John Boyle (38)

Bryan Dingwall (14, 26, 31)
Andy McClay (48)
Mark Ritchie o.g. (53)

Pollok advanced to round three of the New Coin Automatics West of Scotland Cup with a comfortable 5-1 victory over Benburb at Tinto Park. Jim Sinnet handed debuts to two members of the Newlandsfield squad. Recent signing from Irvine Meadow XI Shaun Dillon occupied a spot in the back three, while goalkeeper Robbie MacKillop took over from Kris Robertson between the sticks.

Pollok’s first opportunity came just three minutes into the game when Alan Waddell lifted a ball over the top towards Bryan Dingwall, but poor control meant that the chance was gone. The Govan side almost opened the scoring two minutes later when a low corner was played to Andy Sinclair at the edge of the penalty area, and his powerful drive rattled the crossbar with MacKillop well beaten. It was the visitors who made the breakthrough after 14 minutes. Calum Hardie sent over a low cross from the right that Waddell dummied, and BRYAN DINGWALL was perfectly placed to stroke home from eight yards out. Waddell lobbed an effort wide and Sinclair shot weakly at MacKillop before ‘Lok doubled their advantage after 26 minutes.

BRYAN DINGWALL crossed from the left and Joe Ghattas appeared to lose his footing as the ball sailed over his head and into the net. Ghattas then saved at close range from Waddell, but he could do nothing to stop Pollok making it three after 31 minutes. Andy Essler crossed from the left to Stevie Miller, who saw his downward header directed into the net from a yard out by BRYAN DINGWALL to complete his hat-trick. Hardie struck the outside of the post for Pollok before the hosts pulled a goal back in the 38th minute when JOHN BOYLE drove a sweetly struck dipping volley past MacKillop from 25 yards. ‘Lok struck the woodwork again on the stroke of half-time when Dingwall hit the post from a tight angle after Ghattas had parried his original shot.

Bens brought on Kenny Jarvis for Tony O’Neill at half-time, but he could only look on as his side fell further behind three minutes into the second half. Pollok were awarded a free-kick 20 yards from goal, and ANDY McCLAY stepped up to curl home an exquisite effort off the underside of the crossbar. Five minutes later ‘Lok scored again when Dingwall’s cross was slammed into his own net by the unfortunate MARK RITCHIE. Stephen McGlinchey sent a free-kick over for Benburb, while Dillon struck a set-piece narrowly wide for ‘Lok. Dingwall and Essler made way for Davie Turnbull and Chris Cruickshank as Sinnet rotated his squad with the game virtually won. Turnbull fired over with a shot on the turn with 14 minutes left on the clock, and Derek Wingate also shot high with a free-kick from 35 yards out moments later. A good run down the left by Cruickshank set up another chance for Turnbull, but he leaned back as he took aim and missed the target. Cruickshank sliced an effort wide and Turnbull missed with another free-kick as Pollok failed to add to their tally.

Dingwall’s three goals make him the first Pollok player to score back-to-back hat-tricks since John O’Brien scored three in three games 19 years ago. He will attempt to match the feat when ‘Lok host league leaders Glenafton Athletic at Newlandsfield Park on Saturday, with kick-off at 2pm.