Stephen McGladrigan (25)

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With Pollok being the odd team out in a five team group they took the opportunity to gain extra match practice with a friendly victory over Rutherglen Glencairn at Newlandsfield Park.

Summer signings Craig Ferguson and Joe McAlpine were among those given the chance to stake their claim for a regular first team place, in addition to Paul Hyslop playing on the right hand side of midfield for 'Lok. Glens include former Pollok defender Derek Gardiner in their starting eleven. It took ten minutes for either side to create a chance when Alan Waddell crossed from the right for McAlpine, who headed wide. 'Lok took the lead just sixty seconds later when Kris Robertson's long clearance was cleverly flicked on by McAlpine into the path of BRYAN DINGWALL who shot low into the corner past Keith McLaren. Stevie Miller then played a long free-kick towards McAlpine, but again he headed wide of the target. Waddell combined with the trialist shortly afterwards, and he showed good footwork to create space for a shot, but he fired a left foot effort wide. His dangerous cross then caused panic in the Glencairn defence, and only fine reactions from McLaren prevented an own goal. Glencairn pulled level after 25 minutes when Stevie Aitchison failed to deal with a through ball, and STEPHEN McGLADRIGAN sent a cool finish past Robertson. Hyslop was involved in much of the action, and it was his cross that eventually fell to Ferguson after 32 minutes, but his shot was blocked. Pollok took the lead again just before the interval when Mark Booth sent a searching ball towards Waddell at the back post who volleyed the ball across to BRYAN DINGWALL, who tapped home from inches out to put 'Lok back in front.

Pollok also had the first opportunity of the second half when substitute Davie Turnbull's firm low shot from 25 yards out was taken by McLaren. It was another substitute, however, that grabbed Pollok's third. Turnbull slid the ball through to DAVID McGEOWN, who took the ball in his stride before striking it beyond McLaren and into the net. Lee McShane set up John Paul Craig for Glencairn after 63 minutes, but his shot with the outside of the boot was just off target. Turnbull then threaded a superb pass through the Glens defence for Brian Mackay to run onto, but he could only drive the ball against McLaren from a tight angle. McAlpine forced a save from the 'keeper with a 35-yard drive, then crossed for Dingwall who headed over after 68 minutes. Moments later Carlo Scaramuzza found himself in a great position inside the Pollok box, but missed the target with his shot. Glens best chance of the second half came when McShane dispossessed Miller on the left and passed to Craig, who showed terrific footwork to work the space for a shot, only to be denied by a great save from Ian Wilson, preserving Pollok's two goal advantage.

The game proved a useful exercise for the management team, giving them a further opportunity to evaluate some of the options available to them within the squad.

Pollok: Robertson (I Wilson 46), Miller, G Wilson (Newall 46), Aitchison, Cruickshank (Mackay 61), Booth, Hyslop, Ferguson (McGeown 46), Dingwall, Waddell (Turnbull 46), McAlpine. All subs used.
Glencairn: McLaren, Kane, Gardiner, Paul, Dickson (Gallagher 78), Hayes (McShane 21), Scaramuzza, McGovern (Quinn 46), McDougall (McGladrigan back on 78), McGladrigan (Craig 46 [unknown 88]), Fraser. Not used: McManus.

Neil Farquharson (og) 68

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Pollok's hopes of defending their Sectional League Cup title were left hanging by a thread as they dropped two further points at Brig O' Lea Stadium against Neilston.

Rab Sneddon shuffled his pack again with four changes from his midweek side. Stevie Aitchison, Robbie Henderson, Zander Ryan and Bryan Dingwall all returned with Brian Mackay and Mark Booth dropping to the bench, while Brian McKeown missed out through injury and Alan Waddell through suspension. The game could not have started in a worse fashion for Pollok as they gifted Neilston the lead after just three minutes. A dreadful clearance by Kris Robertson rolled straight to the feet of GORDON SMITH, who composed himself before curling the ball round the Pollok 'keeper and inside the post to open the scoring.

