Andy Essler (9)
Bryan Dingwall (17)

Pollok ensured that the race for the Stagecoach Super Premier League title would go to the final game when they defeated already relegated Cumnock at Townhead Park.

Harry Erwin’s selection problems continued as a two-match suspension for Davie Turnbull left him with only one fit striker. Andy Essler was moved to an unfamiliar front role as partner for Bryan Dingwall. Essler was at the heart of the early action, crossing for Chris Cruickshank after six minutes. Cruickshank’s header caused panic in the home defence, with Andy Cripps almost putting through his own net. Essler then got onto the end of a Shaun Dillon cross, only to head wide from close range. He found the target after nine minutes however to give Pollok the lead. Derek Wingate’s free-kick from midfield was directed back across goal by Cruickshank, and although Dingwall steered the ball towards the net it was ANDY ESSLER who applied the final touch to open the scoring. Cumnock were quick to respond, and a poor clearance by Kris Robertson almost presented them with an equaliser. Jamie Moan and John McMillan combined to give Gareth Armstrong a sight of goal, but Cruickshank tracked back to make a vital block. Pollok doubled their advantage after 17 minutes when Stevie Miller’s cross was flicked on by David McGeown. The ball fell behind BRYAN DINGWALL, but the hitman produced a finish out of the top drawer to lob Graham Potter despite having his back to goal. McMillan then fired over for the hosts, while Joe Carruth made a good block to deny Graham Wilson. Jamie Wilson shot over from distance for Cumnock as ‘Lok took a two-goal lead into the interval.

The Ayrshire side nearly pulled a goal back within one minute of the restart when the ball ricocheted to Armstrong inside the area, but his sliding effort flew off target. Calum Hardie then demonstrated great control to bring down an Essler crossfield pass, but his finish was less impressive as he fired high over the crossbar. ‘Nock were handed a lifeline in the 54th minute when Shaun Dillon brought down Graham Wilson inside the area, and referee Ross Haswell pointed to the spot. Wilson took the penalty kick himself, only to be denied by a terrific diving save by Robertson. McGeown touched the ball just wide after an Essler corner, while Wingate headed over after a Miller corner midway through the half. Substitute Brian MacKay sent a low shot into the arms of Potter, while Cumnock substitute Ian Cashmore saw a dipping volley tipped over as Robertson made another crucial save. John Sweeney then played a delightful ball towards Brian MacKay, but the young winger couldn’t pull the trigger and the chance was lost. Joe Gold and Gareth Campbell both missed the target late on for the hosts with strikes from distance before the final chance fell to an unmarked Graham Wilson who headed wide from a McMillan free-kick.

Pollok therefore claimed another three league points, leaving them needing to win their final game of the campaign away to Auchinleck Talbot if they are to secure a third consecutive title.