Andy Reid (30)
Kenny McLean (73 pen)

Calum Hardie (37)
Davie Turnbull (53)
Robert Downs (62)
David McGeown (75)
Bryan Dingwall (81)

Match highlights from external site - 1st half
Match highlights from external site - 2nd half

Pollok remain at the summit of the Stagecoach Super Premier League after emerging victorious from a highly entertaining clash with Beith at Bellsdale Park. With Andy McLay missing through injury Calum Hardie returned to the starting line-up as Jim Sinnet sought to build on last week’s win against Bellshill Athletic.

The early stages saw Beith very much in the ascendancy as they utilised the advantage of the considerable Bellsdale slope. Kenny McLean dragged a shot wide in the first minute for the hosts, and three minutes later strike partner Andy Reid headed at goal, only for Hardie to clear the ball off the line. McLean then teed up James Canning for a strike, but he pulled his shot wide from a good position. Beith almost scored the opener after quarter of an hour when McLean slipped as he shot at goal, but the ball fell nicely for Andy Arbuckle stealing in at the back post, only for Kris Robertson to make a great block to concede only a corner. Five minutes later Pollok threatened when a long free-kick by Derek Wingate found the head of Robert Downs, but his header was wide of the target.

Davie Turnbull had a penalty claim turned away before Beith opened the scoring on the half hour mark. A free-kick from halfway was headed across goal by Martin McGarvey into the path of ANDY REID, who struck the ball low past Robertson. Downs then charged down a John Wight clearance, but the ricochet left him with a tight angle for his shot and Wight recovered to make the save. He was powerless however as Pollok equalised after 37 minutes. Turnbull crossed from the left, and although the Beith defence reached the ball first the pressing work of CALUM HARDIE paid off as he blocked the attempted clearance into the net for his first ‘Lok goal.

Half-time saw Bryan Dingwall introduced into the action for Stevie Miller, and he was almost involved in a goal for Pollok immediately as his corner was headed narrowly over by Wingate. His side moved in front after 53 minutes when Wingate picked out Downs with a precise lofted pass. His accurate cross was met by DAVIE TURNBULL, who nodded into an unguarded net. A header by Dingwall five minutes later was tipped over by Wight, and Wingate saw a looped effort float just wide as Pollok continued to dominate the play. They were rewarded after 62 minutes with a third goal. Robertson’s clearance was flicked on perfectly by Dingwall, and ROBERT DOWNS slammed a shot home, beating Wight at his near post. Substitute Steven Dymock almost pulled a goal back for Beith when he lifted a bouncing ball over Robertson but wide of the target. Downs then beat Wight to a loose ball, and after twisting the ‘keeper inside out chipped a cross towards Turnbull, but his header was high of the target.

The hosts were given a lifeline with 17 minutes left to play. Brian McKeown advanced into the penalty area and was barged over by Joe Carruth, with referee Derek Nicholls awarding the spot-kick. KENNY McLEAN made no mistake to bring his team within one. That state of affairs lasted for just 60 seconds when Pollok scored their fourth. Andy Essler showed terrific vision as he flicked a pass through to DAVID McGEOWN, and he fired a venomous strike into the roof of the net. Wight touched a Downs header against the crossbar before ‘Lok added a fifth with six minutes left on the clock. Wingate struck a free-kick from his own half towards BRYAN DINGWALL, and although he was facing away from goal he stooped and sent a backwards header beyond a helpless Wight. He then rattled the frame of the goal, while Hardie also found the woodwork with a header from 18 yards out that struck the junction of post and bar as ‘Lok completed a comprehensive victory.

Saturday will see Pollok face another stern test as next up are local rivals Arthurlie at Newlandsfield Park.