The visitors responded after nine minutes when Gary Wilson found Robert Downs, who cut the ball back for Dingwall with his back to goal. He turned and fired a snap shot at goal, but at a good height for Brian Hewitt who gathered the ball to his chest. Dingwall then had a shot blocked after a Wilson throw-in before 'Lok were caught out at the back again. Stephen Anderson found space on the right of the park and he cut the ball across to Smith, who rushed his shot and fired wide under no pressure. Ryan had a free-kick saved for Pollok, and Chris Cruickshank squandered a chance after Dingwall released him on the left. Robertson was forced into a save from a Chris Cameron free-kick after 28 minutes, and 'Lok had Joe Carruth to thank for a great saving tackle when substitute Robbie Cameron broke on the counter-attack after a Pollok corner.

Half-time saw Richie Newall replacing the injured Henderson with Cruickshank dropping back to occupy a centre-half berth. Downs had an early shot saved by Hewitt, while Smith was narrowly off target with a set-piece for the hosts. 'Lok came close to an equaliser after Stevie Miller drove forward with the ball and crossed for Newall, but his header was just wide. Davie Turnbull then nodded over from a Wilson cross before Pollok drew level after 68 minutes. Turnbull played a superb ball to Ryan on the right wing, and his low cross was slid into his own net by the unlucky NEIL FARQUHARSON to level the scores. Andy Whiteford picked up Neilston's first booking two minutes later when he took out Dingwall with a challenge from behind.

Former 'Lok captain Kevin O'Neil tried his luck against his former club with a shot from 20 yards that Robertson saved easily, and sixty seconds later Turnbull had a header cleared off the line by the Neilston defence. Downs then headed wide before the hosts had a great chance to win the tie. Robbie Cameron squared for his namesake Chris, who went to ground as he rounded Robertson and was booked for simulation. Whiteford was then dismissed for a second bookable offence, and there was further controversy two minutes into injury time. Ryan cut a low ball across goal to Dingwall, who tapped home only to be denied by a raised flag from the assistant referee.

The result leaves Pollok requiring Neilston to defeat Arthurlie in the final round of group matches if they are to maintain an interest in the competition this season.

Neilston: Hewitt, O'Neil, Dale, Whiteford, Farquharson, Sheridan, McIlroy (Currie 84), C Cameron, Smith (McKee 90), Anderson (R Cameron 24), Bryers. Not used: McMenamin, Phillips.
Pollok: Robertson, Carruth (Mackay 82), G Wilson, Aitchison, Henderson (Newall 46), Miller, Ryan, Turnbull, Dingwall, Downs, Cruickshank. Not used: Booth, Ferguson, McAlpine.

Booked -
Neilston: Whiteford (70, 89 sent off), C Cameron (87)
Pollok: Carruth (31), Downs (37), Aitchison (50), Ryan (63), Dingwall (90+2)

Sent Off -
Neilston: Whiteford (89)

Robert Downs 5, 26p
Davie Turnbull 7
Mark Booth 35
Mikey Williams (og) 77

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Pollok continued their Sectional League Cup campaign with a victory over St. Anthony's when the two sides met at McKenna Park.

Manager Rab Sneddon made four changes to his side with Brian Mackay, Mark Booth, Alan Waddell and Davie Turnbull claiming starting berths at the expense of Zander Ryan, David McGeown, Bryan Dingwall and Richie Newall. 'Lok soon took charge of proceedings as they raced to an early lead. After five minutes Turnbull fed Mackay on the right wing, who beat his man before cutting the ball across to ROBERT DOWNS who fired home low across the face of Davie Turner in the Ants goal. Two minutes later Mackay and Gary Wilson worked a short corner for Pollok, with the former crossing to DAVIE TURNBULL who bulleted a header beyond Turner for the second goal of the game.

