Bryan Dingwall (22)
Zander Ryan 2 (56p, 64p)

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Nine-man Pollok were edged out by four goals to three when they met local rivals Arthurlie in a stormy Stagecoach Super Premier League encounter at Newlandsfield Park. Paul Hyslop missed out for 'Lok due to injury, with Stevie Miller coming into a slightly rejigged midfield.

Pollok gifted their visitors a great opportunity with barely twenty seconds on the clock when a Kris Robertson clearance landed at the feet of John Johnston, but he rushed his shot, pulling the ball wide. Bryan Dingwall fired just wide for Pollok one minute later, while Sean Winter tried his luck from distance, only to see Robertson hold the ball comfortably. Robert Downs glanced a header wide, while only a good covering challenge saved 'Lie after Downs and David McGeown had combined to release Dingwall. From the resulting corner Brian McKeown struck a shot that had home fans appealing for handball inside the box, but their claims were waved away. Pollok opened the scoring after 22 minutes when a long ball down the middle from Robertson was misjudged by the Arthurlie defence, and BRYAN DINGWALL pounced to send the ball beyond Mark Farrell in the visiting goal. Farrell then made a full-stretch diving save to touch Zander Ryan's rasping 25-yard effort around the post. The game was to turn on a moment of controversy after 36 minutes when Pollok were reduced to ten-men. Downs made a rash challenge on John Johnston that resulted in the players tangling on the ground. Johnston, already booked in the game, appeared to kick out at the head of Downs, but when referee Bobby Madden took action he showed a red card to Downs and took no action against Johnston.

Johnston did not appear for the second half, and nor did Rab Sneddon, sent off at half-time for his protestations to the match officials. Jamie Docherty, denied by the legs of Robertson late in the first half, was this time denied by the woodwork when his 51st minute shot rebounded off the frame of the goal. McGeown then found Dingwall in space behind the 'Lie back-line, but Farrell made another find save to push his placed effort around the post. Four minutes later McKeown was tripped in the area, and 'Lok were awarded a penalty. ZANDER RYAN made no mistake with the kick, doubling Pollok's advantage. The two-goal lead was short-lived, however, as just three minutes later a free-kick from LEE SHARP took a deflection on its way over Robertson into the Pollok net. Ryan forced another save from Farrell and McGeown shot over before 'Lok were awarded a second penalty after 64 minutes. Again it was McKeown who was felled, and again ZANDER RYAN converted the spot kick.

Arthurlie pulled themselves back into the game after 73 minutes when Eddie Annand hit the junction of the post and bar, with the ball rebounding to CRAIG MALCOLM, who shot home. Robertson then made a terrific reaction save to deny Annand, but 'Lie were level with 13 minutes left to play when a clever backheel found ALAN McFADDEN, and he rammed the ball beyond Robertson for the equaliser. The ten-men were clearly tiring, and 'Lie continued to press for a winner. It arrived with just four minutes left to play when Docherty's cross was pushed out by Robertson, only to rebound off the unfortunate JOE CARRUTH and into his own net to seal the win for the Barrhead side. 'Lok frustrations came to a head deep into injury time when Miller was dismissed for an off the ball incident.

Pollok must now pick themselves back up before travelling to St. Andrews next week for a third round Scottish Junior Cup tie.

Pollok: Robertson, Carruth, G Wilson, Aitchison, Heaton, Miller, Ryan (Cruickshank 83), McKeown, Dingwall, Downs, McGeown (Waddell 88). Not used: Turnbull, Newall, Mackay.
Booked: McKeown (34), Ryan (54), Dingwall (55), Robertson (85)
Sent Off: Downs (36), Miller (90+4)
Arthurlie: Farrell, Ballantyne, Sharp, Wardle, Baxter (Annand 56), Winter, Gallacher, Hughes, Docherty (Williams 89), Malcolm, Johnston (McFadden 46). Not used: Aitken, Smith.
Booked: Johnston (27), Docherty (42), Gallacher (54), Hughes (78)

Bryan Dingwall (5, 6)
Zander Ryan (15)

Kevin Barr (16)
Colin Allison (22)

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Pollok continued their winning ways as they clung on for victory against Shotts Bon Accord in the Stagecoach Super Premier League at Newlandsfield Park. Pollok welcomed back Derek Heaton in defence at the expense of Robbie Henderson, while Stevie Miller made way for David McGeown.

