Michael Moffat (5)

Davie McGeown (24)
Robert Downs (76, 78)

Pollok claimed a place in the final of this season’s Whyte and Mackay West of Scotland Cup, but only after a tough battle with Girvan at Hamilton Park. A combination of injuries, suspensions and work commitments continued to wreak havoc with Rab Sneddon’s team selection as he made five changes from the game against Troon. Of the substitutes, three were carrying injuries, with the other two being recently signed Amateur Brian Hamilton and coach Mark McWilliams, out of action for the past two years.

Pollok received a warning after just three minutes when Scott McGilp cut the ball across to Darren Mitchell, only for a last-gasp ‘Lok challenge to block his shot. The warning was not heeded however, as the hosts opened the scoring after five minutes. Michael Moffat slotted a pass through to Stevie O’Donnell as the visitors appealed in vain for an offside flag. O’Donnell lobbed Chris Fitzpatrick in the ‘Lok goal, only for the ball to rebound off the post. MICHAEL MOFFAT was the most alert man on the park, reacting first to slot home into an unguarded net. Pollok responded with a Paul Hyslop cross towards Chris Cruickshank that was cleared for a corner, which Stuart Robertson dropped. The ball fell to David McGeown, who somehow missed the target form close range. Cruickshank then flicked on a long throw from Gary Wilson towards Robert Downs. He pressed the defence into a rushed clearance straight to Hyslop, only for O’Donnell to recover and clear his goalbound effort off the line.

Good pressure from Alan Waddell forced the home defence into another mistake after 20 minutes as Robertson could only clear as far as McGeown, but his shot flew over the target from ten yards out. He found his range five minutes later however to bring Pollok level. Hyslop hit the bye-line on the right and cut the ball back to DAVID McGEOWN, whose shot took a slight deflection on it’s way into the net. Cruickshank and Downs were then both off target with headers before Wilson produced a good save from Robertson with a low strike from 18 yards out. With four minutes left until the interval Cruickshank drove down the left wing and fired at goal, only for Robertson to make another good save to keep the scores level at half-time.

The second half opened with Fitzpatrick palming away a drive from Moffat before a charging run by McGeown that ended with him firing just over the crossbar. Ernie Dawe picked up the first booking of the game for the hosts after 56 minutes. Girvan had an excellent chance to take the lead on the hour mark when Moffat cut the ball across to the unmarked Kris Mitchell, but his shot hit the legs of Fitzpatrick. Downs nearly put Pollok ahead with a header from a Hyslop corner, only for the home defence to head the ball off the goal-line. Derek Heaton picked up Pollok’s first booking in three games after 73 minutes before Kris Mitchell volleyed wide after the visitors struggled to clear a free-kick, and he was made to pay for his miss when the Glasgow side took the lead with 14 minutes left to play. ROBERT DOWNS sent over a cross from the left that evaded everyone before nestling in the bottom right corner of Robertson’s net. Two minutes later Stevie Miller fired in a low drive that Hyslop backheeled into the path of ROBERT DOWNS, and he blasted home to make the score 3-1. Hyslop then struck a 30-yard free-kick down the middle of goal that Robertson saved, and substitute Zander Ryan headed over from a Downs cross, but ‘Lok had already done enough to secure a place in the final.

That final will take place next Saturday at Maryhill’s Lochburn Park ground against Kilbirnie Ladeside, with kick-off at 2pm.

Paul Hyslop (19)
Jason Stewart o.g. (28)
Bryan Dingwall (45, 71)
Richie Newall (59)
Raymond Logan (88)

Pollok moved a step closer to their second trophy of the season as they saw off the challenge of Troon in the quarter-finals of the Whyte and Mackay West of Scotland Cup. With goalkeeper Kris Robertson nursing an upper leg injury there was a new face between the sticks for Pollok. 26 year-old Chris Fitzpatrick was drafted in from Colville Park Amateurs for his Junior debut, with Stevie Aitchison, Andy McClay and Bryan Dingwall also returning at the expense of Gary Wilson, Brian McKeown and Alan Waddell.