Martin Callaghan had a shot deflected over for The Ants before Pollok scored their third. Wilson flighted over a free-kick from the right that was cleared by the home defence, only for the referee to point to the penalty spot for an apparent infringement. ROBERT DOWNS stepped up to slot home the spot kick and extend the lead. The Govan side had good claims for a penalty of their own turned away after 28 minutes when Stevie Miller handled the ball inside his own box, but the shouts of the hosts fell upon deaf ears. Pollok lost Brian McKeown to injury, allowing Stevie Aitchison to return to action for the first time since receiving a serious facial injury at the end of last season. 'Lok made it four after 35 minutes when Turnbull played in MARK BOOTH, who shot home via a slight deflection to claim his first goal for Pollok in his 17th appearance for the club. The hosts received a lifeline back into the game with five minutes to play in the first half when Aitchison felled JOE MULHERON in the penalty box, and the striker took the resultant kick himself to reduce the deficit.

Craig Ferguson appeared for the second half in place of Downs, with Turnbull, Mackay and Booth all changing positions to accommodate the switch. Booth could have scored his second of the game when Wilson's throw-in was flicked into his path, but he volleyed over from a good position. 'Lok found their lead reduced further still after 57 minutes when Stephen McMullen floated over a free-kick that was met by the unchallenged JOE MULHERON, who headed home his second of the game. Ants could have been within a goal six minutes later when Mark McCuish set up substitute Ian McEwan, but he was off balance as he shot and Kris Robertson gathered the ball easily. Mulheron had to leave the action due to injury after 71 minutes, and sixty seconds later Turnbull rattled the junction of post and crossbar with a free-kick from the edge of the box. Pollok finally secured the three points when Waddell broke down the left hand side of the park and cut the ball across goal, whereupon MIKEY WILLIAMS bundled it into his own net for an own goal. The hosts kept plugging away right to the end however, with McCuish showing excellent footwork to create space for a shot, but it was weak and held easily by Robertson. The final effort of the game came courtesy of McMullen, who struck a dipping shot just past the upright for St. Anthony's.

The result keeps Pollok's hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages alive, with a trip to Brig O' Lea Stadium to face Neilston looming on the horizon.

St. Anthony's: Turner, Keys, Donaghy, Marshall, Mansare, Donald (McEwan 46), McCuish, Williams, McMullen, Mulheron (Hare 71), Callaghan. Not used: Donnelly, McGlinchy, McKenna.
Pollok: Robertson, Carruth, G Wilson, McKeown (Aitchison 33), Cruickshank, Miller, Mackay (McAlpine 79), Booth, Waddell, Downs (Ferguson 46), Turnbull. Not used: Ryan, Henderson.

Booked -
St. Anthony's: Mansare (74)
Pollok: Booth (82)

Craig Malcolm 72, 82

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Pollok and Arthurlie shared the spoils when the sides met in an eventful game in the Sectional League Cup group stages at Newlandsfield Park. Rab Sneddon chose to leave out Robbie Henderson and Davie Turnbull from the starting eleven against Benburb, with Chris Cruickshank and Robert Downs taking their places.

Both sides had penalty claims waved away during the early stages, with Alan McFadden appealing for a foul in Arthurlie's favour after ten minutes and Robert Downs making similar claims after a challenge from Craig Baxter moments later. It proved third time lucky for Pollok after 17 minutes when Downs was tripped by Frank McKeown inside the box, and this time referee Kevin Clancy pointed to the spot. ROBERT DOWNS dusted himself off before sending the ball beyond James Evans in the visiting goal.

A long Kris Robertson clearance after 27 minutes was flicked on by Downs to Bryan Dingwall, who brought the ball under control before firing it into the side-netting. Dingwall turned creator five minutes later when he held the ball up for David McGeown, who made a driving run only for Stephen Aitken to deflect his shot wide of target. Aitken was involved at the other end sixty seconds later when his shot was pushed wide by an excellent save from Robertson. Robertson made another fine block when McFadden latched onto a long ball from Evans, only for the Pollok custodian to touch the ball wide for a corner, from which McKeown headed wide. Richie Newall had a chance when the ball fell to his right foot inside the 'Lie box, but he tried to curl a shot home with the outside of his left boot and he missed the target. Stephen Gallacher nearly sliced into his own net from a Gary Wilson cross after 40 minutes, but the hosts had to be content with a one goal lead at half-time.

