebound wide of the gaping goal.

The Yowes threatened again with ten minutes to play when a free-kick from Tom Hanlon was cleared into the path of substitute Ian Smith, and only a great save by Robertson kept the game scoreless. Robertson nearly became the hero at the other end when a long clearance bounced over both Dingwall and McGuigan, but a covering defender managed to prevent the ball from reaching the net. David Feeney could have settled matters in favour of Lanark when he beat the offside trap late on, but he pulled his shot well wide of target. The last chance fell to Stark, but when he headed wide penalties ensued.

The first three kicks of the shoot-out were scored, with Burns and Cuthill converting for Yowes and Stevie Miller responding for 'Lok. Davie Turnbull saw his kick saved by McGuigan, however, to leave Lanark 2-1 ahead after two kicks each. Again the next three were scored, this time John Paul Grant and Franch scoring for Lanark with O'Donoghue replying for 'Lok. This meant that Joe Carruth had to score but, as at Ashfield earlier in the season, he saw his spot-kick saved by the 'keeper as 'Lok were knocked out of the tournament.

Lanark now travel to face Lesmahagow in the semi-finals of the competition, while 'Lok have the opportunity to lift their spirits when they are presented with the league championship trophy after their next game, at home to Auchinleck Talbot.

Pollok: Robertson, Carruth, G Wilson (O'Donoghue 46), Aitchison, Heaton, Miller, Ryan (Newall 78), McGeown, Dingwall, Waddell (Turnbull 87), Cruickshank. Not used: Booth, Black.
Booked: Wilson (38), Miller (44)
Lanark United: McGuigan, Hanlon, Burns, Middleton, Gray, Stark, Franch, Cuthill, Miles (Smith 78), Keegans (Grant 88), Struthers (Feeney 66). Not used: Gibson, Stoddart.
Booked: Hanlon (22), Struthers (65)
Ref: Ian Craig

Pollok secured the 2006/2007 Stagecoach West of Scotland Super Premier League title with a clinical performance as they despatched Kilsyth Rangers by six goals to two at Duncansfield Park. The Pollok side that took to the field showed two changes from the team that defeated Renfrew in the Central League Cup, with Derek Heaton and Davie Turnbull dropping to the bench to be replaced by Gary Wilson and Robert Downs.

'Lok almost conceded an early goal when a slip by Stevie Miller allowed Garry McStay a shot at goal, but his effort was blocked by Kris Robertson. Chris Cruickshank forced a save from Gavin Stevely with a header from a Zander Ryan corner before 'Lok took the lead after 10 minutes. Good advantage by the referee allowed Ryan to swing over a cross from the right that was met by the outstretched leg of ROBERT DOWNS, who touched the ball beyond Stevely for the opener. There were still signs of nerves in the Pollok defence, and Kilsyth should have done better with a three against one breakaway chance, but a poor cross from John Goodwin was cut out by Stevie Aitchison to avert the danger. Pollok made it two after 17 minutes when a Wilson free-kick from the left was headed home powerfully by DAVID McGEOWN, giving Stevely no chance.

Hugh Kelly then had a looping header tipped over the crossbar and John McKeown volleyed over from close range before Kilsyth pulled a goal back. Slack defending in the 'Lok ranks allowed Andy Scott to cut the ball across for JOHN GOODWIN to side-foot home and reduce the deficit. The same player surged from midfield moments later, only to lift his shot over from the edge of the box. Pollok found the woodwork in the 34th minute after terrific skill from McGeown saw him beat two men before crossing for Ryan, who cracked a volley against the crossbar.

Pollok suffered a scare at the start of the second half when a poorly defended cross nearly snuck into the net, but the jitters were soon eased with a third goal. Ross O'Donoghue took a corner on the left that was volleyed back across goal by Wilson, and DAVID McGEOWN was on hand to sweep the ball into the bottom right-hand corner of the net. Brian Welsh clipped the top of the Pollok bar with a header in the 52nd minute, but the game was all but wrapped up five minutes later. Gary Shearer sent Bryan Dingwall tumbling in the box and, after referee Richard Gough pointed to the spot, ROBERT DOWNS stepped up and found the corner of the net to extend the lead to three. This became four after 68 minutes when Ryan's corner was headed home by ROBERT DOWNS to complete a hat-trick for the striker.

