Pollok signed off 2007 in some style with a comprehensive nine-goal demolition of nine-man Kilsyth Rangers at Duncansfield Park in the Stagecoach Super Premier League. Rab Sneddon made two changes to his Pollok side, with Davie Turnbull and Brian Mackay returning in place of Alan Waddell and Richie Newall. Kilsyth's newly appointed manager Matt Coulter included himself on the bench for a depleted Rangers side, and the 90 minutes that followed would reveal to him the scale of the task he faces.

Mackay posed the first threat after just six minutes with a dipping shot from 25-yards out that dipped onto the top of the net, and 'Lok took the lead five minutes later. ROBERT DOWNS played a neat one-two with Turnbull inside the box before firing low past former Pollok 'keeper Alan Colquhoun. He was picking the ball out of the net again just 40 seconds later when a defensive slip left BRIAN MACKAY all alone in the penalty area, and he coolly slipped the ball home.

Turnbull then hit the stanchion behind the goal with a 30-yard effort before Kilsyth were reduced to ten men after 20 minutes. Joe Carruth reached a loose ball before Darren Ferguson, who brought the Pollok full-back down. Referee Derek Rose deemed the tackle worthy of a straight red card, while Carruth returned to the action after a period of treatment. After 27 minutes 'Lok scored a third when Bryan Dingwall found BRIAN MACKAY from the left, and he again showed great composure to slot home his second goal of the game. Dingwall then forced a good save from Colquhoun, and from the resultant corner Turnbull had a shot cleared off the line.

With nine minutes remaining in the first half a ball over the top gave Dingwall a clean run in on goal, only for Tom McLaughlin to take the striker out from behind. Referee Rose was left with no option but to send the offender to the pavilion. The hosts nearly pulled a goal back with three minutes to play in the half when Brian Welsh passed to Gary McStay, only for Stevie Aitchison to clear his shot off the line.

Paul Hyslop was introduced to the action early in the second half, and he quickly made an impact as Pollok extended their lead. His 54th minute corner was volleyed home from 12-yards out by DAVIE TURNBULL to make the score 4-0 in Pollok's favour, and four minutes later another Hyslop corner was headed home by CHRIS CRUICKSHANK for the fifth. Alan Waddell was another second-half substitute, and he too was to make a significant impression on proceedings.

On the hour mark Turnbull lofted the ball over the top for ALAN WADDELL, who took it around Colquhoun and stroked home goal number six. Downs then picked out Waddell with a cross from the right, only for Colquhoun to make a fabulous save to touch his header against the post. Turnbull was again provider for goal number seven when he chipped the ball into the area towards BRYAN DINGWALL, who produced a stunning overhead kick that gave the Kilsyth 'keeper no chance. He did, however, make an excellent save to stop another Waddell header after a Hyslop cross, but he was beaten again with 15 minutes left to play. Downs, Waddell and Mackay all beat the offside trap, with Downs racing down the right with the ball. He cut it across to ALAN WADDELL, who touched it home at the near post.

70 seconds later Pollok scored their ninth with a sweeping move built from the back. Cruickshank, Hyslop and Downs were all involved as 'Lok played some terrific football on the right of the park, with Downs' cross being met by a spectacular ALAN WADDELL scissor-kick on the edge of the box as the replacement completed his hat-trick. Try as they might, Pollok couldn't quite reach double figures, with their best chance falling to Stevie Miller who scuffed the ball wide of the target.

With both teams above them dropping points the result puts Pollok right back into contention for the league title as they move into the New Year.

Kilsyth: Colquhoun, Meechan, Ferguson, Galloway, Tough, McLaughlin, Goodwin (Docherty 66), McStay (Marshall 60), Mullan, Welsh, Donnelly. Not used: McSeveney, Coulter (only 4 subs named).
Booked: Goodwin (45+1), Galloway (61), Mullan (71)
Sent Off: Kilsyth: Ferguson (20), McLaughlin (36)
Pollok: Robertson, Carruth (Hyslop 53), Wilson, Aitchison, Cruickshank, McKeown (Waddell 57), Ryan (Miller 66), Turnbull, Dingwall, Downs, Mackay. Not used: Logan, Henderson.
Booked: Mackay (31), Carruth (45)

Robert Downs (82)

LINK TO YOUTUBE HIGHLIGHTS - 1st Half (PFC TAKE NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR CONTENT ON EXTERNAL SITES)
LINK TO YOUTUBE HIGHLIGHTS - 2nd Half (PFC TAKE NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR CONTENT ON EXTERNAL SITES)
Pollok took to the field looking to avenge the 4-1 defeat they suffered at Bellsdale Park earlier in the season, making three changes to the starting eleven that played out a 0-0 draw with Bellshill Athletic the previous Saturday. Zander Ryan, Richie Newall, and the suspension-free Robert Downs were restored to the line-up, with Derek Heaton, Brian Mackay, and David McGeown dropping out.