Arthurlie introduced Craig Malcolm to the action at half-time, and the visitors had the first chance of the second half when a mistake from Joe Carruth allowed Ross Ballantyne to drive the ball across goal, only for Robertson to block the ball with his legs before gathering under pressure. Zander Ryan found himself in a dangerous position moments later, but he hooked a left footed effort wide. Pollok had the ball in the net again after 61 minutes when Downs burst through the middle and rolled the ball to Dingwall to fire home, but he had strayed beyond the ball into an offside position and the goal was chalked off. Gary Wilson then delivered a searching ball to the back post, only for Ryan to misdirect a header away from the target. Carruth managed to get a vital touch to deny Malcolm after 64 minutes, but the equaliser arrived eight minutes later.

The Pollok defence were all dragged across to the left, allowing CRAIG MALCOLM to find space on the edge of the box to shoot home past Robertson. 'Lok could have been back in front six minutes later when Downs split the Barrhead defence with a pass to Dingwall, who drew the 'keeper before cutting back for Ryan. He played the ball across goal, where McGeown couldn't quite connect properly to divert it into the unguarded net. They were made to pay for their miss when a long ball over the top caught the Pollok defence sleeping, and CRAIG MALCOLM took the ball wide of Robertson before shooting home. Hopes of an equaliser looked bleak when Evans made a stunning stop to turn a vicious Dingwall volley past the post with 90 seconds left to play, and things looked bleaker when substitute Alan Waddell was dismissed for an attempted punch on Martin Hughes. As the game moved into injury time Stevie Miller delivered a free-kick into the box that Turnbull headed back across goal, and BRIAN MACKAY swivelled to hook the ball home from the edge of the box for a last-gasp equaliser.

Pollok: Robertson, Carruth, G Wilson (Turnbull 84), McKeown, Cruickshank, Miller, Ryan, McGeown, Dingwall, Downs (Waddell 84), Newall (Mackay 65). Not used: Ferguson, Booth.
Arthurlie: Evans, Gallacher, Sharp (Williams 68), Baxter, McKeown, Johnston (Malcolm 46), Ballantyne, Hughes, Bradford (Winter 84), Aitken, McFadden. Not used: Docherty, Blair.

Booked -
Pollok: Miller (51), Wilson (79)
Arthurlie: Sharp (51), Hughes (90)
Sent off -
Pollok: Waddell (90)

Andy Sinclair 90

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Pollok began the new season in the same fashion as they had finished the old with a 3-1 cup victory, this time at home to Benburb in the Sectional League Cup. Of the five summer signings made by Rab Sneddon only Brian McKeown and Robbie Henderson started the game, deputising for the injured Stevie Aitchison and Derek Heaton. Familiar faces in the Govan side were Lorn Gibson and Billy Ferguson, both of whom had previously plied their trade with Pollok.

It was Bens who were presented with the first opportunity of the new season when Kris Robertson sliced a clearance high in the air, landing at the feet of Tony O'Neill, who lifted the ball back over Robertson but wide of the target. Zander Ryan forced a good save from Andy Heafey after six minutes, and Bryan Dingwall headed just over sixty seconds later. The first goal of the season arrived for Pollok after 11 minutes. Gary Wilson curled a pass down the left hand touchline for Dingwall to chase, and after gathering the ball the hitman waited for the perfect moment to roll the ball into the path of DAVIE TURNBULL, who stroked a sure-footed finish beyond Heafey. Wilson delivered another dangerous ball from deep three minutes later, with Dingwall heading just wide of the upright. Benburb managed to create the occasional chance, with O'Neill hooking an acrobatic volley over after 21 minutes, while at the other end Heafy made a one-handed take to deny Dingwall from a corner.