Kilsyth hadn't completely capitulated however, and pulled a goal back four minutes later. Robertson did well to save from Scott, but HUGH KELLY pounced to fire home the rebound. Downs left proceedings after 73 minutes, and his replacement took just 90 seconds to make an impact. McGeown showed excellent footwork before slipping the ball through to ALAN WADDELL, who tucked the ball beyond Stevely to complete the scoring. 'Lok had time for one further chance when a Cruickshank cross was headed towards goal by Ryan, only for the ball to strike the crossbar for the second time in the game for the midfielder.

The final whistle provided the cue for the visiting rejoicing to begin as players, fans and the backroom team celebrated a phenomenal fifteen-game winning run in the league that took Pollok from rock bottom back in September to league champions with one game to spare.

Kilsyth: Stevely, Galloway, Shearer, McKeown, McDonald (Smillie 40), McStay (Mullen 75), Dunbar, Goodwin, Scott, Welsh, Kelly. Not used: Meechan, Carmichael, Hunter.
Booked: Kelly (33), Goodwin (45+2)
Pollok: Robertson, Carruth, G Wilson, Aitchison, Cruickshank, Miller, Ryan, McGeown, Dingwall (Turnbull 85), Downs (Waddell 73), O'Donoghue (Heaton 58). Not used: Booth, Newall.
Booked: McGeown (68)

Pollok boss Rab Sneddon opted to play a strong starting eleven for this Central League Cup 3rd Round clash with Renfrew, a side who have finally found their true form, albeit a few weeks too late to save them from relegation. From Saturday's line-up against Glenafton, David Turnbull came off the bench to replace Alan Waddell, who seemed to pick up an injury at New Cumnock, while Bryan Dingwall was back in the side after suspension. Richie Newall was not available and was replaced by Ross O'Donoghue.

Renfrew were first to threaten when Dumbarton farm-out Kevin McCann struck a shot from distance that Robertson dealt with comfortably while at the other end Dingwall set up McGeown but for once the Lok midfielder's control let him down. In the 11th minute, Turnbull and McGeown combined to play in Zander Ryan, though the Lok wide-man, in an unfamiliar left central role that he swapped throughout the game with O'Donoghue on the right, shot over.

The most dangerous man for Frew was David 'Bonner' McKenzie and he stung Robertson's gloves in the 15th minute with a shot that the Lok keeper couldn't hold. Stevie Miller then tried his luck from distance for Pollok but was out of luck. The opening goal was not far away though and with 20 minutes played a mix-up in the Lok rearguard saw Aitchison and Robertson both go for the same ball on the right of the Lok area. Aitchison's hooked interception went straight to McKenzie. Unfortunately Robertson, who had also come for the ball, was left standed and DAVID MCKENZIE was given an empty goal to shoot at to open the scoring with a well-placed chipped effort.

The Frew lead doubled in the 28th minute and yet again Pollok were creating their own problems. Derek Heaton was slack with a pass that Gordon Smith pounced on, and his threaded pass in turn found McKenzie. The Frew man's shot cannoned out off Carruth and then flew goalwards off STEVIE AITCHISON, looping over Robertson into the top corner.

Pollok did not give up though and were still creating chances. Zander Ryan fired a free-kick into the wall in the 33rd minute then shortly after Lok were given the chance to reduce the deficit. Dingwall and the impressive O'Donoghue exchanged quick passes on the right, with Dingwall firing in a low cross that McGeown managed to pick up. His shot was blocked, but Davie Turnbull was on-0hand to pick up the scraps. He rolled the ball to Ryan whose shot was blocked by the flying body of Frew midfielder Michael Harvey who fell to the turf clutching his face. Appeals went up for handball, and ref Paul McDowell did not hesitate. DAVIE TURNBULL placed a perfect penalty beyond Eric Phillips.

Renfrew nearly restored the two goal cushion when skilful right back Graham Mort sent in a free-kick that Jim Quigley, who enjoyed a testimonial game this week, sent over the bar. Renfrew's quick breaks were causing Lok a few problems and a surging run from Mort nearly caught Lok napping but Chris Cruickshank made a fantastic covering run and tackle to clear the danger. Back down the other end, Zander Ryan put over a cross from the right that Turnbull headed a few feet over from the edge of the box. In the 41st minute though, Lok equalised when from a Ryan corner, Heaton played a quick pass to DAVID MCGEOWN that he hit from a fairly tight angle first time across Phillips, his sixth Pollok goal.

The second half began with Lok on the attack and they went ahead for the first time in the game with 50 minutes on the clock when McGeown set up Dingwall for a weak shot at goal, but fortunately ZANDER RYAN was able to pick up possession and fire in a shot from a slight angle into the top corner. O'Donoghue then set up Dingwall only for Phillips to save, before play switched to the other end when a ball over the top was not cleared and DAVID MCKENZIE added his second of the game to tie the score at 3-3.