Paul Hyslop was first to try his luck from the edge of the penalty area after a Zander Ryan corner, but his effort sailed over the crossbar. Chris Cruickshank’s short back-header after ten minutes provided Scott Brown with a sight of goal, only for the Troon striker to fire wide of the left-hand post. His side fell behind after 18 minutes thanks to a wonderful solo effort. PAUL HYSLOP drove down the left of the park before cutting inside and rifling a 20-yard strike into the postage stamp corner of the net. Four minutes later ‘Lok netted again when Darren Johnson flapped at a corner. Raymond Logan prodded the ball through to Dingwall, who shot home, only to be denied by an offside flag. Pollok’s second was not far away however, as they doubled their lead after 28 minutes. Stevie Miller sent over a cross from the right, and JASON STEWART dived full length to head the ball beyond his own goalkeeper for an own goal. Ryan dragged a shot wide for Pollok while Brown fired over for the visitors before a moment of comedy from referee Gary Hilland. Trevor Conroy tripped Robert Downs near the corner flag, and was astonished when the whistler produced a red card for a seemingly innocuous challenge. The card was shown in error however, and a yellow card was quickly produced instead. From the resultant Hyslop free-kick Derek Heaton flicked the ball into the six-yard box, and BRYAN DINGWALL pounced to make the score 3-0 at half-time.

McKeown replaced Aitchison at the interval, with Downs taking over the captaincy. It was Downs who produced the first effort of the second half, but Johnson made the save from the striker. Hyslop was then taken out of the play, but referee Hilland allowed a good advantage as Dingwall took the ball on towards goal, only to shoot narrowly over. Richie Newall then replaced Hyslop on the left, and he made it four after 59 minutes. Downs’ low drive struck the ‘keeper but continued goalwards, and as Chris Friel tried to clear the danger RICHIE NEWALL arrived to bundle the ball home from point blank range. Downs made way for Davie Turnbull, and again the substitution was to reap rewards. Turnbull clipped the ball with the outside of his boot to BRYAN DINGWALL, who jinked inside before coolly slotting underneath Johnson after 70 minutes. Troon almost grabbed a consolation goal when a poor header from Miller found Bryan Mitchell on the left wing. He played a pass to Brown, who cracked a shot against the base of the upright from 18-yards out. Pollok finished with just ten men after Ryan limped off due to injury after all three substitutes were used, but that didn’t prevent his team-mates from extending their lead further with just three minutes left to play. Again Turnbull was the provider with an inch perfect ball through to RAYMOND LOGAN, who produced a touch from the top drawer to lob Johnson and complete the scoring at 6-0.

Having spent much of the season heading East in cup action, Pollok’s reward is now a trip to the West coast to meet fellow Senior Scottish Cup participants Girvan in the semi-finals on Saturday.

Robert Downs (pen 43)
Raymond Logan (48, 85)
Chris Cruickshank (69)
Paul Hyslop (82)

David Gormley (21)
Chic Connolly (35, pen 84)
Kris Robertson o.g. (58)

Pollok retained their West Region Premier League title after a highly entertaining clash with Glenafton Athletic on Friday evening. The hosts entered the game knowing that anything other than a five-goal defeat would keep the league flag at Newlandsfield Park, but they had to endure some nervy moments before finally clinching matters. The punishing nature of their recent schedule was taking it’s toll on ‘Lok, with captain Stevie Aitchison among a number of players unavailable through injury.

