Pollok won consecutive league matches for the first time this season when they followed up victory over Neilston with a hard-earned three points against Bellshill Athletic at New Brandon Park. With Robert Downs not fully fit Rab Sneddon was able to re-introduce Alan Waddell to the starting line-up in the only change from the previous game, while midweek capture from Elgin City Mark Booth took a spot on the bench.

It was the home side who nearly took the lead in the first minute when a free-kick was knocked down into the path of Paddy Flannery, but his shot passed just by the post. Kevin McDonald then tried his luck with a free-kick, but Kris Robertson made a comfortable save. Raymond Logan had the best of the early chances for 'Lok, firstly seeing a shot deflected over for a corner, then narrowly failing to connect with a dangerous Chris Cruickshank cross. It was the home side who made the breakthrough after 12 minutes however. MARTIN LAUCHLAN was allowed to run at a retreating 'Lok defence, and although he didn't catch his shot from the edge of the box cleanly it evaded the dive of Robertson and found the corner of the net.

Flannery then had a shot deflected for a corner, which was crossed in to be met by the head of Rab Coulter, who saw the Pollok defence scramble the ball off the line. Logan should have levelled matters after 19 minutes when Zander Ryan whipped a free-kick onto his head, but he missed the target from a great position. 'Lok did equalise seven minutes later. Bryan Dingwall battled for possession of a Cruickshank throw-in, and although he was hauled down inside the box the ball rolled into the path of SIMON BLACK, who swept it home for his third goal in as many games. The visitors didn't take long to claim the lead, as four minutes later Cruickshank crossed for RAYMOND LOGAN, who headed the ball beyond Neil Inglis off the inside of the post to make the score 2-1 to Pollok.

Robertson then had to make a good save to deny Lauchlan after the 'Lok defence failed to clear their lines, and shortly afterwards Paul McGrillen put a free-kick over the bar from a dangerous position. Dingwall was booked for dissent after 42 minutes before Waddell almost connected with an excellent Ryan cross, but just couldn't quite reach the ball.

Bellshill pressed for an equaliser after the break, but found themselves restricted mainly to trying their luck from long range. Jamie McGeoghegan had two shots from outside the box early in the second half, and on both occasions Robertson made fine saves to protect the Pollok lead. Logan then headed over from a Ryan corner, and shortly afterwards connected with another cross from the same player. This time he was on target, and although the ball struck a Bellshill hand referee Paul McDowall waved away penalty claims. Ryan then had a free-kick from a tight angle easily saved, and Waddell went close with an excellent effort after a driving run at the Athletic defence.

'Lok were reduced to ten men with 11 minutes to go when the ball struck the hand of Dingwall as he protected his face from an Inglis clearance, for which the striker received a second booking. This prompted Bellshill to bring on striker Brian Watret for defender Craig O'Leary, and Pollok responded by taking off Logan to be replaced by Gary Wilson. Bellshill then had penalty appeals waved away after a Kevin MacDonald shot from a quick Flannery free-kick struck a Pollok player inside the box.

Substitute Allan Grant was inches away from bringing the scores level with seven minutes to go with a fierce shot on the turn that just went past the post. Bellshill then gifted the ball to Waddell from a throw-in, but he struck the legs of Inglis with his shot. As the game moved into injury time Waddell picked up the ball midway inside his own half and carried it all the way into the Bellshill penalty box, but his angled drive was just wide. 'Lok clung on for three points however, and will go into next week's Scottish Cup tie with Lochore Welfare on something of a high after other results in the league also fell their way.