Lok tried hard to get back in front and the influential O'Donoghue began a break that ended with Ryan having an effort blocked. Lok then pushed down the right with Carruth and Miller linking up before setting Ross O'Donoghue for a shot that cracked off Phillips' right-hand post.

Chances then came and went at both ends before Lok got themselves back in front in the 84th minute. It was, for the second time in as many weeks, a piece of individual brilliance from STEVIE MILLER after a lay-off from Joe Carruth gave him possession near the right touchline. Miller ran into a more central position before rifling a stunning left-footed rocket beyond Eric Phillips. Three minutes later, Lok sealed the victory when from an O'Donoghue corner, CHRIS CRUICKSHANK turned the ball beyond Phillips from close range.

Pollok: Robertson, Carruth, Cruickshank, Aitchison, Heaton, Miller, O'Donoghue, McGeown (sub 88 for Booth), Dingwall, Turnbull (sub 64 for Downs), Ryan (sub 88 for Waddell). Not used: Black, Gardiner.
Renfrew: Phillips, Mort, Crawford (sub 85 for McLean), Hammond, McMillan, Quigley (sub 54 for Prentice), McCann, Brown, Smith, Harvey, McKenzie. Not used: Farquharson, Peacock, Barr.
Booked: McKenzie 87
Ref: Paul McDowell

Pollok took a major step towards claiming a third Super Premier League title in five seasons as they defeated Glenafton Athletic at Loch Park. With Bryan Dingwall serving the second and final game of his suspension Alan Waddell partnered Robert Downs in attack for Pollok in the only change from the side that defeated Bellshill, with Davie Turnbull the man to miss out. Former Glens players Joe Carruth and Richie Newall featured for Pollok, while former 'Lok midfielder Frankie Haggarty started for Glenafton.

Another former Newlandsfield player, Peter Jordan, was on the bench for Glens, but didn't have to wait long to enter the fray. A late gamble on the fitness of John McMillan failed, and he had to be taken off after just six minutes. The home side fired an early free-kick wide before they lost a second player to injury. This time Davie Stewart had to leave proceedings, with Davy Kennedy slotting into the back line. 'Lok were denied the opener after 20 minutes when good interplay by Downs and Waddell released David McGeown, but his shot was blocked by the legs of Gary Matthews. McGeown managed to work the rebound back to Zander Ryan, but Matthews recovered in time to make another fine stop. A long Carruth free-kick after 26 minutes found McGeown, who volleyed the ball goalwards from 14 yards out, but Matthews made an easy save. Ryan then blazed over from an excellent position before 'Lok took the lead. Haggarty conceded a free-kick for handball, and when Stevie Miller delivered the set-piece into the penalty box ALAN WADDELL took the ball in his stride before smashing it into the net to give the visitors a 39th minute lead. It took the hosts 45 minutes to muster a shot on target when Mark Quinn had a deflected effort easily gathered by Kris Robertson in the Pollok goal.

Glenafton nearly had an equaliser within three minutes of the restart when Carruth sliced a clearance into the air that narrowly avoided falling into his own net. McGeown then saw a fierce drive from fully 30 yards turned around the post for a corner by Matthews. Kennedy was booked before Downs slipped the ball through to Waddell with a clear sight of goal, but he could only find the side-netting with his shot. Glens were rarely threatening the 'Lok goal, although Willie Howie did hook a shot well over the crossbar on the hour mark. McGeown and Waddell then combined to tee-up Ryan, but his shot was wide of the target. Ryan became the provider when crossing for Waddell, but his close range header was well stopped by Matthews. The big 'keeper was left helpless, however, after 72 minutes when Pollok doubled their advantage. Substitute Ross O'Donoghue reached the bye-line on the right of the park, and although his cross was just too high for Ryan, ROBERT DOWNS was in the perfect position to stroke the ball into the net.

Matthews saved from Ryan and Downs as 'Lok pressed for a third, then denied Simon Black after he was presented with a clear run on goal. Howie was again off target from distance before Chris Cruickshank headed an O'Donoghue cross wide. Pollok's final chance came courtesy of a sweeping move that saw Downs release Black on the right-hand side of the field, but when he cut the ball back across goal Downs could only mishit his shot. Glenafton's afternoon was summed up deep into injury time when Howie again failed to test Robertson as he sliced the ball wide of the target as Afton searched for a consolation goal.

