Davie Turnbull (45 pen, 67)

Pollok moved back into second place in the Stagecoach Super Premier League after recording a 2-0 victory against Bellshill Athletic at New Brandon Park.

Jim Sinnet made two changes to his side, with goalkeeper Kris Robertson back from holiday to take over from Robbie MacKillop, while Shaun Dillon returned from injury at the expense of Richie Newall. Pollok’s first opportunity came from a long ball by Davie Turnbull into the path of Calum Hardie, but the winger’s first touch let him down and the chance was gone. Andy McClay had a lobbed effort plucked from the air by Scott McNab before a spectacular overhead kick by Bryan Dingwall from the edge of the penalty area flew just wide of the post.

Turnbull sent a free-kick over the bar before the hosts came within inches of taking the lead in the 32nd minute. Garry Fleming crossed for Allan Watson, who saw his glancing header rattle the post with Robertson beaten. ‘Lok responded immediately, with Dingwall finding the net with a close range header, only to be denied a goal on his 100th Pollok appearance by the raised flag of the assistant referee. McClay and Turnbull both had efforts saved by McNab before ‘Lok took the lead on the stroke of half-time. Derek Wingate found Dingwall inside the box, and a rash challenge was enough to send him tumbling to the deck with referee Don Robertson having no hesitation in pointing to the spot. DAVIE TURNBULL stepped up to lash home the penalty kick and give Pollok the half-time lead.

Stuart Tullis had a terrific opportunity to level matters shortly after the restart when he got in behind the ‘Lok defence and found himself one-on-one with Robertson, but the ‘keeper forced him far enough wide to avert the danger. Tullis then pounced on a Wingate error, cutting the ball back to Paul McBride for a shot at goal, but Wingate redeemed himself with a goal-line clearance. From the corner Willie Soutar fired a good strike on target from 25 yards out, but Robertson saved well. Fleming also shot narrowly wide as the home team enjoyed their best spell of the game, but they were to concede a second goal after 67 minutes. McClay crossed for Hardie, who misdirected his header back to the edge of the area. Waiting there was DAVIE TURNBULL, who unleashed a ferocious strike into the postage stamp corner of the net to double Pollok’s advantage.

Chris Cruickshank volleyed wide from a Hardie cross seven minutes later, while substitute Brian MacKay broke from halfway after a Bellshill free-kick and advanced on McNab, only for the ‘keeper to save his weak effort. Dingwall then blazed over after a Hardie cross before Pollok were reduced to ten men for the last six minutes. Joe Carruth became involved in a melee after a heavy challenge on Dingwall, and the full-back received a second yellow card to end his involvement in the game. His side had already secured the points however, with Bellshill only mustering an off-target shot from Tullis despite their numerical advantage.

Pollok now have the chance to keep the pressure on league leaders Petershill this Saturday when they take on Vale of Clyde at Newlandsfield Park.