Kris Robertson was forced into action with just 60 seconds on the clock when he made a good save from a Kevin Barr shot, but it was the hosts who took the early lead. Zander Ryan flighted a cross over from the right, and BRYAN DINGWALL was in position to touch the ball home from close range. Ninety seconds later 'Lok doubled their advantage. Robert Downs flicked the ball into the path of BRYAN DINGWALL, who gleefully applied the finishing touch to beat Iain Banks for the second time. Barr missed another chance for Shotts when he headed a Mark McKeever cross wide before Pollok scored a third goal after quarter of an hour. Referee Kevin Clancy awarded 'Lok a free-kick on the edge of the box, and ZANDER RYAN drove the ball through the wall beyond Banks.

The deficit was reduced just one minute later when a deep free-kick found KEVIN BARR, who looped an effort over Robertson and into the net. David McGeown was next to try his luck, but his header from a Ryan cross was wide. Pollok's lead was cut further after 22 minutes when a Davie McInally corner was scrambled into the net by COLIN ALLISON. Pollok could have restored their two-goal advantage three minutes later when Steve McInulty tripped Downs inside the penalty area. Last week's hat-trick hero Gary Wilson stepped up, but Banks dived the right way and made a fine save to turn the spot-kick away. Shotts lost McInulty to injury before Banks had to push a vicious Ryan free-kick to safety. Barr headed over after another McKeever corner, while at the other end Paul Hyslop was narrowly off target after an excellent pass from McGeown.

'Lok made a bright start to the second half, with Downs and Dingwall both narrowly off target early on as well as a Ryan free-kick that flew just over the bar. Brian McKeown then hit the woodwork with a strike from 18 yards out before Shotts' best chance of the half. Allison cut the ball across from the right to McKeever, only for the ex-Pollok player to be denied by a superb save from Robertson. 'Lok hit the crossbar for the second time when a cross from Wilson deceived Banks, only to hit the frame of the goal. Allison shot wide for Bon Accord under pressure after 70 minutes, while Dingwall missed out on his hat-trick when he squandered a great chance from close range one minute later. A Ryan corner then found the head of Heaton, only for Banks to parry his header towards Dingwall, who nodded the ball against the post as 'Lok were denied by inches yet again. McKeown had a shot blocked from close range after showing excellent footwork to create space for a shot, while Allison found himself presented with a golden opportunity to level matters after some hesitant Pollok defending, but another terrific stop from Robertson ensured the three points would be staying in Glasgow.

Next up for 'Lok is another home game, this time against local rivals Arthurlie next Saturday.

Pollok: Robertson, Carruth, G Wilson, Aitchison, Heaton, McKeown, Ryan (Cruickshank 79), McGeown (Turnbull 77), Dingwall, Downs, Hyslop (Tyler 62). Not used: Waddell, Miller.
Booked: Carruth (44), McKeown (61), Dingwall (90+2)
Shotts: Banks, Jack, Kelly, McInulty (White 28), Low, Boyack, McKeever, Barr, Gardiner (Gaffney 81), Allison, McInally. Not used: Shields, McLintock, McCondichie.
Booked: Boyack (33), Barr (45), McKeever (46), McInally (53), Low (90)

Gary Wilson (19p, 63p, 66p)
Bryan Dingwall 44
Paul Hyslop 54
James Tyler 78
Alan Waddell 80

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Pollok moved through to round three of the Scottish Junior Cup as they defeated North Region side Ellon United by seven goals to nil at The Meadows. Rab Sneddon made just one alteration to his slightly re-jigged starting line-up, with David McGeown being left out and Gary Wilson returning at left-back.