David McGeown had a chipped effort deflected wide before shooting wide from the resultant corner. Benburb should have gone back to the changing rooms on level terms, but spurned a glorious chance to equalise on the stroke of half-time. A long ball caught the Pollok defence napping, and Alan Thomson raced towards goal. He slipped the ball across for Ferguson, who rushed a first time shot horribly wide when he had time and space to pick his spot.

The second half started with Pollok looking much sharper, and Turnbull was denied a second just ninety seconds after the resumption when he had a shot cleared off the line. Joe Carruth then crossed for Dingwall, whose diving header was stopped by Heafy. 'Lok managed to double their lead in the 49th minute when Ryan's corner was punched out to the feet of RICHIE NEWALL at the edge of the box, and he fired a low left foot drive through a crowd of players and into the net. A mix-up between McKeown and Stevie Miller allowed Ferguson a sight of goal four minutes later, but he missed the target from a good position.

Heafey had to be alert to push a Newall free-kick wide before 'Lok claimed their third goal. Turnbull put the perfect weight on a pass to Ryan at the bye-line, and he cut the ball across to DAVID McGEOWN, who bundled the ball home despite the best efforts of the 'keeper. Brian Mackay came on for his competitive debut while another substitute, Alan Waddell, fired wide after great vision from McGeown released the striker. A Wilson cross found McGeown with twelve minutes to play, and although his volley was fiercely struck the angle was far too tight and he missed the target. Heafey made a great save to deny Waddell after he volleyed a McGeown free-kick towards goal before Benburb grabbed a late consolation. Slack defending from the Pollok rearguard allowed ANDY SINCLAIR the chance to thrash the ball at goal, hitting the legs of Robertson and the inside of the post before squeezing it's way into the net.

Pollok will be pleased to have dusted off the competitive cobwebs with a victory, but will know that they will have to raise their game when local rivals Arthurlie come to town in their next match.

Pollok: Robertson, Carruth, G Wilson, McKeown, Henderson, Miller, Ryan (Mackay 64), McGeown, Dingwall (Downs 71), Turnbull (Waddell 71), Newall. Not used: Cruickshank, Booth.
Benburb: Heafey, Feeney (McDonald 71), Blackburn, McInnes, Ritchie, Dale (Sinclair 61), Gibson (King 62), Lyons, O'Neill, Ferguson, Thomson. Not used: McGregor, McLetchie.

Booked -
Pollok: Miller (45)
Benburb: Ritchie (70)

Pollok completed their pre-season preparations with a fine five-goal victory over Annan Athletic when the sides met at Galabank.

A bright start from 'Lok saw Joe McAlpine fire a free-kick well over the target after four minutes, and two minutes later David McGeown volleyed wide from a McAlpine cross. Annan threatened after seven minutes when a long ball found Martin Bell, but his first touch took him wide of goal and he fired into the side-netting under pressure from Kris Robertson. Some good footwork from Davie Turnbull created space for a shot at goal, but Colin Colthart touch the ball round for a corner kick. Alan Waddell and McAlpine both spurned further chances before 'Lok opened the scoring after 28 minutes. McAlpine's free-kick from the right found DAVIE TURNBULL, who lifted the ball over the 'keeper and into the net to break the deadlock.

Five minutes later Craig Ferguson shot from the right hand edge of the area, with Colthart tipping over. The subsequent corner was headed towards goal by McGeown, only to be cleared to CRAIG FERGUSON, who drove the ball home through a crowded penalty area. Annan mustered their only effort on target of the whole game after forty minutes when a Gary Ferguson free-kick was met by an unchallenged Stuart Hill, but Robertson made the save. Waddell then had a shot blocked for a corner, from which McGeown headed the ball onto the top of the net.