Bellshill: Inglis, O'Leary (Watret 81), McGeoghegan, McKenzie, Coulter, S MacDonald, Muir (Grant 39), K MacDonald, Flannery, Lauchlan, McGrillen. Not used: Callaghan, Kassin, Mitchell.
Booked: McGrillen (44)
Pollok: Robertson, Carruth, Cruickshank (Miller 69), Aitchison, Heaton, McClay, Ryan, Logan (G Wilson 81), Dingwall, Waddell, Black (O'Donoghue 59). Not used: Booth, Downs.
Booked: Waddell (33), Dingwall (42), Cruickshank (57)
Sent Off: Dingwall (79 - 2nd yellow)
Ref: Paul McDowell

Pollok claimed only their second league victory of the season as they overcame Neilston at a wet Newlandsfield Park in a match that saw the visitors finish with just eight men. After defeat to Ashfield in the West of Scotland Cup manager Rab Sneddon made four changes to the Pollok starting eleven. Gary Wilson, Stevie Miller, Ross O'Donoghue and Alan Waddell all dropped to the bench, while Chris Cruickshank, Andy McClay, Zander Ryan and Robert Downs all came back into the team.

Neilston showed just three changes from the side that had lost by eight goals in the Sectional League Cup, but it was they who grabbed the early initiative after seven minutes. An Ian McAuley free-kick from the right-hand side of the park was headed beyond the reach of Kris Robertson by the diving THOMAS MURDOCH to make the score 1-0 to Neilston. The reply from Pollok came in the form of a devastating nine-minute burst. After 14 minutes Ryan crossed from the right, and although Downs failed to connect with an acrobatic effort, BRYAN DINGWALL was in position to send a precision header off the inside of the post and past Brian Hewitt to level matters.

Simon Black then released Raymond Logan with a superb defence-splitting pass, and the midfielder was only stopped by an excellent tackle by Stuart Allison. The defender was injured in the process however, and as Neilston prepared a substitute Ryan took the resultant corner which was met by the head of SIMON BLACK to give 'Lok the lead. Moments later Black played in Downs, who was brought down by Denis Connaghan inside the penalty box, and referee Richard Gough pointed to the spot. ROBERT DOWNS stepped up to take the kick himself, and he sent Hewitt the wrong way to double the advantage.

After 23 minutes Dingwall crossed from midfield, and CHRIS CRUICKSHANK rose to head home Pollok's fourth goal in quick succession. At this point visiting frustrations came to the fore, and James Canning was fortunate only to be booked after a hefty challenge on Cruickshank. After 36 minutes a clever flick by Dingwall from a Robertson clearance teed up Downs for a crack at goal, but his half-volley passed wide of the post, and so Pollok went into the interval with a three-goal lead.

Andy Whiteford was booked four minutes after the restart for a foul on Black, but shortly afterwards Neilston found a chink of light as they attempted a comeback. Canning crossed from the left to the near post where CHRIS CAMERON was unmarked and he made no mistake with his header.

Their chances took a serious dent after 62 minutes when they were reduced to ten men. Goalscorer Cameron fouled Black, and after the leniency shown to Canning the referee opted for the other extreme, showing him a straight red card. He was joined in the early bath moments later by Whiteford after he was shown a second yellow card for a foul on McClay. Manager and substitute Sammy Johnston demonstrated his frustration by throwing the ball into the ground shortly afterwards, and he too was sent to the pavilion to join his colleagues.

Pollok seemed happy to protect their lead at this point, although substitute O'Donoghue injected some life into their attack, going close on three occasions. Firstly he cracked a shot from 25 yards out, only to see it fly wide of the post. He then forced a good save from Hewitt from a similar distance before he lifted a cut-back from Logan over the bar after taking up a good position in the box. The cards were to continue however, with Derek Heaton booked for protesting about an apparent punch by Murdoch, and McClay and Chris McKee joining him in the notebook. Ryan was narrowly off target with a free-kick before Murdoch repeated his punch on Heaton, this time right in front of the referee, and he too made his way from the field as he was dismissed for violent conduct.

The victory will give Pollok a much needed confidence boost as they prepare for a tricky run of away fixtures that are likely to determine what aims are realistically attainable this season.