The victory, coupled with news of two dropped points for Auchinleck Talbot against Kilsyth Rangers, means that 'Lok can clinch the title if they can continue what now stands at a 14 match winning run in league fixtures when they travel to Duncansfield Park on Wednesday night. Before then there is the challenge of an in-form Renfrew side in the Central League Cup to contend with.

Glenafton: Matthews, Kane, Quinn, Stewart (Kennedy 17), John McCaig, Howie, Connolly, Haggarty (Weightman 59), Brown, McMillan (Jordan 6), Agnew. Not used: Jamie McCaig, Mathie.
Glenafton: John McCaig (16), Kennedy (56), Jordan (70)
Pollok: Robertson, Carruth, G Wilson, Aitchison, Cruickshank, Miller, Ryan (Heaton 83), McGeown, Waddell (Black 69), Downs, Newall (O'Donoghue 63). Not used: Booth, Turnbull.
Ref: Stevie O'Brien

Pollok continued to extend their lead at the summit of the Stagecoach Super Premier League as they defeated Bellshill Athletic at Newlandsfield Park. Bryan Dingwall's booking against Auchinleck Talbot ruled him out through suspension, so Robert Downs partnered Davie Turnbull up front in the only change from the team that had emerged victorious from Beechwood Park.

The opening stages of the game proved to be fairly turgid fare, with both teams fighting for control of the midfield area. Stephen Watson tried his luck from long range after 23 minutes for the visitors, but Kris Robertson made a comfortable save, while for 'Lok a driving run from Joe Carruth resulted in a shot that was blocked away for a corner kick. Stevie Miller was booked for the sixth time in as many appearances in the 29th minute before Pollok opened the scoring in the 31st minute. Zander Ryan found space on the right of the park from which to deliver a back-post cross that was met by DAVID McGEOWN, who side-footed home a volley that had both power and precision, leaving Tony Mitchell in the Bellshill goal with no chance.

Turnbull could have doubled the lead moments later when he created space for himself with a nice turn in the box, but his shot flew over the crossbar. Martin Lauchlan found his way into referee Andy McWilliam's notebook for simulation after 33 minutes, and shortly afterwards Chris Cruickshank had to make a terrific sliding challenge to prevent Bellshill having a sight of goal from eight yards out. Pollok grabbed a second goal before the interval when Ryan flighted over a free-kick that McGeown fired towards goal, only for Rab Coulter's clearance to rebound against DEAN MUIR and into his own net for an own goal.

Within five minutes of the restart 'Lok seemed to have the points wrapped up as they scored their third goal of the game. Gary Wilson aimed a long free-kick into the Bellshill box that their defence couldn't deal with, and ROBERT DOWNS pounced to thrash the ball high into the rigging beyond Mitchell. The home defence were forced into a reshuffle when Carruth limped off to be replaced by Mark Booth, with Miller moving into the right-back berth. Athletic introduced Brian Watret to the action after 61 minutes, and proceeded to have their best spell of the game. With Stevie Aitchison off the field receiving treatment the visitors pulled a goal back after 67 minutes. Good hold-up play by Lauchlan allowed DEAN MUIR to find space in the Pollok box, and he slotted home beyond Robertson to atone in some measure for his earlier own goal. Watret then fired a dipping effort narrowly over the bar and Muir had another strike saved by the 'keeper.

A Peter McAninch cross for Watret was headed just wide as Bellshill pressed to get back into the game. Home jitters could have been settled when substitute Alan Waddell was left with only Mitchell to beat after beating the offside trap, but he shot over from eight yards out. Kevin MacDonald then crossed for 'Hill, with Watret powering a header goalwards, only to see the ball rebound against the crossbar and away to safety. Pollok brought on Ross O'Donoghue for Richie Newall as they tried to weather the Bellshill storm, and should have scored again when Ryan chipped the ball across for Waddell, but he headed wide of the post.

Pollok did weather the storm, however, and the result puts them eight points clear at the top of the table, increasing the pressure on chasers Auchinleck Talbot, who have two games in hand over 'Lok.

Pollok: Robertson, Carruth (Booth 55), G Wilson, Aitchison, Cruickshank, Miller, Ryan, McGeown, Turnbull, Downs (Waddell 62), Newall (O'Donoghue 80). Not used: Black, Gardiner.
Booked: Miller 28, Wilson 84
Bellshill: Mitchell, McAninch, Paterson, S MacDonald, Coulter, McGeoghegan, Muir, K MacDonald, Watson, Walker (Watret 61), Lauchlan. Not used: Franchetti, Masterson, Inglis (only 4 subs named).
Booked: Lauchlan 33, Paterson 53, K. MacDonald 75
Ref: Paul McDowell