Chances were few and far between in the first half, with Beith having the first attempt on goal after 10 minutes. However, John Craig's free kick from the edge of the box went wide of Kris Robertson's left hand post. Shortly afterwards Marc McShane became the first player to have his name taken by the referee, after blocking Bryan Dingwall as he attempted to join a Pollok attack. Pollok's best chance of the first half came in the 19th minute, when Joe Carruth's deep cross to the back post found Dingwall, but his effort to guide the ball goal ward was blocked by visiting custodian, John Wight.

Beith's Andy Reid was next to try his luck, but he dragged his shot wide from 20 yards out. Two more names found their way into the referee's notebook before half time. Pollok's Brian McKeown was booked for a foul on Chris Kerr, and before the resultant free kick was taken, Stevie Jack of Beith joined him for attempting to steal yards. The last action in the first half came in injury time from a Beith long ball which caught out the Pollok rearguard, forcing Kris Robertson to rush out and make a good save from Kenny McLean.

The second half started quietly, and only came to life after both teams made their first substitutions. Brian Mackay replaced Richie Newall for Pollok shortly after the hour mark, and James Canning took John Jack's place for Beith. Soon after McLean had another good chance, but he headed wide at the back post. After 68 minutes, Rab Sneddon decided to freshen up his attacking forces, bringing Davie Turnbull on for Alan Waddell. Beith, however, continued to create, and a slip from Joe Carruth allowed McLean to fire a low shot at Robertson's goal, which he did well to gather at the second attempt. Chris Kerr was next to try his luck, but fired over from 25 yards.

The last quarter of an hour proved to be Pollok's best period of the game. After 76 minutes, substitute Davie Turnbull played a perfectly weighted through ball to Zander Ryan, but his effort brought out a fine save from the onrushing Wight. With eight minutes to go, Pollok finally made the breakthrough. Gary Wilson's throw in from the left was flicked on by Turnbull, and ROBERT DOWNS rose high above the Beith defence to nod the ball into the bottom left corner of John Wight's goal. Beith manager Frank Lynch brought on Steven Dymock for Chris Kerr in an attempt to bring his side back on level terms, with Rab Sneddon making his final substitution, bringing on James Tyler for Bryan Dingwall. Two more Beith players were booked before the final whistle, John Craig for a trip on Zander Ryan, and Craig Palmer for a hefty challenge on goalscorer Downs. The referee ended proceedings soon after.

A vital three points for Pollok in the day's only Super Premier game, reducing Irvine Meadow's lead to four points, and moving to within a point of Beith. Full credit to the ground staff for making sure the pitch was playable.

Pollok: Robertson, Carruth, Wilson, Aitchison, Cruickshank, McKeown, Ryan, Dingwall (Tyler 86), Waddell (Turnbull 68), Downs, Newall (Mackay 61). Subs not used: Hyslop, Henderson
Booking: McKeown (39)
Beith: Wight, J. Jack (Canning 65), Palmer, S. Jack, McShane, Craig (Dymock 84), Kerr, McGarvey, Reid, Stewart, McLean. Subs not used: Spence, Fulton, Fraser
Bookings: McShane (13), S. Jack (40), Craig (88), Palmer (90)

LINK TO YOUTUBE HIGHLIGHTS (PFC TAKE NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR CONTENT ON EXTERNAL SITES)
Pollok wasted a golden opportunity to close the gap at the top of the Stagecoach Super Premier League table as they were held to a goalless draw by Bellshill Athletic at New Brandon Park. With Robert Downs and Stevie Miller still suspended, Rab Sneddon's options were limited further with illness and injury keeping Zander Ryan and Paul Hyslop out of the side, so Brian Mackay was drafted in for just his second starting appearance. Other changes saw David McGeown replace Raymond Logan and Chris Cruickshank take over from Richie Newall.

Cruickshank almost put through his own net after just three minutes, but his blushes were spared by the alertness of Kris Robertson in the Pollok goal. Robertson also had to take a Brian Felvus header under the crossbar as the hosts made a bright start. Pollok's first attack saw Alan Waddell power down the right wing, but his cut back was cleared before Bryan Dingwall could reach it. After 14 minutes Pollok attacked on the other wing, with Gary Wilson, Cruickshank and Dingwall all combining to tee up Brian McKeown, but his fierce drive from outside the box was pushed round the post for a corner by Scott McNab. Martin Lauchlan then set up Felvus for a shot that Robertson spilled, but Wilson cleared the danger before Stuart Boyd could react for Bellshill. Robertson then had easy takes from Marc Murray and David Nicholls, while McGeown was off target on more than one occasion as chances proved few and far between. First half injury time saw Waddell take the ball for a run, but his solo effort was saved by McNab.

