Craig Feroz (3)

David Turnbull (64)
Bryan Dingwall (90)

Bryan Dingwall was the last gasp hero for Pollok as they edged out Glenafton Athletic by the odd goal in three at Loch Park on Boxing Day. Jim Sinnet’s plans were disrupted with the late withdrawal of Shaun Dillon from the squad due to injury, with Andy Essler also missing from the left hand side of the park.

It was the hosts who got off to the perfect start when they took the lead with just three minutes on the clock. Jamie Doyle found space on the right and flashed over a low ball for CRAIG FEROZ to tuck home the opener past Kris Robertson. Stevie Miller had a header blocked on the line before Pollok had strong penalty claims waved away after Dingwall appeared to be fouled in the box. Feroz glanced a header wide from a Paul McMullan cross while Chris Zok had a well struck shot saved by Robertson after 20 minutes.

Good build up play by Stevie Aitchison and Bryan Dingwall resulted in Robert Downs going down inside the penalty area two minutes later, but referee Des Roache elected to show the striker a yellow card for simulation rather than award a spot kick. Mark Quinn sliced horribly wide for Afton before Chris Fahey was called into action to save from firstly Andy McClay then Davie Turnbull. Calum Hardie was narrowly off target with a left foot strike for Pollok as they entered the interval a goal adrift.

Turnbull blazed wide for ‘Lok within 30 seconds of the restart and Derek Wingate launched a free-kick over the crossbar moments later. Glens spurned a glorious chance to move two ahead after 53 minutes. Doyle teed up Feroz with time and space, but he mishit his effort and allowed Robertson to make the save. The ‘keeper then gathered a powerful McMullan strike at the second attempt, while David McGeown’s excellent defensive header thwarted Doyle in a dangerous position. The Glasgow side drew level after 64 minutes. Miller lifted the ball into the box towards Dingwall, who drew the defence in before rolling a pass to DAVIE TURNBULL who rocketed a drive into the postage stamp corner of the net from 16 yards out.

Doyle then provided another opportunity for Feroz, but again the striker rushed his shot and saw Robertson make the stop. ‘Lok lost Hardie to injury after 71 minutes, and 60 seconds later Zok sent an overhead effort wide for the hosts. Robertson had to look lively to prevent a Miller own goal before the midfielder threatened at the other end with a volley that flew wide of the target. Glens substitute Chris Cameron dragged a shot wide before Pollok claimed the spoils in the third minute of injury time. Downs sent over a corner from the right that was cleared as far as Wingate at the edge of the box. He nodded the ball back into the danger area and BRYAN DINGWALL did the rest, flicking home a header with his back to goal to the delight of the visiting fans.

The result moves Pollok back to within a point of Petershill at the top of the standings, and they now have two consecutive home league matches, beginning with Kirkintilloch Rob Roy this Saturday.