The visitors took the lead after 21 minutes when the Pollok rearguard failed to clear a corner kick, and DAVID GORMLEY produced a well executed bicycle kick to beat Kris Robertson from six yards out. Glens doubled their advantage after 34 minutes. CHIC CONNOLLY was afforded time and space by the Pollok defence, and he showed great composure to lift the ball over Robertson from just inside the penalty area. Pollok were forced into two changes after 41 minutes when Brian McKeown was knocked out by a challenge from Jamie Doyle. Alan Waddell also left the play, with Joe Carruth and Bryan Dingwall coming on. Dingwall found the net within three minutes of entering the field, only to see the ‘goal’ chopped off for offside. With the interval looming the prospect of Glenafton delivering the title to Irvine Meadow was very much a live possibility, but Pollok jitters were eased with a penalty on the stroke of half-time. Andy Gow took the legs from under Raymond Logan inside the box, and ROBERT DOWNS stroked the spot-kick beyond Martin Fusari in the Glens goal.

Downs turned provider as ‘Lok levelled three minutes into the second half, picking out Dingwall behind the Glens defence. He cracked a shot against the upright, but RAYMOND LOGAN followed up to guide the rebound into the net. Glenafton regained the advantage after 58 minutes thanks to some poor defending from the home side. Derek Heaton’s headed clearance flew straight up into the air, and as goalkeeper KRIS ROBERTSON tried to gather he collided with team-mate Zander Ryan and spilled the ball into his own net. With 69 minutes on the clock Pollok were level once more. Logan pressed Steven McGregor into a mistake and slipped a pass through to Dingwall on the right. He picked out CHRIS CRUICKSHANK cutting in from the left, who slid in to rifle the ball into the roof of the net.

Pollok took the lead for the first time with just seven minutes left to play when Dingwall and Downs combined once more. The latter picked out PAUL HYSLOP with a pinpoint cross, and he headed home beyond Fusari from close range. Home joy was short lived however as the Ayrshire side were back on level terms within two minutes. Stevie Miller was adjudged to have handled inside the box, and referee Bobby Madden pointed to the spot. CHIC CONNOLLY stepped up to send Robertson the wrong way. There was no time for fans to catch their breath though as ‘Lok were back in front sixty seconds later. Dingwall burst down the right again and swung a cross over to RAYMOND LOGAN at the front post, who glanced the ball beyond Fusari for the ninth and final goal of the game.

After the match Pollok were presented with the championship trophy, and they finish the season looking for further glory in the West of Scotland Cup and the Evening Times Cup Winners Cup.

David Armour (40)

Robert Downs (32)
Raymond Logan (82)

Pollok pulled level with Irvine Meadow XI at the top of the Stagecoach Super Premier League with a hard earned victory against Neilston at Brig O’ Lea Stadium. Injuries sustained at Auchinleck two days earlier robbed Rab Sneddon of the services of both Stevie Aitchison and Richie Newall, with Paul Hyslop and Chris Cruickshank coming into a much rejigged Pollok side.

It was the visitors who forced the first save of the game when Robert Downs laid off a Gary Wilson throw-in into the path of Brian McKeown who saw his shot from the edge of the box tipped over superbly by Brian Hewitt. Hewitt then kept out Cruickshank’s header from a Zander Ryan cross before Kris Robertson was called into action at the other end. Paul McDougall broke through the Pollok defence, only to shoot weakly at the ‘keeper, and Paul Harkins was also denied after taking up a good position as the ball took an unfortunate bobble before his strike at goal. Hewitt then saved from firstly Ryan and then Derek Heaton, but was unable to stop ‘Lok taking the lead after 32 minutes.

Hyslop’s first cross was blocked by the Neilston defence, but he recovered to lift the ball into the box with his left foot onto the head of ROBERT DOWNS, who steered home the opener. Bryan Dingwall could have added a second moments later as he found space behind the home defence, but he rushed his shot and sent the ball well over the crossbar. McKeown had a shot blocked and Ryan had one saved, and Pollok were made to pay with three minutes left in the half when Neilston drew level. Robertson’s punched clearance landed at the feet of Gavin Duncan, and although his shot was parried it fell to DAVID ARMOUR, who squeezed a shot past Stevie Miller on the goal-line and into the net.

