Richie Newall (21)
Zander Ryan (65)
Bryan Dingwall (70)

John Bradford (48)

Pollok bounced back from their Scottish Junior Cup semi-final defeat with victory over Arthurlie in the Whyte and Mackay West of Scotland Cup at Newlandsfield Park. With Harry Erwin and Mark McWilliams taking charge of team matters there were three changes from the Scottish Junior Cup semi-final side. Gary Wilson, Stevie Miller and Robert Downs made way for Richie Newall, David McGeown and Alan Waddell.

The Barrhead side were swiftest out of the blocks, with Kris Robertson making a good block to halt Sean Winter after four minutes. Frank McKeown directed the resultant corner towards goal, but Richie Newall was in position to clear the ball off the line. John Bradford then forced another save from Robertson from open play before the same player headed a Stevie Aitken free-kick towards goal, only for Robertson to make another stop. Pollok’s early efforts were restricted to a Zander Ryan drive across goal from a tight angle and a Brian McKeown shot that passed wide of the post after some neat interplay on the edge of the penalty area. Pollok finally found their range after 21 minutes when they scored the opening goal of the game. Joe Carruth’s cross from deep on the right was met by the head of RICHIE NEWALL, who looped the ball over Peter Shaw in the Arthurlie goal.

Before play could resume Pollok lost Derek Heaton to a calf strain, with Miller taking his place in the heart of defence. Aitken tried an audacious shot straight from the kick off, but failed to hit the target. Pollok came close to adding a second after 41 minutes. Brian McKeown’s initial drive was blocked, but he reacted instinctively to steer the ball back towards goal with a header, only for it to be cleared off the line. Pollok finished the half as the stronger team, and only a fine save by Shaw from a vicious McGeown shot kept Arthurlie’s deficit at one as the half-time whistle blew.

When play resumed it was again Arthurlie who made the quicker start, and this time they were rewarded with an equalising goal. Alan McFadden crossed from the left and JOHN BRADFORD flashed a header beyond Robertson to make the score 1-1. Pollok’s cause was not helped when they were reduced to ten men eight minutes into the second half when Alan Waddell was dismissed for comments made to the assistant referee. Dingwall nodded a Newall cross wide for Pollok, while John Johnston dragged a 20-yard effort wide before Pollok reclaimed the lead. Dingwall teed up McGeown for a strike at goal, and although his shot was blocked it fell perfectly to ZANDER RYAN to drill into the net via a slight deflection. Shaw then had to stop another fierce McGeown effort, but he was left helpless at the resultant corner. Ryan flighted the ball to McGeown, who flicked it on to BRYAN DINGWALL to rifle home after 70 minutes.

Bradford was off target with a header from a Ross Ballantyne cross, while Downs gave ‘Lok a set of fresh legs up front when he replaced Dingwall. The change almost paid immediate dividends as Downs launched a breakaway attack down the right. He play the ball to McKeown, who laid it off to Ryan, only for Shaw to make the save. Winter blazed over from a tight angle as Arthurlie searched for a path back into proceedings. Downs then dispossessed Brian Wardle and fed the ball to McKeown, who passed to McGeown, only for the midfielder to loft his shot over the crossbar. Arthurlie’s last chance fell to Bradford, who curled a shot wide of the target as ‘Lok held on comfortably for the win.

The win gives Pollok as timely confidence boost as they turn their attentions to league business when they face long-time leaders Irvine Meadow XI on Saturday.

Stephen Docherty (90)
Kevin Haynes (93)

Zander Ryan (82)

Pollok 1-2 Bathgate Thistle (aet, 1-1 after 90mins)

Pollok’s dreams of lifting the Citylink Scottish Junior Cup were crushed at the semi-final stage as Bathgate Thistle pulled off a dramatic victory at Broadwood Stadium. Rab Sneddon was forced to leave out David McGeown with shin splints, with Brian McKeown moved forward to a more attacking midfield role than usual.

The gusty wind and dry playing surface made for tricky conditions for both sides, and there was little good football on show during a cagey first half. John Harvie’s fifth minute shot from 35 yards failed to trouble Kris Robertson, and Stephen Docherty headed over from a Chris McFadyen cross three minutes later. Paul McGrillen tested Robertson with a bouncing free-kick after 19 minutes, and it took until the 22nd minute for Pollok to threaten, with Bryan Dingwall firing into the side-netting after some good work from Chris Cruickshank and Robert Downs. Pollok’s best opportunity came with three minutes of the half to play when Downs’ shot from a Zander Ryan corner was cleared off the line by former ‘Lok player Willie Wilson.