Pollok: Robertson, Carruth, Cruickshank (Franchetti 69), Aitchison, Heaton, McClay, Ryan, Logan, Dingwall, Downs (Waddell 83), Black (O'Donoghue 75). Not used: Miller, G Wilson.
Booked - Pollok: Heaton (86), McClay (88)
Neilston: Hewitt, Sheridan, Connaghan, Duncan, Allison (Cameron 19), McAuley (McKee 60), Canning, Whiteford, Murdoch, Malcolm (McMenamin 86), Bryers. Not used: Cochrane, Johnston.
Booked: Canning (24), Whiteford (49, 71 off), McAuley (57), Duncan (62), McKee (88)
Sent Off: Cameron (62), Whiteford (71), Murdoch (90), also unused sub Johnston (76)

Pollok crashed out of the West of Scotland Cup at the first round stage with a loss on penalties against District League side Ashfield at Saracen Park. Pollok made three personnel changes from the side that had drawn at Maryhill. With Zander Ryan unavailable Simon Black took over the number 7 shirt, while Andy McClay and Anton Franchetti dropped to the bench to be replaced by Stevie Miller and Ross O'Donoghue. This led to a defensive reshuffle, with Miller taking over Stevie Aitchison's sweeper berth and Aitchison moving into the holding midfield role.

'Lok made the perfect start to the game when they took the lead after only 32 seconds. O'Donoghue gave the ball to Bryan Dingwall with his back to goal, and his flick released RAYMOND LOGAN who ran through and stroked the ball beyond the reach of Jim Stevenson in the home goal. O'Donoghue then showed good skills to create space for himself on the right, but having done the hard work he mishit his shot and the ball trundled harmlessly wide. 'Lok nearly had a second after 23 minutes when Dingwall struck the ball beyond the 'keeper, only to be denied by a wonderful defensive block inside the 6-yard box.

Ashfield capitalised on this by going on to score an equaliser four minutes later. When the Pollok back line were caught out by a ball over the top Robertson made a brave save at the feet of the onrushing striker, only for the ball to squirm away. A Pollok defender reached the ball at the same time as an Ashfield attacker, and the ball squeezed it's way to the feet of DARREN O'DONNELL, who despatched it into the net. Pollok could have reclaimed the lead moments later, but Stevenson made a fine stop from a spin and shot by Alan Waddell. James Reilly, Michael McBrearty and O'Donnell all found their way into referee Ramzan Bashir's notebook before half-time as Ashfield's tackling became more ferocious.

Having made the perfect start to the first half Pollok made a nightmare start to the second. Paul Maxwell crossed from the left wing, and although his first header was stopped by the foot of Robertson, DARREN O'DONNELL fired home the rebound to give the home side the lead. Dingwall became the first Pollok booking after a hefty challenge before Ashfield nearly scored a third. Miller tried to control a long ball with his chest, only to bring it down perfectly for Maxwell to strike at goal from 25 yards out, and he was only narrowly off target. Robertson then made a good save to tip over a curling effort from McBrearty.

A reckless challenge by Joe Tartaglia on Black sparked a 21-man melee in midfield that resulted in Tartaglia, Gault and Joe Carruth all being booked as tempers began to boil over. 'Lok fell further behind on the hour mark. Miller was beaten easily on the right, and the ball was played across to MIKE TOLLAND who swept it home to give Pollok a real mountain to climb. Robert Downs replaced Gary Wilson as more attacking options were needed, and he immediately had a header cleared off the line from an O'Donoghue corner. Black headed over from an Aitchison throw-in before giving 'Lok a lifeline. Another Aitchison throw was headed back into the path of SIMON BLACK, and this time his volley found the back of the net. Substitute Wes Pattison struck the bar for Ashfield before Pollok snatched an equaliser. Black worked himself into space on the right, and his perfectly weighted chip to the back post was bulleted home by RAYMOND LOGAN to take the game to penalties.

The home side were first up in the shoot-out, and Tartaglia, O'Donnell and Pattison all piled on the pressure with well taken strikes for the first three Ashfield penalties. Logan and Miller responded for 'Lok, but Carruth was denied when Stevenson pushed his effort onto the crossbar to leave the score at 3-2 to Ashfield. Tolland made it 4-2, only for Robert Downs to make matters 4-3. It was left to Maxwell to take the fifth for Ashfield, and although Robertson got his hand to the ball he couldn't keep it from crossing the line, thus leaving Ashfield to emerge as the victors.