Pollok nearly regained the lead ten minutes into the second half when Downs headed at goal from close range, only for Hewitt to react brilliantly to tip the ball onto the bar. David McGeown shot wide for ‘Lok, and likewise Chris Cameron was narrowly off target at the other end for Neilston before Hewitt stopped another Downs diving header. Rab Sneddon then replaced McGeown with Raymond Logan, and with his final roll of the dice took off Ryan and top scorer Dingwall with Andy McClay and Alan Waddell pitched into the action.

Cameron was again off target for the hosts, while Hewitt was called into action again to stop a Logan volley from a Downs cross. He was powerless to intervene however when Pollok grabbed the winner with nine minutes left to play. Hyslop was again the provider as his corner kick from the ‘Lok right was bulleted into the net by the head of RAYMOND LOGAN, much to the delight and relief of the visitors. Pollok held on for the remainder of the game to claim all three points. The final whistle also marked the end of veteran Neilston defender Gavin Duncan’s career, and he was applauded off the park at the end of the match.

Pollok now know that if they can avoid a five-goal defeat in their final fixture of the season they will be crowned champions for the fourth time in the six seasons of the West Region Super League.

Kris Doolan (69)

Paul Hyslop (28)

Pollok edged one point closer to the Stagecoach Super Premier League title as they drew with Auchinleck Talbot at Beechwood Park. Joe Carruth missed out for Pollok due to injury, but Brian McKeown was available for selection again and returned to face his former club.

Richie Newall was first to try his luck with just over one minute on the clock, but his volley from the edge of the penalty area sailed over the crossbar. The home side began to take the upper hand in proceedings, with Danny McKelvie and Kris Doolan both going close before Kris Robertson saved a Doolan strike from a tight angle. Pollok lost Newall to injury after 21 minutes, with Paul Hyslop taking his place on the left wing. Colin Spence was next to threaten for Talbot with a 25-yard effort that was only just off target. It was the visitors who took the lead however after 28 minutes. Captain Stevie Aitchison surged from his own penalty area, evading the challenges of the opposition until he reached the other penalty area. From there he picked out PAUL HYSLOP with a perfectly flighted cross, and the winger’s technique held up superbly as he side-footed the ball into the net. Pollok could have had a second after Robert Downs pressured Adam Strain in the Talbot goal. He pushed the ball out only as far as David McGeown, who nodded down to Bryan Dingwall. The ‘keeper had recovered sufficiently however to make a fine save from the striker. Robertson was forced into an excellent save at the other end when Stephen White connected with a Doolan free-kick, and he made another stop to deny McKelvie as Talbot searched for an equaliser. Hyslop then headed wide from a Zander Ryan cross, and in injury time forced another save from Strain with a low strike from distance.

It was Hyslop who had the first effort of the second half when he shot over after a solo run down the left of the park. Liam McVey headed past his own post from a dangerous Ryan free-kick, and from the resultant corner Ryan struck a 20-yard effort just wide. Stuart Davidson’s dipping volley was gathered by Robertson after 53 minutes before Ricky Robb picked up the first booking of the game for a very late challenge on Hyslop. Spence and Dingwall both put chances over before Auchinleck drew level in the 69th minute. Hyslop slipped just as James Lundie took a free-kick from halfway, and KRIS DOOLAN took full advantage of the disruption to the Pollok marking to head beyond Robertson. Pollok could have reclaimed the lead with quarter of an hour left to play as a corner kick bobbled around the Talbot box before eventually falling to Dingwall, but his shot was cleared off the line by Spence. ‘Lok were forced to reshuffle their pack again when an ankle injury forced Aitchison to leave the game, with Chris Cruickshank taking his place. Cruickshank had a weak header saved almost immediately before Strain denied Pollok again as he stopped Dingwall’s prod at goal. Auchinleck also had chances to win the game, notably when Robertson blocked a close range Doolan header with his chest, but in the end the sides had to settle for a share of the points.

Pollok have two chances remaining to garner the points necessary to win the title, the first of which is a testing trip to Brig O’ Lea Stadium to take on Neilston.