The entertainment value improved in the second half, with Ryan going close within 30 seconds of the restart. McFadyen hooked the ball over the crossbar after a Docherty knock down, while McGrillen shot over from a tight angle after a slip by Stevie Aitchison. Ryan was narrowly off target with a curling free-kick, and at the other end Fraser Love shot wide after a neat one-two with McGrillen. McGrillen missed a chance himself after turning Aitchison on the edge of the box, but it was Pollok who grabbed the breakthrough after 82 minutes. Cruickshank’s cross from the left was touched on by Dingwall to ZANDER RYAN, who slid in to direct the ball beyond Andy Carlin. Carlin then made a terrific stop to deny Alan Waddell with seconds left to play. There was just enough time for one last free-kick for Bathgate, and Graeme Love hung a high ball into the Pollok area. Robertson rushed from his line to punch clear, but his connection was weak and STEPHEN DOCHERTY gleefully fired home to force the game into extra time.

Pollok fell behind four minutes into the additional half hour when a ball over the top caught their defence napping, and KEVIN HAYNES seized upon the opportunity to round Robertson and slot home. Andy McClay and Davie Turnbull were thrown on in search of an equaliser, but Turnbull wasted a free-kick in the second half of extra time as he sent the ball well over the bar. McClay also had a chance to level matters after a surging break from defence by Aitchison, but he could only put the ball wide of the target. Stevie Miller also sent an overhead kick wide before Thistle were reduced to ten men deep into injury time. Handball by Haynes saw him shown a second yellow card by referee Kevin Clancy, and it was only after his assistant intervened that a red card was shown to the burly striker. Pollok had time for one last goalmouth scramble, but there was to be no further drama and Bathgate successfully held on to claim a final berth against Cumnock at Rugby Park.

Pollok will now have to pick themselves up in preparation for a hectic run-in as they try to defend their league title, while cup hopes will have to wait for another year.

Robert Downs (pen 90)

Eddie Annand (49)
Lee Sharp (72)

Pollok tumbled out of the Central League Cup at the second round stage as they tasted defeat by the odd goal in three against local rivals Arthurlie at Newlandsfield Park. With a Citylink Scottish Junior Cup semi-final looming many expected manager Rab Sneddon to field a weakened team, but this was far from the case - though a number of key players were rested, while Carruth was suspended and McGeown was out injured.

Top scorer Bryan Dingwall returned after suspension, but it was the visitors who created the early opportunities. Alan McFadden shot high over the crossbar after just three minutes when a long throw-in was cleared to him 12 yards out, while John Johnston fired wide of the right-hand post four minutes later. Dingwall forced the first save from Jim Evans after a Richie Newall strike was deflected into his path, and Newall also tested Evans on the quarter hour mark with a good spin and shot. Sixty seconds later a spell of pinball inside the penalty area ended with Derek Heaton’s header cannoning off the crossbar.

Pollok lost Paul Hyslop to injury after 28 minutes, with Brian Mackay taking over his duties wide on the left. Johnston then picked out Craig Malcolm unmarked in the Pollok penalty area, and only an acrobatic stop from Kris Robertson kept the scoreline blank. Zander Ryan sent a dipping volley just past the left-hand post after 33 minutes, and eight minutes later Mackay was just off target to the other side after a curling effort from the edge of the box.

When play resumed after the interval it took just four minutes for Arthurlie to make the breakthrough. Brian Wardle seized upon a slip from Derek Heaton and played the ball wide to Malcolm. He squared it back across to EDDIE ANNAND who slid in to fire home high into the roof of the net. Ryan then sent a header wide of the post before a moment of controversy. Mackay appeared to be tripped in the penalty area, but referee Richard Gough chose to book the Pollok winger for diving. Lee Sharp forced Robertson into action with a 22-yard free-kick, while Mackay was narrowly off target after crafting space for himself with a surging run on the left.

Alan Waddell and Robert Downs came on for Pollok as they chased the game, and both were involved in a terrific sweeping down the right that resulted in a good save from Evans to deny Waddell before Downs put the rebound wide. ‘Lok were made to pay for their misses when Arthurlie doubled their lead after 72 minutes. LEE SHARP flighted a corner into the area that deceived everyone as it flew directly into the home net. Pollok had an ideal opportunity to pull a goal back six minutes later when Brian McKeown was brought down in the Arthurlie penalty area. Ryan stepped up to take the kick, only to rattle the ball against the crossbar. Arthurlie threatened on the break, with Sean Winter shooting just wide, while Evans continued to thwart the Pollok attack. He blocked a Waddell effort from close range and another from Ryan before ‘Lok finally broke through in the sixth minute of injury time. Mackay was felled in the area, and this time ROBERT DOWNS took on the penalty duties, stroking the kick beyond Evans, but far too late to spark any comeback.