The early exchanges proved to be rather uneventful, with the only shot of note coming from Robert Downs after 11 minutes, but he pulled his effort wide of the target. Pollok took the lead after 19 minutes when Zander Ryan was felled in the box, and GARY WILSON slotted home the spot kick. United struck back almost immediately, with Ritchie Whyte prodding the ball wide after a Michael Fletcher free-kick. With just over half an hour on the clock Paul Hyslop fashioned space for a shot after showing good skill on the left, but his strike was comfortably saved by Richard Bowman. Joe Carruth set up Brian McKeown just before half-time, but his shot on the turn passed wide of the post.

Lok did grab a second just before the interval however, when BRYAN DINGWALL's strike from the edge of the box moved in the air and completely deceived Bowman before nestling in the back of the net. There was still time for Stevie Miller to see a shot deflected narrowly wide for a corner in first half injury time.

The second goal seemed to settle Pollok as they took complete control of the game in the second half. The scoring was started after 54 minutes when a Carruth cross from the right was met at the back post by the head of PAUL HYSLOP, who bulleted the ball home. Downs then missed the target with a chip at goal before the fourth goal arrived, again courtesy of a penalty kick. This time it was Downs who was fouled, and again it was GARY WILSON who despatched the ball beyond Bowman. Within sixty seconds Downs was again brought down in the box by a challenge that resulted in goalkeeper Bowman being sent off. After a short delay GARY WILSON completed his hat-trick of penalties by placing the ball beyond replacement 'keeper Russell Ord.

Ellon's best spell of the second half saw Daniel Tritton curl the ball just off target after 71 minutes, while Grant Noble forced a good save from Kris Robertson five minutes later. Unbelievably, Pollok were awarded a fourth penalty kick when substitute James Tyler was tripped by Ord. With Wilson having been taken off moments earlier JAMES TYLER assumed the spot kick duties, and he made no mistake as he claimed his first Pollok goal and the sixth of the day. The scoring was completed after 80 minutes thanks to another substitute. Tyler crossed low for ALAN WADDELL, who forced the ball home after a well-timed run to the near post. Stuart Batty nearly provided a consolation goal for the hosts when he shot narrowly off target late on, while Dingwall was only denied his second goal of the match by the crossbar when he headed a Chris Cruickshank cross against the woodwork in stoppage time.

Pollok will now travel to play St. Andrew's United in the next round of the competition, but this weekend they focus their attentions back on the league with a home tie against Shotts Bon Accord.

Ellon: Bowman, Duncan (Batty 61), McKendrick, Clark, Slater, Tritton, Fletcher (Cannon 72), Ellis, Whyte (Ord 64), Noble, Gunn. Not used: Brook, Low.
Booked: Ord 67
Sent off: Bowman 64
Pollok: Robertson, Carruth (Waddell 56), G Wilson (Cruickshank 74), Aitchison, Henderson, Miller, Ryan (Tyler 69), McKeown, Dingwall, Downs, Hyslop. Not used: Turnbull, Mackay.
Booked: Dingwall (34)

Ian Dobbins (54)

For Pollok the Scottish Cup adventure came to an end on Saturday but every man in the Lok jersey gave his all in an epic 180 minute battle to get the better of Third Division high flyers Montrose. From an hour before kick off, spectators came in waves down Kilmarnock Road to the ground, all eager to witness history: a Senior match taking place at Newlandsfield for the first time in the club's existence.

Rab Sneddon did not have his selection problems to seek, with Gary Wilson, Derek Heaton, Chris Cruickshank and Richie Newall joining Andy McClay on the sidelines. That meant a recall to the side for Stevie Miller, even if it was, for him, in the previously unseen role of left back. Raymond Logan found himself in the match-day squad for the first time since February, with Alan Waddell making way. Montrose made a few changes from the previous meeting themselves, Hugh Davidson replacing Stuart Cumming at the back, and Steven Doris taking the place of Scott Gates in right midfield, the latter two both on loan from First Division clubs.