John Johnston (47)
Craig Malcolm (57)

Zander Ryan (78)

Pollok’s recent winning run came to an end at Dunterlie Park as local rivals Arthurlie secured Stagecoach Super Premier League football for next season with a 2-1 victory. Pollok were without Player of the Season Brian McKeown in the midfield engine room, but welcomed back Joe Carruth after a period of injury. Gary Wilson also returned to the side in the absence of Chris Cruickshank.

It was the visitors who threatened first as Richie Newall’s thunderous drive from 35 yards out was tipped over by Peter Shaw after just three minutes. John Johnston had the first effort for the hosts, with Derek Heaton heading his shot away for a corner. ‘Lie had an excellent opportunity to take the lead after twelve minutes when a cross from the left found Craig Malcolm, but he didn’t connect properly with his header and missed the target from close range. David McGeown then found space behind the home defence, but his shot was well stopped by the legs of ‘keeper Shaw. There was a moment of controversy after 29 minutes when three Pollok players broke beyond the Arthurlie back line. Robert Downs was felled by Gary McPhee as he advanced towards goal, with the ball breaking to the unmarked Bryan Dingwall. Referee Richard Gough chose to call play back for the foul however, then decided that an obvious goalscoring opportunity had not been prevented and so showed only a yellow card to McPhee. Wilson was then booked for Pollok before Malcolm missed the target with another header. John Bradford sent a shot beyond the post, while Zander Ryan came even closer for Pollok after 39 minutes when he cut in from the right and fired at goal, only to strike the upright.

After the interval it was again Newall who nearly broke the deadlock when his header from a Ryan cross was cleared off the line by Brian Wardle. The opening goal came at the other end of the field however after 50 minutes. Bradford held off his marker and played a pass to the unmarked JOHN JOHNSTON, who rifled the ball beyond Kris Robertson. Arthurlie thought they had claimed a second just sixty seconds later when Malcolm survived a tight offside decision to shoot against the post, with the rebound breaking to Sean Winter. He despatched the ball into the net, only for the flag to be raised as he was adjudged to be offside by an equally narrow margin. Stevie Miller sent a fierce strike just wide and Downs headed over from a Wilson free-kick before Arthurlie scored a second after 57 minutes. Wardle was able to win a header from a Lee Sharp free-kick, and although Robertson got a hand to the ball he could only parry it as far as CRAIG MALCOLM, who nodded home from close range.

‘Lok lost Carruth to a recurrence of his injury, with Davie Turnbull taking his place in an attacking move. Raymond Logan also came on in place of David McGeown as Harry Erwin looked to freshen up his side. Robertson made a great save from Sharp before Pollok pulled a goal back with 11 minutes left to play. They were awarded a free-kick just a yard outside the penalty area, and ZANDER RYAN stepped up to blast the ball beyond Shaw. Paul Hyslop replaced Newall as ‘Lok sought an equaliser, but it was Arthurlie who came closest to adding to the scoreline. Sean Winter struck a swerving effort at goal that Robertson palmed away, and the ‘keeper reacted brilliantly to deny ‘Lie again as he blocked the follow-up shot as well. It wasn’t enough to salvage a point for his team however as Arthurlie held out to take all three points.

The result leaves Pollok with three games left to claim the five points necessary to clinch the title, although their superior goal difference may still prove enough to allow four points to edge out Irvine Meadow XI at the top of the table.

Bryan Dingwall (47)

Pollok’s fourth league victory in eight days moved them to within four points of leaders Irvine Meadow XI as they defeated Citylink Scottish Junior Cup finalists Cumnock at Townhead Park. Derek Heaton returned at the heart of the Pollok defence, with David McGeown and Richie Newall also returning as Andy McClay, Raymond Logan and Brian Mackay missed out.

