Gary Madden (39)

Bryan Dingwall (12, 62, 84 pen)
Derek Wingate (65)

Pollok booked a Central League Cup last sixteen meeting with Kirkintilloch Rob Roy after a 4-1 victory against St. Anthony’s that for long spells was closer than the scoreline might suggest.

After the resignation of Jim Sinnet Harry Erwin took charge of the side as interim manager, and with only 14 players at his disposal he fielded an unfamiliar line-up. Alan Waddell made a rare start, and he almost teamed up with Bryan Dingwall to give the visitors a tenth minute lead, but the latter’s cross was just too high for the former to reach. ‘Lok were not denied for long however as they took a 12th minute lead when BRYAN DINGWALL thumped home a dipping volley from 20 yards out. The Ants almost levelled three minutes later when Liam McIlhatton crossed for Frankie Brodie who had a free header, but he glanced the ball wide of target from a dangerous position. Richie Newall chipped an effort wide and David McGeown sent a free-kick well off target before St. Anthony’s came within inches of an equaliser. A low ball from the right found ex-Pollok striker Gary Madden six yards from goal, but he could only rattle the crossbar with Robbie MacKillop beaten. The ball was eventually crossed back in towards Brodie, but he headed wide once more. St. Anthony’s had the ball in the net after Gary Dickson’s corner was forced home by Brodie, only for referee Ross Haswell to disallow the ‘goal’ for an apparent foul. John Sweeney sliced a shot wide for Pollok before The Ants pulled level in the 39th minute. Richard Murray fired in a low cross, and GARY MADDEN proved sharper than the Pollok defence as he fired home from close range.

Pollok almost regained the lead in the 49th minute when Dingwall showed some great footwork in the box, only for Abou Mansare to make a terrific saving tackle. ‘Lok were denied again three minutes later when Newall’s corner was powerfully headed goalwards by Derek Wingate, but Davie Turner made a fabulous low save to deny the defender. Dickson then saw a shot deflected over by team-mate Madden before Pollok reclaimed the lead after 62 minutes. Newall’s free-kick was flicked on by McGeown, and BRYAN DINGWALL was perfectly placed to ram home his second goal of the game. Three minutes later Pollok scored again when Newall broke down the right and cut the ball across to DEREK WINGATE who slid home to make the score 3-1. The home side began to show signs of frustration, and Stephen Sloey and Paul Deeney were both booked for fouls on Brian MacKay. Pollok eventually wrapped up the tie with seven minutes left to play. Substitute Davie Turnbull was felled by Murray inside the area, and BRYAN DINGWALL stepped up to score the penalty and bag his third hat-trick of the season. Ross Cummings headed over late on for St. Anthony’s, while Dingwall pulled a left foot shot wide for ‘Lok and had to settle for just three goals on the night.

The win gives ‘Lok an important confidence boost as they begin a run of games that will determine whether or not there will be any silverware to show at the end of their Centenary season.