Pollok could have been further ahead within 60 seconds of the restart when McAlpine crossed for Turnbull, but his header flew over the crossbar. McGeown was hauled down just outside the box after 49 minutes, and DAVIE TURNBULL stepped up to thunder the ball into the top corner of the net to extend the lead to three. Rab Sneddon then made a raft of changes, but the pattern of the game continued to take the ball towards the Annan area. Zander Ryan found Robert Downs with his back to goal, who spun and curled a shot that Colthart did well to touch round the post. With twenty minutes to play a ball in behind the defence found BRYAN DINGWALL, and he touched the ball beyond Colthart for the fourth goal.

Just ninety seconds later a carbon copy move saw BRYAN DINGWALL shoot across the face of the 'keeper to complete the scoring. Chris Cruickshank did well to block a shot from Grant Cranston before 'Lok had the ball in the net again. This time it was Richie Newall who beat the defence and prodded home, only for the assistant referee to raise his flag and indicate that an arm had been used in the build up. McGeown then fired a free-kick towards goal from all of 35 yards, but Coultart pushed the ball over to ensure that the full-time score remained at five for Pollok.

The result completes Pollok's pre-season build-up in fine style, setting them up for the first game of the season against Benburb in the Sectional League Cup on Wednesday night.

Annan: Colthart, Smith, McGuffie, Hill, Ruddick, Ferguson, Sloan, M Bell (Cranston 34), G Bell (Norval 42), Dick, Gibson (Ferry 46).
Pollok: Robertson, Carruth (Ryan 57), Cruickshank, McKeown (G Wilson 57), Henderson, Booth, McGeown, Ferguson (Mackay 63), Turnbull (Dingwall 66), Waddell (Downs 66), McAlpine (Newall 66).

Pollok were unable to grab their first win of the pre-season as they were held to a goalless draw by visitors Camelon at Newlandsfield Park. Chris Cruickshank was fit enough to make his first appearance of the season, and he partnered Brian McKeown in the centre of defence.

'Lok were quickly on the offensive, with Brian Mackay setting up Richie Newall for a shot at goal, but his strike was wide of the post. John Hutchison then did well to touch away a Robert Downs effort after Zander Ryan had picked out the striker in space. Mackay curled a shot just over in the seventh minute, and Newall sliced wide sixty seconds later. Bryan Dingwall then collected a long throw and cut the ball across for Downs, but he could only poke a shot wide of target. Camelon's first shot arrived after 19 minutes when Alan Comrie trundled a shot wide from 25 yards out.

Ryan fired a free-kick narrowly off target for 'Lok before good work from Jim Lister created the space for a shot at goal, but he dragged the ball past the upright. Willie Baird forced a save from Kris Robertson after 28 minutes when he shot against the legs of the 'keeper after beating McKeown on the right wing. Dingwall required treatment after a heavy challenge from Jamie Loney that earned the Mariners defender a booking. Downs had a 38th minute header saved after a Ryan cross, while for the visitors a driving run by Andy Shirra resulted in a low save by Robertson.

Mackay made a lively start to the second half, firstly shooting wide after good work from Downs, then being denied by an excellent tackle by Stephen Kicynsky after a surging run from midfield. Hutchison had to do well to parry a fierce strike from Ryan, then again as he back-pedalled to stop a Newall attempt. Pollok then had a good penalty appeal for handball waved away by Kevin Clancy, and play broke to other end where Lister shot over under pressure from Joe Carruth. Newall then saw Hutchison hold a free-kick under the bar, while Ryan headed wide from a Dingwall cross.

Two of Pollok's substitutes then combined, with Davie Turnbull cutting the ball back to Alan Waddell, but he was off balance and shot wide. Trialist Robbie Henderson headed a Ryan corner wide with 16 minutes remaining, while Joe McAlpine saw an effort collected on the line by Hutchison. Craig Ferguson did well to intercept the ball in midfield after 81 minutes, and he found Turnbull in the box, but he shot across the goal and wide. He hit the target with just two minutes left to play with a free-kick, but Hutchison pushed the ball away to ensure the game would finish goalless.

Pollok will be disappointed not to record a victory in a game that they dominated, but will hope that their strike force will find their shooting boots in time for the opening Sectional League Cup tie against Benburb.