Pollok have little time to dwell on the defeat as they must now prepare for the challenge of Bathgate Thistle at Broadwood Stadium in the semi-final of the Scottish Junior Cup on Saturday.

Bryan Dingwall (43, 80)
Brian McKeown (58)
Zander Ryan (73 pen)

Scott Nugent (5)

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Pollok enjoyed a 4-1 victory in a keenly contested friendly against Port Glasgow at Newlandsfield Park.
Only Mark Booth and Robert Downs, out with a neck injury, missed out for Pollok as manager Rab Sneddon took full advantage of the occasion to use as many of his squad members as possible.

Pollok should have taken an early lead when Stevie Miller fed Chris Cruickshank on the left. His low ball across goal found Bryan Dingwall, but for once his shooting boots failed him as his weak effort from a great position was easily stopped by Sean Graham. ‘Lok were made to pay four minutes later as they conceded the opener. Kris Robertson parried well from a Port Glasgow strike, but SCOTT NUGENT reacted first to bury the loose ball and give his side the lead. Dingwall forced a good save from Graham with a header from a Stevie Miller cross, while Davie Turnbull shot narrowly wide from the edge of the box. David McGeown was also off target from distance after Turnbull had set him up for a crack at goal, but Pollok grabbed an equaliser just before half-time. Port Glasgow tried to play their way out of defence, only to give away possession midway inside their own half. Joe Carruth quickly fed Paul Hyslop on the right, and his cross was bulleted home by the head of BRYAN DINGWALL. Andy Monaghan was then denied by Robertson as he saved at his near post from a shot from a tight angle.

Pollok made seven half-time substitutions, and replacement Brian Mackay was only just off target with a shot from the edge of the box after he showed some fine footwork to create space for himself. Andy McClay then dragged the ball wide from an Alan Waddell cut-back before Pollok took the lead after 58 minutes. Zander Ryan crossed the ball to Brian Mackay, who played it back across the penalty area to BRIAN McKEOWN, who guided it expertly just inside the post with his left foot for his first Pollok goal. Dingwall then headed home from a Richie Newall cross, but from an offside position. ‘Lok claimed their third in controversial circumstances after 73 minutes. Mackay played the ball to Waddell, whose shot at goal struck a Port Glasgow arm. Referee Stewart Hodge deemed the infringement worthy of a penalty kick, which ZANDER RYAN duly thumped beyond Graham. Pollok completed the scoring with ten minutes left to play when Carruth burst through the heart of the Port defence, resisting the urge to shoot as he fed BRYAN DINGWALL for the simplest of tap-ins.

The game proved a useful workout for Pollok as they prepare for a run of crucial games as they attempt to achieve a League and Cup double.

Pollok: Robertson (Trialist 70), Carruth, Cruickshank (Newall 46), Aitchison (Heaton 46), Wilson, Miller (McKeown 46), Hyslop (Ryan 46), McGeown (McClay 46), Dingwall, Turnbull (Waddell 46), Logan (Mackay 46).
Port Glasgow: Graham, Flynn, Coyle, Temporal (Best 74), Walton, Beckley, Taylor (Hare 64), Brown, Nugent (McKay 77), Jack (McEwan 75), Monaghan.

Ross Jamieson (5)
Kevin Barr (87)

Alan Waddell (23, 24)
Robert Downs (34)
Paul Hyslop (90)

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Pollok returned to winning ways with their first league victory of 2008 as they defeated Shotts Bon Accord by four goals to two at Hannah Park. With Joe Carruth and Bryan Dingwall both suspended Rab Sneddon was forced into making changes to his team. Gary Wilson, Paul Hyslop and David McGeown also missed out, with Stevie Miller, Zander Ryan, Alan Waddell and Richie Newall being recalled to a rejigged 3-5-2 formation. A welcome addition to the starting eleven was Andy McClay, available for the first time since suffering a serious knee injury last season.