Pollok made a better start to the second half than they did the first, with McGeown's volley from a McKeown cross being deflected just wide. Cruickshank's header from a Wilson corner was then saved by McNab, with Dingwall picking up a booking for his challenge on the 'keeper. Dingwall then forced McNab into another save as he headed a Cruickshank corner towards goal from close range, but the stopper reacted well to hold on. With 20 minutes remaining Bellshill had the best chance of the match as Felvus evaded the offside trap and raced in on goal. He ignored a supporting team-mate in space and elected to shoot, only to be denied by a fine low save from Robertson.

Three minutes later Joe Carruth won possession on the right and played in Dingwall, who chose to shoot from a tight angle, but his effort was blocked by McNab. The introductions of Davie Turnbull and James Tyler to the action gave 'Lok fresh legs up front, but they were unable to breach the home rearguard. McGeown headed over and Dingwall had a mishit shot easily saved, while Bellshill substitute Paddy Flannery nearly grabbed all three points late on with a shot that sneaked just wide of the post.

The result gave Pollok a third clean sheet in a row, but the two dropped points harm their chances of defending their league title. That defence continues with a home match against Beith next Saturday.

Bellshill: McNab, Fabiani, Franchetti, MacDonald, Murray, Muir (McMenemy 51), McGeoghegan, Lauchlan, Boyd (Watson 85), Felvus (Flannery 74), Nicholls. Not used: Paterson, Coulter.
Booked: Muir (43), Franchetti (47), Lauchlan (48)
Pollok: Robertson, Carruth, Wilson, Aitchison, Heaton, McKeown (Tyler 75), Mackay (Turnbull 62), McGeown, Dingwall, Waddell, Cruickshank. Not used: Newall, Ryan, Booth.
Booked: Dingwall (60), Wilson (74)

LINK TO YOUTUBE HIGHLIGHTS - 1st Half (PFC TAKE NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR CONTENT ON EXTERNAL SITES)
LINK TO YOUTUBE HIGHLIGHTS - 2nd Half (PFC TAKE NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR CONTENT ON EXTERNAL SITES)
Pollok secured a crucial three points with victory against league leaders Irvine Meadow at Meadow Park, despite being reduced to nine men for much of the second half. Manager Rab Sneddon made two changes to his side, with Raymond Logan starting for the first time since February (that last start by coincidence being at Meadow Park) in place of Davie Turnbull. Richie Newall was the other alteration, taking over Chris Cruickshank's left-midfield berth.

The tone was set for a combative afternoon as Brian McGinty was booked within ten seconds of kick-off for a late challenge on Stevie Aitchison. Joe Carruth had the first strike at goal of the game with a deflected effort that passed wide for a corner kick. The full-back was again involved after eight minutes as part of the move that saw Pollok take the lead. It was his header from a Paul Hilland throw-in that was flicked into the path of ALAN WADDELL, who for the second week in a row came out on top in a one-on-one battle with the 'keeper, calmly slotting the ball past Michael Wardrope with the outside of his boot. Meadow's response came in the form of an Andy Essler strike, but he missed the target from just inside the penalty area.

Logan then saw a shot blocked after a low cross from Carruth, while Derek Wingate sent a free-kick well wide for Meadow. Stephen Swift nodded wide for the hosts after 33 minutes, while two minutes later Brian McKeown cut in from the left, only to hit the side-netting for the visitors. Zander Ryan and Waddell then combined to give Bryan Dingwall a sight of goal, but he pulled his shot wide of the target. Pollok were reduced to ten men with four minutes remaining in the half when Derek Heaton hauled down McGinty on the edge of the box, and was shown a straight red card by referee Kevin Clancy.

The second half saw Cruickshank introduced for Newall, but further adjustments were required twelve minutes into the half when 'Lok lost a second player. Gary Wilson, already on a booking, slid in to tackle Gareth Turner, but when he failed to take the ball referee Clancy was left with no option but to show him a second yellow card. Turner's backheel five minutes later allowed Essler a strike from the edge of the box, but he blazed the ball high and wide. Kris Robertson kept his clean sheet intact after 67 minutes when he flung himself to his left to turn a Shaun Dillon drive around the post, while McGinty shot wide from a free-kick three minutes later.

With 16 minutes left to play Pollok scored an unlikely second. A quick counter-attack involving Dingwall and David McGeown resulted in the latter's cross being handled inside the area by Dougie Ramsay. ZANDER RYAN stepped up to lash the ball high into the net and double the 'Lok advantage. Meadow seemed to have no response, and their discipline began to let them down as they picked up four bookings in the last six minutes of the game. One of these yellow cards was shown to Dillon, who had already been booked, and so he became the third ordering off of the game.

