Mark Daly (55)

Derek Wingate (39)
Bryan Dingwall (48)
Davie Turnbull (60)

Pollok returned to action after a three week break by defeating Thorniewood United in the last sixteen of the Citylink Scottish Junior Cup. Manager Jim Sinnet found his options limited by injuries, with Robert Downs, Andy Essler and Shaun Dillon all unavailable. David McGeown was suspended, while regular ‘keeper Kris Robertson missed out due to a family holiday. Robbie MacKillop deputised between the sticks, while recent addition Simone Sorrentino found a place on the bench.

‘Lok almost grabbed the lead in just the second minute when Andy McClay set up Bryan Dingwall, but his shot on the turn was blocked by the chest of Graeme Murphy. Sixty seconds later Murphy denied Dingwall again, this time with a near post save. Thorniewood’s first effort came courtesy of a 30-yard Paul Stevenson strike that flew harmlessly over. More dangerous was a Martin Devlin shot six minutes later that was well blocked by Richie Newall. Dingwall should have opened the scoring when he latched onto a MacKillop clearance, but he shot against the legs of Murphy.

The ‘keeper then made a terrific stop after a well-worked free-kick involving McClay, Davie Turnbull and Dingwall that ended with a Chris Cruickshank volley that Murphy clawed off the goal-line. Turnbull headed narrowly wide from the resultant corner. It was MacKillop’s turn to keep the scoreline blank on the half-hour mark when Johnny Fallon’s pass gave Stephen Mullen a clear sight of goal, but the ‘keeper managed to get his legs in the way. Derek Wingate blocked another Mullen shot before Pollok took the lead after 39 minutes. Newall’s corner was flicked on at the front post by Stevie Miller, and DEREK WINGATE found space to bullet a header beyond the helpless Murphy and open the scoring.

‘Wood opened the second half with a Joe Tobin drive that passed wide of the target, and they fell further behind after 48 minutes. Murphy advanced 30 yards from his goal with the ball at his feet, only to be dispossessed by BRYAN DINGWALL, and he gleefully stroked home into the vacant net. The hosts pulled a goal back seven minutes later when MacKillop fumbled a corner under pressure from Fallon, and MARK DALY was on hand to force home from close range. McClay saw a free-kick well saved by Murphy before ‘Lok restored their two-goal advantage after 60 minutes. Calum Hardie showed great tenacity on the right before feeding the ball to Miller, and his cross was met by a thumping volley by DAVIE TURNBULL to make the score 3-1.

Murphy saved from Hardie shortly afterwards, while at the other end a curling Mullen strike almost dipped under the crossbar. MacKillop saved a fierce Fallon free-kick after 68 minutes, while the same player sent a volley high over the bar from 18 yards out. Pollok could have extended their lead when Dingwall blocked a Murphy clearance and slotted a pass through to substitute Alan Waddell, but he elected to try to find Miller instead of shooting himself and the chance was lost. James Strain sliced horribly wide when presented with an open goal for the hosts, only for his blushes to be saved somewhat by the raised flag of the assistant referee. Strain sent a late shot wide as Thorniewood’s cup run finally came to a close.

In the end it was a comfortable victory for Pollok despite some resilient opposition and treacherous underfoot conditions, and ‘Lok will be delighted to once more be in the hat for the quarter-finals.