Lok began brightly enough, with a Zander Ryan free-kick finding Dingwall but his effort was deflected out for a corner. Joe Carruth then set up Dingwall, but as the Lok striker turned and spun, he lost control of the ball. Pollok were in control in the early stages, and a free-kick on the edge of the box was won when McLeod fouled Dingwall. Ryan laid the ball back to McKeown and his stinging effort looked goalbound but for a deflection that made standout keeper Mark Peat's task of saving slightly easier.

Montrose were content to play on the break and looked dangerous going forward and from one such surge upfield in the 11th minute, Stein crossed from the left for Doris, but the St. Johnstone farmout's header was well off-target. Montrose had another opportunity four minutes later when a cross from Doris was not accurate enough for the waiting forwards in the Lok area. As play swung back to the other end, Joe Carruth picked up possession on the right hand side and flighted a good ball into the box towards Paul Hyslop, but the ex-Ayr man couldn't make decent contact with the ball and Montrose had a goal kick.

Pollok won another free-kick in a dangerous position in the 22nd minute, but Stevie Miller's set-piece ended up worrying the spectators behind the goal more than the Montrose defence. Miller was then booked for a foul soon after, the first of 8 bookings.

In the 27th minute, Ryan put another free-kick on target but Peat was equal to it. As Montrose responded on the counter-attack, Brian McKeown did well to win the ball from Stein, displaying some neat footwork, before laying the ball off to Ryan who jinked past Donachie before playing a wasted pass into the path of McLeod.

Pollok had another opportunity to go ahead when Dingwall tried to set up Hyslop, but Donachie managed to intercept and put the ball out for a throw. From the throw, Dingwall picked up possession once again, and laid the ball into the path of Joe Carruth who went for a 'once in a lifetime' opportunity of having a crack from 30 yards, and it was not far off target at all. Lok had to show some resilient defending in the 33rd minute to snuff out another Montrose counter attack, and five minutes later Aitchison showed real composure to clear his lines under pressure from Andy Rodgers.

One of Lok's main threats was the long kick from Robertson and five minutes before the break, he found Dingwall from that avenue, but his centred ball found no one. Lok has another excellent opportunity from a dead ball when Ryan took a free-kick about 25 yards out in the 41st minute. The ball swerved devilishly but Mark Peat read it perfectly. Ryan and McKeown were both at the heart of virtually every Lok move by this stage. Despite Lok edging possession, they nearly fell behind on the stroke of half-time when Stephen Black broke through the middle of the park, and a lunging tackle from McGeown only succeeded in teeing up John Baird for a strike on goal. Kris Robertson was alert though and made a fine save as he came out to meet him.

Lok tried to begin the second half with the same tempo they'd shown in the first, and a lob from Downs on the left was aimed for Dingwall, but towering stopper Ian Dobbins won the ball. Robbie Henderson was then penalised for a trip with a caution from whistler Steve McLean, but Jay Stein's free-kick proved to be a carbon copy of those from Ryan in the first half, i.e. unsuccessful. Tricky footwork from Rodgers then set up Baird in the 49th minute, but Baird fired wildly over the bar.

Another mammoth kickout from Robertson found Dingwall in the 52nd minute who headed the ball into the path of Downs, but Mark Peat was sharp and gathered the ball. Rodgers then fired a snapshot on the counter at Robertson but the Lok No 1 made a decent save.

The opening goal arrived in the 54th minute, and was from a set-piece. Stein played a short corner to Baird who took a few touches before delivering a pin-point cross to the near post where unchallenged IAN DOBBINS crashed a header beyond Robertson. Lok thought they had got back on level terms soon after when Robert Downs picked up possession from a throw-in on the left touchline and sent in an excellent cross ball that Bryan Dingwall met to bullet a header past Peat, only for the assistant referee to rule it out for offside, a marginal decision that could have been given either way.

Montrose could have extended their lead in the 58th minute when Stein laid a free-kick off to Black, but his shot was deflected over the bar. From the corner, Stein managed to hit the crossbar. Lok responded with a break from Ryan down the right and a fine cross-field pass found Hyslop who took a clever touch with his right foot to buy himself a few seconds before sending a left-footed effort into the side netting.