Pollok: Robertson (I Wilson 81), Carruth, G Wilson, McKeown, Cruickshank (Henderson 67), Miller (Booth 81), Ryan (McAlpine 75), Newall (Ferguson 67), Dingwall (Turnbull 71), Downs (Waddell 71), Mackay.
Camelon: Hutchison, Graham, Loney (Gillespie 55), Kicynsky, Barclay, Comrie, Mooney (Donnelly 67), Shirra, Lister (Ryan 86), Baird (Thomson 55), Sloan. Not used: George.
Booked: Loney (31)

Pollok continued their pre-season preparations with another defeat, this time at home to Second Division Alloa Athletic at Newlandsfield Park.

Joe Carruth was available for selection again after missing the game with Bo'ness, but Pollok were dealt a major defensive blow with the news that Derek Heaton had suffered a double fracture of his left arm during that match. His place was taken by trialist centre-half Robbie Henderson, while both trialists, Easton and Donnelly, who had featured at Newtown Park were included amongst the substitutes. Alloa suffered a loss of their own within a minute of kick-off when Chris Mackie tumbled into the advertising hoardings and was unable to continue after dislocating his shoulder. Former Arthurlie striker Joe Andrew replaced him up front.

Scott Agnew tested Kris Robertson with an early free-kick, but the Pollok 'keeper made an easy save. Robertson was beaten in the 12th minute by another free-kick when Brown Ferguson launched a vicious strike at goal, only to see the ball crack off the junction of post and bar and out to Graeme Brown, who couldn't react quickly enough to tuck the chance away. Brown then forced a save from Robertson with a shot from a tight angle, and the 'keeper also had to react to keep out a shot from Andrew in the 27th minute. Two minutes later Alloa goalkeeper Raymond Jellema was penalised for carrying the ball out of his box, with David McGeown firing just wide from the resultant free-kick. Chris Townsley could have given the visitors a half-time lead, but his shot from a corner brushed the post on it's way wide.

Rab Sneddon made wholesale changes for the second half, with seven new faces emerging after the interval. After 52 minutes Agnew fired over a dangerous cross from the left, but found no takers for the chance. He repeated the trick two minutes later, and this time BRIAN FAIRBAIRN was in position to head the ball home at the back post. 'Lok took just three minutes to bring the scores level again. Zander Ryan dispossessed a defender inside the Alloa half, and picked out Robert Downs with a cross. He headed the ball into the path of RICHIE NEWALL, who despatched it beyond Jellema for the equaliser. The 'keeper then had to tip over a Downs header from a Stevie Miller free-kick before Pollok took the lead with an early contender for goal of the season. Ryan won possession 18 yards from his own goal and surged towards the halfway line. He passed to Craig Ferguson, who weighted a perfect ball back into the path of Ryan who had continued his run. His precise cross was met with a forceful header by ROBERT DOWNS, giving Jellema no chance.

The lead disappeared 12 minutes from time, however, as Carruth fell short with a pass back to Robertson, and JOE ANDREW stole in to lift a composed finish over the head of the 'keeper and into the net. Robertson was replaced shortly afterwards by Ian Wilson, and he was beaten just two minutes after entering the fray. A free-kick on the right was headed home by trialist LEE SICHI to return Alloa to the lead. The Wasps clinched victory moments later when STEWART EASTON headed a John Grant free-kick beyond his own goalkeeper to make the score 4-2 to the visitors. Bryan Dingwall then had a header blocked on the line, and Jellema made two fine stops to deny Newall and ensure victory for the men from Recreation Park.

Despite the result there were encouraging signs for 'Lok, who more than matched their Senior opposition for long periods of the game.

