Tony Martin (4)

Bryan Dingwall (34)

Pollok’s first game of the New Year ended in disappointment as they were held to a draw by First Division Kilsyth Rangers in the fourth round of the Citylink Scottish Junior Cup. This was Pollok’s first game since Boxing Day, and their rustiness was apparent as they fell behind in the fourth minute.

Tony Martin collected possession in midfield and drove at the ‘Lok defence. Derek Wingate had a chance to avert the danger, but his clearance ricocheted off the Kilsyth front man and landed perfectly in front of TONY MARTIN, who duly stroked a composed finish beyond the helpless Kris Robertson. Five minutes later Jamie Valentine tested Robertson with a free-kick from 30 yards out, with the ‘keeper making a good low save. Marc Murray then hit the side netting after some uncertain Pollok defending as the hosts continued to have the upper hand. Pollok almost levelled after 17 minutes when Calum Hardie’s cross struck the face of the bar, and seven minutes later both David McGeown and Chris Cruickshank failed to finish after a Hardie cross caused confusion in the Kilsyth penalty area. Hardie volleyed over from a Robert Downs cross before ‘Lok pulled level in the 34th minute.

Again Hardie was the provider, sending over a cross from the right that BRYAN DINGWALL rose to nod home beyond Michael Duke. Duke then touched over a Hardie drive from distance after Downs had picked out the winger with a well weighted pass. Kilsyth nearly regained the lead when Andy Thomson’s dipping volley landed on the roof of the net, while at the other end McGeown had a goalbound strike blocked after persistent work from Hardie to create the shooting opportunity.

The second half opened in cagey fashion, and it took nearly ten minutes for a strike at goal when Ryan Carr’s 30-yard effort flew well over the crossbar. Stevie Miller was similarly off target two minutes later, while Duke was again called into action after 58 minutes. A dangerous Downs cross was headed back across goal by Hardie to Dingwall, but his overhead kick was well held by the Kilsyth ‘keeper. Kilsyth found the roof of the net again six minutes later when Andy McGinty headed a Michael Daly cross narrowly over. ‘Lok should have taken the lead after 65 minutes when Hardie picked out Downs inside the area, but his close range header was brilliantly saved by Duke. Downs then released Dingwall with a clever backheel, but a last ditch tackle prevented the striker from pulling the trigger.

Matt Coulter sent on substitute Scott Upton for the Duncansfield side, and his ability to shoot from distance caused problems for the visitors. Robertson made a good stop to hold a 30-yard drive in the 76th minute, then made an even better stop ten minutes later to get down low to a shot from the edge of the area that was bound for the bottom corner of the net. The last chance of the game fell to Pollok when Cruickshank’s corner was met by the head of Shaun Dillon, but he could only direct the ball straight into the hands of Duke.

The sides will therefore have to do it all again on Saturday when they meet in a replay at Newlandsfield Park, with the winners entering the fifth round draw to be made on Sunday at the Arthurlie Social Club.