Lok won yet another free-kick in the 61st minute that Ryan delivered onto the head of Henderson but some canny defending helped the ex-Stenhousemuir stopper lose control of the ball's intended direction. Soon after there was a reversal of the usual roles of supplier and executor when Downs flighted in a cross-ball for Zander Ryan who was in acres of space at Peat's back post, but his downward header was stopped by Peat right on the line. Robertson had to make a brave stop at the feet of Baird in the 67th minute after Lok gifted away possession in midfield. Three minutes on and there was nearly another self-inflicted rip in Lok's sail when Henderson's backpass was sliced by Robertson into the vacant left channel, but Montrose were unable to make the most of the opportunity.

Lok then introduced Davie Turnbull, switching to a 3-5-2 for the last 20 minutes or so, Miller being withdrawn. A Robertson punt upfield in the 73rd minute was deftly flicked on by Turnbull into the path of Downs, but the Lok top scorer opted to wait before striking a shot goalwards, by which time Mark Peat had narrowed the angle and made a routine stop at the angle of his 6 yard box. McKeown then shot wide from a laid-off Ryan free-kick as desperate Lok chased an elusive equaliser. Montrose were still an attacking threat though, and when Robertson mis-kicked a goal-kick to Rodgers, hearts were back in the mouths of the sizable Lok faithful.

Pollok had a few chances late on to force extra time, with one coming when Turnbull was fouled 5 yards outside the box. Both he and Ryan wanted to take the free-kick, and there was only going to be one winner in such a contest, though unfortunately Turnbull's effort sailed over the bar. If there was a difference between the sides, Lok were more wasteful in possession of the ball and as a result did find themselves on the back foot more than they would have wished, but over the two games, they displayed real quality going forward. From set-pieces particularly, Lok thrived, and they had a great opportunity in stoppage time to equalise when a corner was won. Kris Robertson joined his team-mates in Glasgow's answer to the Last Chance Saloon, and Zander Ryan's corner was delivered into the right area and was met by the right man, Raymond Logan, on as a sub for McGeown in the 77th minute, but his powerful header was turned around the post by Peat. Another Lok corner then, only this time Ryan's delivery was straight into the grateful grasp of Mark Peat, and as he launched the ball skywards, ref McLean sounded both his whistle and full-time on Lok's Scottish Cup campaign for 2007-08.

It had been a colossal effort, of which there was no tangible reward other than kudos, which manifested itself in the moment as a seemingly non-stop standing ovation from the 1900-strong crowd, recognising the lengths that the 15 players involved had gone to over the two games in a bid to take their place in the Scottish Cup 3rd Round. Montrose boss Jim Weir generously, and at length, applauded the Lok enclosure for their faithful backing and he'll have no doubt made sure Gable Endies' standouts Dobbins and Peat were given silver service in the bar afterwards.

It was an emotional end to the afternoon - there was no anger at the ending of the cup run as no Lok supporter had any expectation of silverware in this competition, unlike in the Scottish Junior Cup, just a feeling of 'what might have been'. Maybe 'what might have been' will be answered next year, but for that to happen, Lok will have to either retain the league championship or clinch the Junior Cup for the first time in 11 years.

Pollok: Robertson, Carruth, Miller (sub 71 for Turnbull), Aitchison, Henderson, McKeown, Ryan, McGeown (sub 77 for Logan), Dingwall, Downs, Hyslop (sub 86 for Mackay). Not used: Trotter, Wilson (GK).
Booked: Miller 23, Henderson 47, Dingwall 55, McKeown 83, Carruth 90
Montrose: Peat, Davidson, Gardiner, McLeod, Dobbins, Donachie, Doris, Black, Baird, Rodgers (sub 81 for Cumming), Stein. Not used: Gates, Gibson, Stewart, McKenzie (GK).
Booked: Donachie 56, Baird 82, Gardiner 90