The hosts were quickest to settle, and nearly took the lead after just four minutes when Chris Gardiner volleyed narrowly wide from the edge of the box. ‘Lok failed to heed the warning and found themselves behind just sixty seconds later. This time it was former Pollok player ROSS JAMIESON who found himself given time and space 18 yards from goal, and he drilled a shot low beyond Kris Robertson for the opener. Jamieson then headed wide after Pollok failed to clear a Shotts corner as the home team continued to turn the screw. It took until the 14th minute for Iain Banks to be tested when a free-kick from Ryan found Robert Downs unmarked, but he headed straight at the home ‘keeper. A poor kick out from Robertson then put his side in trouble as Jamieson played in Gardiner, but the ‘Lok custodian redeemed himself as he saved the strike at goal. Newall squandered a great chance to pull Pollok level after 20 minutes when he beat the Bon Accord offside trap but fired his shot into the side netting.

‘Lok restored parity three minutes later when a sublime touch from ALAN WADDELL allowed him to break beyond the home defence before clipping a shot into the net off the inside of the post. Sixty seconds later Downs released his strike partner again, and again ALAN WADDELL made no mistake as he beat Banks to give Pollok the lead. They added to their advantage after 34 minutes when a Gary McSeveney clearance ricocheted off Newall into the path of ROBERT DOWNS, who sidestepped a Shotts defender before delivering a clinical finish beyond Banks. Robertson had to punch away a Stephen McInulty corner from underneath his own crossbar before a last gasp tackle from Stevie Aitchison prevented Jamieson from having another strike at goal before half time.

With the wind picking up conditions became increasingly difficult in the second half. Newall saw a shot drift off target for ‘Lok, while at the other end Miller was well positioned to clear a Shotts attempt off the goal-line. Brian McKeown limped out of the action after a heavy tackle from Jamieson after 64 minutes, and Mark McKeever fired a free-kick from a tight angle well off target four minutes later. Replacement Kevin Barr found the net for Shotts with twenty minutes remaining, only to be denied by an offside flag, while Pollok substitute Hyslop forced a save from Banks with a weak shot. Banks made a great block moments later after Ryan had set up Downs, and his side grabbed a lifeline with just three minutes left to play. Confusion between Miller and Aitchison allowed KEVIN BARR to take the ball towards goal before blasting it beyond Robertson. It was ‘Lok who had the final word however when Downs cut in from the right and played a one-two with Davie Turnbull before laying on a perfectly weighted ball for PAUL HYSLOP, who secured the points as he slotted home the sixth and final goal of the game.

Pollok will be happy to have kept the pressure on at the top of the table, although their joy was tempered somewhat with the news that title rivals Irvine Meadow XI had also taken a maximum three points with a late penalty winner against Auchinleck Talbot at Beechwood Park.

Fraser Team (30)
Jordan Fitzpatrick (72)
Gary Wilson o.g. (90)

Davie Turnbull (17)
RIchy Newall (21)
Alan Waddell (41)
Brian Mackay (87)

Pollok won by the odd goal in seven in a hastily arranged friendly under the floodlights of New Douglas Park.

It was a youthful Accies side who took to the field under manager Billy Reid, and they could have taken the lead after quarter of an hour when they had a two-on-one situation, but Kris Robertson made a fine, if somewhat painful stop, to block the shot of Jordan Kirkpatrick. Pollok took the lead two minutes later when Alan Waddell seized upon a defensive error and drew the Accies ‘keeper before squaring to DAVIE TURNBULL to fire into the unguarded net. Four minutes later ‘Lok were two in front when Brian Mackay passed to RICHIE NEWALL on the left, and his deflected effort gave the ‘keeper no chance. On the half hour mark the hosts pulled a goal back after a break on the left that resulted in FRASER TEAM lobbing the ball over Robertson for a good finish. Pollok moved two ahead once more with four minutes left in the first half when Turnbull set up ALAN WADDELL, whose first effort was blocked, but he made no mistake with the rebound.

Pollok had the ball in the net again 20 minutes into the second half when substitute Robert Downs headed home an Andy McClay cross, only for the assistant referee to raise his flag for offside. Pollok’s trialist goalkeeper had to stop an Accies corner on the line after 72 minutes, but was helpless ten minutes later when JORDAN KIRKPATRICK fired home a good strike from the edge of the penalty area. With three minutes left to play Zander Ryan’s cross was headed clear, but only as far as BRIAN MACKAY who drilled the ball home from 16 yards out. McClay limped out of the action one minute later, and Hamilton made their one man advantage count as they pulled another goal back. Gary Twigg crossed from the left, and GARY WILSON could only slice the ball past his own ‘keeper for an own goal.

Pollok: Robertson (Trialist 62), Ryan, Cruickshank (Wilson 62), Aitchison (McKeown 46), Miller (Carruth 46), Booth (Downs 62), Newall, McClay, Waddell, Turnbull, Mackay.