Robert Downs was first to threaten as he headed wide from a Chris Cruickshank cross, while Zander Ryan forced the first save of the game from Graham Potter with a low shot after six minutes. Cumnock’s first attack saw Heaton block a Stuart MacDonald strike, and although the rebound came back to MacDonald he could only loft the ball over the crossbar. Kris Robertson was called into action to make a stunning double save after 21 minutes. Cruickshank was short with a backpass, allowing Richie Barr to advance on goal. His shot cannoned off the legs of Robertson back to Stevie Desmond, but the ‘keeper had recovered sufficiently to stop what seemed a certain goal with a fine diving save.

Pollok thought they had made the breakthrough two minutes later when Stevie Miller crossed for Newall to nod the ball home, only for the ‘goal’ to be chalked off due to an offside flag against Dingwall. Dingwall was then denied by the legs of Potter as he raced through on goal before Barr picked up the first booking of the game for persistent fouling. McGeown and Downs then combined well on the left, with the latter crossing to Dingwall, only for his header to fly high of the target. Pollok should have taken the lead after 39 minutes when Stevie Aitchison broke from defence and picked out McGeown with an exquisitely weighted pass behind the ‘Nock defence. The midfielder had time to bring the ball under control and pick his spot, but only succeeded in driving a shot across Potter but wide of the post.

It took just 63 seconds of the second half for Pollok to finally prise open the Cumnock rearguard. ‘Nock failed to clear the danger with a succession of headers that ended with David McInally nodding the ball backwards into his own penalty area. BRYAN DINGWALL was waiting to pounce, producing a quite stunning overhead kick to bullet the ball beyond the helpless Potter. Two minutes later Barr’s claims for a penalty were waved away as he fell over while in the process of shooting. Newall then played in Downs behind the home defence, but rather than take the ball on himself he tried to pick out Dingwall, allowing the hosts to get back to make a covering challenge. Newall narrowly missed with a free-kick before Cumnock introduced former ‘Lok player Simon Black to the action to inject some life to their attack, with Robert Forde making way.

Campbell Money’s side nearly reaped instant rewards when Gareth Campbell fired just wide from the edge of the penalty area. Ryan and McGeown made vital blocks to thwart McDonald and Desmond as ‘Nock enjoyed their best spell of the game. Newall shot wide from a corner before being replaced by Mark Booth, and Downs volleyed wide from another corner before Cumnock were reduced to ten men for the last six minutes. Barr fell to the ground theatrically after a tackle from Aitchison, and referee Pat Rafferty showed the striker his second yellow card of the afternoon. ‘Nock had one last chance to level matters when substitute Jamie Moan set up John McLay for a shot at goal from 25 yards out, but as his shot sailed over the bar Cumnock’s chances went with it and Pollok held on for the points.

The result leaves ‘Lok needing five points from their last four league matches to wrap up the title, while the Ayrshire side need maximum points from their last two games to have any chance of avoiding a play-off to maintain their Premier League status.

Bryan Dingwall (24)

Pollok brought the Stagecoach Super Premier League title three points closer with a narrow victory over already relegated Kilsyth Rangers at Newlandsfield Park. With injuries limiting his selection options, stand-in boss Harry Erwin also had to do without Alan Waddell as he served his suspension for his red card against Arthurlie. Raymond Logan and Brian Mackay replaced Waddell and David McGeown.

Mackay had the first strike at goal for ‘Lok after some good work from Bryan Dingwall, but he only succeeded in hitting the side-netting. Chris Docherty left the game for Kilsyth after only four minutes due to injury, while Mackay’s game lasted less than ten minutes for ‘Lok as he too succumbed to injury and was taken off for Paul Hyslop. Dingwall forced Greig Mitchell into action shortly afterwards with an 18-yard drive that was pushed away for a corner, while the ‘keeper saved a tame effort from the same player after 14 minutes. Logan was next to test Mitchell with a header from a Brian McKeown cross that was tipped over the crossbar.