Stevie Miller (23)
Davie Turnbull (43)
Joe Carruth (76)

Pollok opened their Stagecoach Super League campaign in impressive style as they defeated Bellshill Athletic by three goals to nil at Newlandsfield Park. With striker Bryan Dingwall on holiday Robert Downs returned to partner Davie Turnbull up front, while Stevie Miller and Andy McClay returned in place of Brian MacKay and Richie Newall. Calum Hardie was also absent with a prior commitment.

Bellshill threatened first when David Clarke fired over, and likewise McClay shot over after a Derek Wingate free-kick rebounded into his path. Martin Lauchlan then tried his luck from 25 yards out, but his dipping effort missed the target. Pollok took the lead in controversial circumstances after 23 minutes. Chris Cruickshank crossed low from the left, and David McGeown fired a shot at goal. This was cleared off the line but rebounded against STEVIE MILLER and into the net. Furious protests followed as the visitors complained that an arm had been used to steer the ball home. McGeown sent a screaming shot narrowly wide six minutes later, while Scott McNab was forced into a save from a curling Turnbull effort from the edge of the box. Stuart Boyd almost levelled matters when he held off the Pollok defence long enough to shoot at goal, only for Kris Robertson to block with his legs. McGeown and Turnbull then combined superbly for Pollok, and McGeown was left with just McNab to beat. Somehow the ‘keeper managed to deny McGeown not just once but three times as he made a stunning triple save. He was rendered helpless however three minutes before half-time when Pollok doubled their advantage. Miller’s corner kick was met perfectly by DAVIE TURNBULL, who sent a forceful downward header beyond McNab.

‘Lok almost moved further in front just one minute into the second half. Miller picked out Downs with a 40-yard pass, and after showing good strength he shot at goal, only for McNab to parry his strike. A flowing move that involved Wingate, Miller, Turnbull and Downs followed, with the end result being a low ball across to Miller that he sent narrowly wide of the target. McNab then saved a Downs flick and an Andy Essler header as Pollok sought a third goal. The visitors were offering little as an attacking force until the introduction of former Alloa striker Chris Mackie. Joe Carruth had to make a fine block to deny him a strike at goal, while Clarke and Dean Muir both went close with shots from distance. Jim Sinnet also brought on a substitute as MacKay replaced McClay, and his direct running gave the Bellshill rearguard plenty to think about, with Ryan Jordan booked for a hefty challenge on the young winger. The points were wrapped up by Pollok with 14 minutes left to play. Wingate’s free-kick found Turnbull, who showed wonderful balance as he kept possession before picking out the overlapping run of JOE CARRUTH, who finish off the move with his first Pollok goal in his 100th game for the club. Robertson then made a terrific save to keep out a header by Barry Nicholls. He was beaten in the final minute of the game when Jamie McGeoghegan played in Mackie, but the woodwork protected the home side’s clean sheet as the ball rattled against the post.

After the disappointment of finishing second to Arthurlie in the Sectional League Cup qualifying group the win, and the style in which it was achieved, was the perfect tonic for ‘Lok, taking them to the top of the league after the first Saturday of fixtures.

Chris Cruickshank (86)
Brian MacKay (87)

In a match switched to Newlandsfield from Tinto Park because of a vandalised pavilion, Lok finished off their Sectional campaign with nine points thanks to a narrow win over Benburb. From the Neilston starting line-up, Booth, Hardie and Downs dropped onto the bench to be replaced by Carruth, MacKay and Dingwall as Jim Sinnet shuffled his pack.

Lok enjoyed a fair amount of possession throughout the game but Heafey in the Bens goal went in at half-time having barely broken sweat. The second half was a different matter however as Lok stepped up a gear and began to create a serious amount of chances. That said, ex-Lok man Lorn Gibson had the best chance of the game in 69 minutes but Kris Robertson made a good save. For Lok, McGeown and Waddell both hit the post as the pressure increased, while a later effort hit the bar. When the breakthrough did arrive for Lok it was very late on and from an unexpected avenue, with Chris CRUICKSHANK picking up possession in midfield and sending a low shot beyond Heafey from just inside the box. Brian MacKAY added a second barely a minute later with another low shot from distance that Heafey might have felt a little disappointed to let by him.