The result is a real blow to Pollok's season, as early league form seems to suggest that cup competitions will provide their best chances for further silverware this season.

Ashfield: Stevenson, Murphy (Haverdon 71), McBrearty (Pattison 76), Reilly, Thomson, Tartaglia, Passmore, Gault, Maxwell, O'Donnell, Tolland. Not used: Hannaway, Smith, Brannigan.
Booked: Reilly (30), McBrearty (32), O'Donnell (35), Tartaglia (57), Gault (57)
Pollok: Robertson, Carruth, G Wilson (Downs 62), Miller, Heaton, Aitchison, Black, Logan, Dingwall, Waddell, O'Donoghue. Not used: Cruickshank, Franchetti, McClay, Paterson.
Booked: Dingwall (49), Carruth (57), Miller (66)
Ref: Ramzan Bashir

Pollok dropped a further two points, in a season that started out as a potential attempt at winning the league title, away to a young Maryhill side at Lochburn Park. The only change from the starting line-up against Clydebank in midweek was Simon Black dropping onto the bench, with Anton Franchetti coming in. Davie Turnbull (heel) joined Chris Cruickshank (hamstring) on the sidelines.

Pollok began the game brightly and with five minutes played, Gary Wilson fired in a cross for Alan Waddell from the left but the ex-Lie hitman slipped at the last second. Lok didn't have long to wait to go ahead though as a free-kick from the right from Zander Ryan was met by RAYMOND LOGAN who headed powerfully beyond Kevin Montgomery.

Shortly after, Maryhill broke forward with former Dundee United striker Stephen McGowan set up Allan Russell who drew Kris Robertson but shot wide. In the 10th minute, Lok had a chance at the other end when Gary Wilson's cross found Bryan Dingwall but his headed effort was blocked by Montgomery. As the game swung from end up end, the home side went close when Russell had a header saved.

Maryhill brought themselves level in the 20th minute when Maryhill picked up possession through Russell and his tame shot was deflected by Derek Heaton, but unfortunately that allowed ALLAN RUSSELL to pick the ball back up and deliver a more accurate and deadly shot beyond the Lok keeper. The 'Hill then had a goal ruled out before Ryan sent a free-kick over the bar.

Dingwall then set up Ryan in front of goal, only for Steve Gallacher to block him. Pollok fell behind in the 33rd minute when the defence was split by a through ball that McGowan flicked on to ALLAN RUSSELL who picked his spot and fired beyond the Lok keeper. Alan Waddell was then fortunate not to be booked after angrily kicking the ball away in the 38th minute but as soon as play restarted he was penalised for a heavy tackle.

Pollok might have gone in at half-time trailing, but they didn't take too long to get back on level terms. Within a minute of the restart, Zander Ryan was again the provider, and this time he set up BRYAN DINGWALL who controlled the ball then turned and shot a fine effort beyond Montgomery.

22-year-old farmout from Alloa Athletic Paul Thomson was having a fine game on the right wing and in the 51st minute he tested Robertson from a free-kick that the Lok No 1 saved. The game was slowly evolving into a dour midfield battle that 'Hill were just about shading though the tone of the game was being dominated by a succession of niggly challenges. Ex-Stirling midfielder Craig Ferguson and the aforementioned Thomson both were impressing.

Anton Franchetti then took a very hard tackle from Kevin O'Neil that sent him crashing into the Lok subs and the boundary wall. McGowan then went close for Maryhill but a draw seemed the likely outcome. In stoppage time Lok felt they'd won the game when from a corner Derek Heaton headed the ball into the net but the goal was ruled out by whistler Steven McLean.