The win keeps Pollok in the league race, a race that continues with a trip to New Brandon Park next week to face Bellshill Athletic.

Irvine Meadow XI: Wardrope, McLaughlin, Dillon, Ramsay (Adams 79), Wingate (Armstrong 74), Hilland, Swift, Turner, Friels, McGinty, Essler. Not used: Mason, Higgins, Feroz.
Booked: McGinty (1), Ramsay (27), Dillon (38), Adams (85), Essler (90), McLaughlin (90+3)
Sent Off: Dillon (89)
Pollok: Robertson, Carruth, Wilson, Aitchison, Heaton, McKeown, Ryan, Logan (McGeown 70), Dingwall, Waddell (Turnbull 77), Newall (Cruickshank 46). Not used: Mackay, Tyler.
Booked: Newall (9), Wilson (32), Logan (47)
Sent off : Heaton (41), Wilson (57)

LINK TO YOUTUBE HIGHLIGHTS - 1st Half (PFC TAKE NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR CONTENT ON EXTERNAL SITES)
LINK TO YOUTUBE HIGHLIGHTS - 2nd Half (PFC TAKE NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR CONTENT ON EXTERNAL SITES)
LINK TO MEGAVIDEO HIGHLIGHTS - Dingwall goal (PFC TAKE NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR CONTENT ON EXTERNAL SITES)
Pollok booked their place in the fourth round draw of the Citylink Scottish Junior Cup with a 3-0 win in Fife against St. Andrews United. With both Stevie Miller and Robert Downs suspended manager Rab Sneddon was forced to shuffle his pack, with Davie Turnbull and Alan Waddell coming into the team. Chris Cruickshank also returned at the expense of David McGeown.

The visitors made the perfect start when they took the lead after five minutes. Scott McInroy misjudged a long ball from Kris Robertson, and ALAN WADDELL moved in on goal before firing home off the inside of the post. Saints tried to respond through a James Herkes free-kick, but the ball was touch wide for a goal-kick. After 19 minutes Joe Carruth's low cross from the right was met by Bryan Dingwall, who tried to backheel the ball into the net, only for Paul Davidson to save under pressure from both Waddell and Cruickshank. Cruickshank and Dingwall then combined to give Waddell another sight of goal, but rather than shoot he cut the ball back to Dingwall, allowing the covering defender enough time to block the eventual shot.

As the half progressed St. Andrews became more of a force, with Robertson having to make a good block from Duncan McLean after 33 minutes. Kris Brash shot narrowly over moments later, while Ricky Patrick was allowed to advance unchallenged through the Pollok defence with eight minutes left in the half, only for Robertson to make an excellent save as he turned Brash's swerving effort around the post.

Pollok nearly extended their lead within 30 seconds of the restart, but Turnbull volleyed over from a good position. Saints had a great opportunity to level matters three minutes later when Patrick played in Gary Sutherland. His shot was blocked by the legs of Robertson and rebounded to McLean, but he sliced the ball wide with the goal gaping. Stevie Aitchison then cleared off the line from a Saints corner before 'Lok scored a second. Aitchison's throw found BRYAN DINGWALL behind the St. Andrews defence, and he lashed a stunning dipping volley beyond a completely helpless Davidson. This seemed to deflate the hosts, who were then reduced to shooting from long range, with Patrick's 30-yard strike their closest effort.

Dingwall was denied a second when a Brian Mackay strike ricocheted back to him, only for Davidson to make a terrific reaction save with his legs. With seven minutes left to play Brash turned sinner for Saints as he was shown the red card after committing a second bookable offence. Raymond Logan shot over from the edge of the box after some superb skill on the right from Mackay, while Patrick was also off target for the hosts with an off-balance volley. 'Lok were to have the last word as they sealed victory in the 89th minute. Another long kick-out from Robertson found Dingwall, who cut the ball across to his strike partner ALAN WADDELL, who coolly fired home his second and Pollok's third.

The result will lift Pollok morale ahead of a crucial Stagecoach Super Premier League match next week when they travel to face leaders Irvine Meadow XI at Meadow Park.

St. Andrews: Davidson, Balfour, Brash, Makein (Rusznica 89), McInroy, Suttie, Reid (Campbell 79), Patrick, Herkes, Sutherland, McLean. Not used: Crawford, Trylinski, Grant.
Booked: Makein (22), Patrick (25), Brash (36), Suttie (77)
Sent off: Brash (83)
Pollok: Robertson, Carruth, G Wilson, Aitchison, Heaton, McKeown, Ryan (Mackay 70), Turnbull (Logan 56), Dingwall, Waddell, Cruickshank (Newall 79). Not used: McGeown, Tyler.
Booked: Dingwall (25), Robertson (32), Logan (86)