So Lok signed off for this year's Sectional with another two goals, the seventh game in eight that they've done so. Next up is Bellshill in the first league game of the season.

Tony Kane
Stephen McGladrigan
David Dickson

Bryan Dingwall
Richie Newall

Pollok fell to defeat in a friendly fixture on Saturday in their first visit to Rutherglen Glencairn’s New Southcroft Park. Included amongst the Pollok side were three trialists. Both sides had early chances, with Brian MacKay having an early drive blocked while Robbie MacKillop saved with his legs after Stephen McGladrigan had found space beyond the Pollok defence. Tom McGuigan saved a Davie Turnbull header before Pollok took the lead after 20 minutes. Derek Wingate intercepted in his own half and advanced 40 yards before playing a pass to Turnbull. He fed the ball wide to MacKay on the left, and his deep cross was met by the head of BRYAN DINGWALL, who looped a header off the inside of the post and behind McGuigan. The lead lasted just five minutes however as Glencairn drew level. Colin Boylan flighted over a corner that was missed by everyone in the Pollok defence, and TONY KANE side-footed home the equaliser. Turnbull should have restored the advantage one minute later, but volleyed wide from close range after Trialist A's corner. David Carr went close for the hosts before they took the lead with three first-half minutes remaining. Wingate dallied on the ball 40 yards from goal, and STEPHEN McGLADRIGAN dispossessed him before placing a composed finish beyond MacKillop. Dingwall then had a goal disallowed in injury time by referee Mark McLean.

Glencairn opened the second half brightly, with Chris Hughes and McGladrigan both forcing saves from MacKillop. Substitutes Chris Cruickshank and Richie Newall combined for ‘Lok, with the latter sending a low strike wide. Dingwall then forced an excellent save from Glens replacement ‘keeper Mark Wilson after finding space behind the home back line. Trialist B sent a shot wide from a good position before the hosts moved further in front after 80 minutes. Although DAVIE DICKSON’s shot was well struck, MacKillop would have hoped to have done better as he allowed the ball to squirm under his body and into the net. Stevie Miller missed the target with a free-kick for Pollok, who pulled a goal back with just four minutes left to play. Alan Waddell sent a pass down the right to Trialist A, who just managed to keep the ball in play. He cut a pass back to RICHIE NEWALL, who forced it over the line despite the best efforts of Wilson. Dickson could have added to Glencairn’s tally with an unmarked header, but MacKillop saved. Pollok’s last chance fell to Newall, whose initial shot spun up into the air, and his follow-up header was saved by Wilson.

Pollok now face one further Sectional League Cup tie, against Benburb, before starting their Stagecoach Super Premier League campaign at home to Bellshill Athletic.

David Turnbull
David McGeown

Paul McDougall

Pollok recorded the second win of their Sectional League Cup campaign as they defeated Neilston by the odd goal in three at Newlandsfield Park. Jim Sinnet made three changes from the team that beat against St. Anthony’s, with Chris Cruickshank, Mark Booth and Robert Downs all returning to the side, while Joe Carruth, Andy McClay and Robert Downs all missed out.

Booth had the first shot of the game with less than 30 seconds on the clock, with Brian Hewitt making a low save. Shortly afterwards Calum Hardie mishit a volley wide of target after an Andy Essler cross, but Pollok found the target in the fourth minute. Essler showed good footwork on the left wing before crossing to DAVIE TURNBULL, who found the net from close range. Neilston then lost Stephen McGowan to an ankle injury, with Paul McDougall taking his place. Neilston almost fell further behind after a terrible backpass by Chris Wozencroft allowed Robert Downs a sight of goal, only for Hewitt to scramble back and somehow turn the ball away for a corner. He was unable to prevent ‘Lok grabbing a second after 14 minutes. Turnbull showed sublime skill to create space before flicking the ball to Downs. He laid it off perfectly to DAVID McGEOWN, and although Hewitt got a block on the shot he couldn’t prevent it from crossing the goal-line.