Maryhill: Montgomery, Benton, Stoddart, O'Neil, Gallacher, Thomson (sub 89 for Forrester), Gallagher, Ferguson, McGowan, Smith (sub 74 for Tullis), Russell. Not used: Campbell, Wilson, Soave.
Booked: Ferguson 76, O'Neil 89
Pollok: Robertson, Carruth, Wilson (sub 74 for Miller), Aitchison, Heaton, McClay, Ryan, Logan, Dingwall, Waddell (sub 68 for Downs), Franchetti. Not used: O'Donoghue, Black, Paterson.
Booked: Waddell 39, Dingwall 61, Aitchison 65, Carruth 78, McClay 90
Ref: Steven McLean

Pollok won the Sectional League Cup for a record seventh time with a hard-earned victory over Clydebank in the final at Maryhill's Lochburn Park. After the comprehensive demolition of New Elgin at the weekend manager Rab Sneddon stuck largely with the same side, with the only change being the demotion of Anton Franchetti to the bench to be replaced by Simon Black.

Pollok forced the first corner of the game after only two minutes after a Bryan Dingwall shot, but couldn't produce anything from it. At the other end Clinton Maxwell had the first shot on target for the Bankies, but Kris Robertson was able to make a straightforward save. Dingwall forced Jim Chalmers into a save after five minutes when he pushed the striker's effort over the bar. Raymond Logan had an excellent opportunity to open the scoring after 11 minutes when he was left unmarked from a Zander Ryan corner, but he missed the target with his header. At the other end Mark Hailstones shot wide from a corner, while a quickly taken free-kick gave Andy Williamson a sight of goal after 27 minutes, but Robertson made the save at the near post.

Logan headed wide again from another Ryan corner, and then failed to connect properly with a shot on the turn after excellent play from Dingwall and Ryan. 'Lok finally took the lead that their pressure deserved after 34 minutes when Logan crossed from the right to BRYAN DINGWALL, who lashed the ball beyond Chalmers for the opener. The diminutive hitman tried his luck again just moments later, but this time his shot flew over the crossbar. Joe Carruth was next to have try at goal when he cut in from the right, only to shoot wide of the left-hand post. Pollok did manage a second after 40 minutes when Ryan swung over a corner that both Black and Logan challenged for, and when the ball broke to ALAN WADDELL he made no mistake as he flicked the ball home off the underside of the bar. Waddell could have made it three in injury time, but his glancing header from a Carruth cross passed wide of the post.

'Lok may have had the better of the first half exchanges, but they soon found themselves on the rack when Clydebank pulled a goal back early in the second half. Williamson crossed for CLINTON MAXWELL, and his header looped beyond Robertson to reduce the deficit to one. Waddell then lifted the ball over Chalmers and narrowly missed the target, but injured himself in the process and so Davie Turnbull came on in his place. Both teams made further substitutions, and the introduction of Alan Jack certainly seemed to lift Bankies. His well struck free-kick forced an excellent save from Robertson, and he followed it up with a fiercely struck drive from distance that flew over the bar. Turnbull hit the target with a weak shot from the edge of the box, before he came within a whisker of extending Pollok's lead.

Ryan whipped in a pacy free-kick that Turnbull back-heeled towards the target, only to see the ball rattle off the top of the woodwork. As the game moved into the final three minutes Clydebank were presented with a golden opportunity to draw level. The 'Lok rearguard were slow to step up and allowed Mark Bowie a clear run at goal, only for Robertson to rush from his line to dive bravely at the feet of the striker to thwart the attack. A sliced shot from Martin McInnes and a header from Derek Forbes both gave 'Lok supporters uncomfortable moments, but when the referee finally blew the whistle it signalled that the Sectional League Cup would be bedecked in the black and white ribbons of the men from Newlandsfield Park.

Pollok will be rightly pleased to have secured the first silverware available to them this season, but credit must also go to Clydebank for a spirited performance, coupled with a vociferous support, that added to an excellent night of entertainment for the 1,256 in attendance.

Pollok: Robertson, Carruth, G Wilson, Aitchison, Heaton, McClay, Ryan, Logan, Dingwall, Waddell (Turnbull 54), Black (Franchetti 61). Not used: Miller, Downs, O'Donoghue
Booked: Dingwall (72)
Clydebank: Chalmers, McInnes, Williamson, Kenna, Cunningham, Docherty (Kennedy 81), Hailstones (Jack 69), Lappin, Bowie, Maxwell (Forbes 61), Fisher. Not used: Soutar, Carson.
Ref: Andy McWilliam