Pollok: Robertson (I Wilson 82), Carruth, G Wilson (Newall 46), McKeown (Donnelly 46), Henderson (Easton 82), Booth (Miller 46), Ryan, McGeown (Ferguson 46), Turnbull (Dingwall 46), Waddell (Downs 46), McAlpine (Mackay 46).
Alloa: Jellema, Townsley, Kelly, Buist (McDougall 46), Forrest, Ferguson, McKeown (Fairbairn 46), Agnew (Sichi 63), Brown (Ferguson 74), Mackie (Andrew 4), Grant. Not used: Jenkins

Pollok opened the new season by slipping to defeat at Newtown Park as East Region side Bo'ness United secured a two-goal victory. Both Rab Sneddon and Harry Erwin were unavailable to take the dug-out duties, so coach Mark McWilliams found himself in charge of the side. New boys Brian McKeown and Brian Mackay both started for 'Lok, while Craig Ferguson and Joe McAlpine had to settle for spots on the bench.

An early slip by McKeown allowed Paul Burns a sight of goal for Bo'ness, but Kris Robertson blocked his shot. At the other end Davie Turnbull set up Stevie Miller for a shot from the edge of the box, but Aaron Stalker managed to scoop the ball wide of the post. The resultant corner eventually came back to Richie Newall, but he struck a weak effort to the right of the target. After thirteen minutes Turnbull had a header from a Zander Ryan corner saved before Burns had another excellent opportunity. This time he was played in by Kevin Donnelly, but again Robertson reacted well to make a good stop.

Stevie Miller then had a long-range strike held by Stalker, and Bryan Dingwall was denied by a block from Gary Smith. 'Lok were forced to reshuffle the pack with three minutes remaining in the half when dissent from David McGeown resulted in referee Graham Chambers asking him to leave the field, with Ferguson taking his place in the centre of the park.

Further changes followed at half-time as both teams utilised their options on the bench, with a young trialist centre-back coming on for Pollok along with Alan Waddell and Mark Booth. Waddell nearly made an immediate impact when he cut in from the left hand side early in the second half, but he could only curl the ball wide of the target. Burns should have scored for Bo'ness when he again found a gap in the Pollok defence, but for the third time Robertson denied him with a fine save.

This was only a temporary reprieve for 'Lok however, as the home side took the lead after 56 minutes. Kevin Mullen found space on the left for Bo'ness, and his cut back was met by a perfectly timed run by DEAN OGG, who hammered the ball home despite the despairing efforts of McKeown to keep it out.

Trialist Stewart Easton replaced Brian Mackay for Pollok, and his shot from a McAlpine corner was blocked back to Donnelly, whose chipped effort was held under the crossbar by substitute 'keeper Jordan Gemmell. Robertson had to push over a fierce free-kick from Will Snowdon and Scott Mauchline was narrowly off target as the home side started to take a grip of proceedings.

Pollok then lost another player at the request of Mr. Chambers as Waddell was asked to leave the field after a tussle with a United defender. With all their outfield substitutes used 'Lok were forced to bring on Ian Wilson between the sticks with Robertson moving up front to partner Dingwall. The game was put beyond them with six minutes remaining when another WILL SNOWDON free-kick took a slight deflection on the way past Wilson into the postage stamp corner of the net. Robertson nearly grabbed an unlikely goal when he headed wide from a McAlpine corner, while Wilson spilled a Jon Tully strike before recovering just in time. Pollok were finally reduced to ten men with one minute remaining. Young Donnelly was adjudged to have prevented a cleared goal-scoring opportunity and was duly sent off.

While the result was a disappointment for Pollok the game was merely the first step in shaking off some of the close-season rust amongst members of the squad, a process that continues against Alloa Athletic on Monday night.

Bo'ness: Stalker (Gemmell 46), C Brown, Mullen, Snowdon, Smith (Cunningham 71), Tully, Morrison, Proctor (Ogg 46), Burns, Donnelly, Mauchline. Not used: G Brown.
Pollok: Robertson, Ryan, G Wilson, McKeown, Heaton (Donnelly 46), Miller (Booth 46), Mackay (Easton 57), McGeown (Ferguson 42), Dingwall, Turnbull (Waddell 46 [I Wilson 75]), Newall (McAlpine 53).
Sent Off: Donnelly (89)