Michael Fulton sent a free-kick over from 30 yards, then picked out Wozencroft with his next set piece, only for the defender to volley high over the crossbar. The same combination finally forced a save from Kris Robertson when Fulton’s corner was headed goalwards by Wozencroft, but the ‘keeper made the save. A quickly taken free-kick by Richie Newall put Neilston on the back foot as Turnbull found space behind Brian Wardle, but although his prod towards goal went under Hewitt it also passed narrowly wide of the post. In injury time Hewitt was forced into another save, clutching a Downs header on the line after an Essler cross.

Pollok continued in the ascendancy in the second half, with Hewitt holding another Pollok header, this time from McGeown. He then saved a 20-yard strike from Essler before a threatening run by Fulton was ended by a good clearance by Cruickshank. With 20 minutes remaining Neilston were reduced to ten men after Sean McGhee tangled with Essler, and referee Ian Craig saw an offence that he deemed worthy of a straight red card. A Hewitt punch then landed at the feet of Essler, who struck his volley well but wide.

Pollok lost their numerical advantage after 74 minutes when referee Craig felt a trip by Cruickshank should be punished with a second yellow card. This seemed to lift the visitors, and Robertson had to make a terrific save to deny Alan Colsh after a cross from Kenny Gillies. Brian Miller then fired wide before Neilston pulled a goal back with six minutes remaining. Gillies burst down the right of the park and cross to PAUL McDOUGALL, who headed home. Colsh then hooked a shot over the bar, while at the other end a neat one-two between Downs and Hardie gave Brian MacKay a late chance, but he shot over from 18-yards out.

While Pollok will be please to have taken the win against traditionally awkward opposition, other results in the group mean that Arthurlie remain in pole position to take the qualifying spot from Section Five of the competition.

Bryan Dingwall (47)
Robert Downs (67 pen)

Pollok clocked up their first competitive victory of the season with a hard-earned 2-0 win at Newlandsfield Park against St. Anthony’s in the Sectional League Cup. After the disappointing midweek loss to Arthurlie, manager Jim Sinnet made four changes to his starting line-up. Chris Cruickshank missed out due to work commitments, while Craig Gupwell, Stevie Miller and Robert Downs all dropped down to the bench. In their places came Stevie Aitchison, David McGeown, Davie Turnbull and Richie Newall.

The hosts threatened early on, with Calum Hardie heading wide from an Andy McClay free-kick. Bryan Dingwall then had a low 20-yard effort saved by Davie Turner in the St. Anthony’s goal. Turner was in action again when Andy Essler’s header from a Joe Carruth cross was blocked, while Essler’s follow-up strike was stopped again by the ‘keeper. Turnbull and Dingwall both headed over before a dangerous break by The Ants that ended with Kevin Ford narrowly over-hitting a pass to Joe Mulheron. Ants had strong penalty appeals waved away in the 33rd minute after a challenge by Carruth on Mulheron inside the area. Derek Wingate forced a fine save from Turner with a 30-yard free-kick, and the ‘keeper saved again shortly afterwards from a weak flick by Essler after Newall’s shot was blocked. Robertson then saved low from a 25-yard Gary Dickson free-kick before the closest effort of the first half. Turnbull knocked the ball down into the path of Dingwall, who turned inside the area before rattling a strike against the crossbar.