Pollok eventually found a way past the ‘keeper after 24 minutes. Robert Downs crossed from the left towards BRYAN DINGWALL who, despite facing away from goal, managed to corkscrew his neck around and direct a header into the back of the net. Downs then twice headed off target from crosses by Zander Ryan and Chris Cruickshank. After 35 minutes Downs picked out Hyslop with a perfectly judged crossfield pass, only for the winger to shoot wide. Kilsyth’s best chances came late in the half as Gary Meechan headed a corner wide before Kris Robertson made a fine block with his chest from a shot by Paddy Donnelly, who had been booked moments earlier for a foul on the ‘keeper.

The second half opened with Andy McClay picking up a booking for dissent before ‘Lok narrowly missed out on a second goal. When Downs took up possession wide on the left most onlookers anticipated a cross, but instead the striker guided a shot towards goal from a tight angle, only for the ball to bounce off the crossbar and away to safety. Dingwall and Logan both missed the target with headers while Ryan sliced wide from just outside the box as Pollok failed to find another goal to kill the game off.

David McGeown was introduced to the action for Logan midway through the second half, and he managed to hit the target with a header from a Cruickshank cross, but Mitchell was equal to the task and turned the ball away for a corner. Kilsyth gave ‘Lok a late scare when Michael Daly connected with a Stevie Watson free-kick, but his volley on the stretch passed harmlessly wide of the post. Pollok skipper Stevie Aitchison had to leave the action with just a minute left to play due to a head knock, with Derek Heaton taking over his central defensive slot.

‘Lok duly held on for the win, which takes them to within eight points of guaranteeing the title with five league games still left to play.

Robert Downs (50)

Pollok took another step closer to the summit of the Stagecoach Super Premier League when they defeated Glenafton Athletic by a single goal at Loch Park. With Joe Carruth, Derek Heaton and Richie Newall all injured, and Gary Wilson, Raymond Logan and Mark Booth all missing through work commitments, Harry Erwin was forced to draft in two Amateur players to bolster his squad – Tommy Morgan and Brian Hamilton, both from Colville Park where the latter's father Gerry is manager.

The game took some time to come to life, with Craig Feroz heading a weak effort wide for Glenafton after eight minutes, while seven minutes later a Chic Connolly header deceived Kris Robertson and nearly crept in. Feroz had another header saved by Robertson after a Chris Merrilees throw-in before Pollok threatened for the first time. Chris Cruickshank crossed for Zander Ryan, who chested the ball down for David McGeown, but he volleyed over from 20 yards out. Pollok came within a whisker of taking the lead after 36 minutes. Robert Downs’ shot from a Cruickshank throw-in was headed back to Cruickshank. He passed to Bryan Dingwall, who struck a 25-yard drive that rattled Gary Matthews’ left-hand post. Ryan tested Matthews with a low free-kick seven minutes later, and the half ended with Downs firing just wide after tenacious build-up play by Dingwall and McGeown.

The first chance of the second half fell to the hosts, with Willie Howie missing the target, but it was Pollok who opened the scoring after 51 minutes. Ryan played in Alan Waddell on the right, and his low cross fell to McGeown. His shot was blocked by the legs of Matthews, but the rebound fell to ROBERT DOWNS, who scooped the ball home with his left foot from close range. Brian Mackay replaced Waddell for Pollok, while Glenafton substitute Stephen Whalen sliced wide after a corner kick midway through the half. Downs made way for Davie Turnbull with eight minutes left to play, and Glens nearly found an equaliser two minutes later. Frankie Haggarty found space behind the Pollok defence, and his curling effort was destined for the top corner until Robertson stretched to tip it around the post.

Feroz drove into the side-netting before ‘Lok made their final substitution, with Paul Hyslop taking over from Ryan. His first touch of the game set up McGeown for a strike at goal, but he blazed the ball over the crossbar. Hyslop then appeared to be barged over inside the box by Steven McGregor, but referee Des Roache deemed that no foul had been committed. Glenafton’s final effort of the game came courtesy of a looping header from Mark Quinn that missed the target by a distance.

The result ends Glenafton’s chances of challenging for the championship, but Pollok’s hopes remain very much alive after a gritty performance.