The second half opened with Hardie dragging a shot across the face of goal, with a corner being awarded. McClay’s cross missed everyone and was retrieved at the touchline by McGeown. He crossed back into the danger area, and BRYAN DINGWALL rose above everyone else to open the scoring. He missed the target with another header from a McClay free-kick, while McGeown found the side-netting after a corner kick. Dingwall turned creator after 61 minutes when his good set-up work allowed Newall a sight of goal, but he mishit his shot and failed to trouble Turner. Jim Sinnet made a triple substitution after 66 minutes, with Miller, Downs and Brian MacKay replacing Hardie, Turnbull and Essler, and he reaped rewards after just sixty seconds. Liam McIlhatton mistimed a challenge on MacKay, and referee Frank Conner immediately pointed to the spot. ROBERT DOWNS took the ball and rifled home with his first touch of the afternoon. MacKay then hit the side-net after a pass from Miller, while at the other end McIlhatton wasn’t far away with a shot from the edge of the box. Wingate had a short free-kick deflected wide, and from the quickly taken corner Miller curled the ball just wide of the target. In injury time MacKay burst down the left and cut the ball back to Newall, but he missed the target from an excellent position.

With vandalism over the summer still rendering Benburb’s Tinto Park pavilion unfit for use, Pollok’s last two Sectional League Cup games will also now both be played at Newlandsfield.

George Wallace (4)
Lee Sharp (29)

Pollok’s competitive season began in hugely disappointing fashion as they had two players sent off en route to a two-goal defeat against Arthurlie in the Sectional League Cup at Dunterlie Park.

There were competitive debuts for both Derek Wingate and Calum Hardie, while trialist Craig Gupwell occupied a centre-half berth with club captain Stevie Aitchison relegated to the bench. ‘Lok could have grabbed an early lead when Hardie fed the ball to Bryan Dingwall, and although the striker failed to control the pass it fell into the path of Andy McClay, who could only blaze a shot over from just inside the penalty area. He was made to pay for the miss as his side fell behind after just four minutes. There seemed little danger as Kris Robertson came to collect a long clearance, but Gupwell was oblivious to the shout of his ‘keeper and nodded the ball back towards goal, where GEORGE WALLACE had the simplest of tasks to tap home into an unguarded net. Stevie Miller fired over before good footwork from Andy Essler allowed him to release Dingwall, but Peter Shaw made a good save with his foot. Shortly afterwards a Robertson clearance fell to John McLay near halfway, but his ambitious return strike missed the target. McLay then shot over from 35 yards our, and the same player headed a Lee Sharp free-kick towards gaol after 24 minutes, only to be denied by a fabulous stop by Robertson. Sharp’s resultant corner struck the crossbar, but his side doubled their lead just before the half-hour mark. McClay handled inside the penalty area, and referee Des Roache pointed to the spot. Robertson made a terrific stop from Craig Malcolm’s spot-kick, but his defence were static as LEE SHARP reacted first to fire home. Robertson saved his side again when he pushed an Alan McFadden shot around the post, then made another superb block to deny Malcolm after had outpaced Miller on the left.

Upon the resumption of play McLay sent an effort wide after a Stephen Anderson cross, and Pollok’s hopes were dented further when they were reduced to ten men after 53 minutes. Miller’s challenge on John Johnston near halfway was over the top, and referee Roache had no option but to send him back to the pavilion. Sharp, McClay and substitute David McGeown were booked in the ensuing melee. Pollok pressed on however, and Downs headed wide from an Essler cross. The ‘Lok defence were caught out again after 58 minutes, with Robertson producing another top quality stop to deny Malcolm again. Aitchison replaced Gupwell two minutes later. Wingate fired a free-kick from 25 yards out wide, while McGeown headed over from an Essler corner. Wingate then glanced a header wide from another Essler corner before Pollok saw their numbers reduced to nine after 79 minutes. A foul by McGeown on Dave Williams was deemed worthy of a second yellow card, and so he too was dismissed from the action. Dingwall sent a speculative strike wide with five minutes left to play, but their was no road back for his side as they crashed to defeat.

Pollok must now regroup as they prepare for the visit of St. Anthony’s in the second of their group matches in the Sectional League Cup.

Bryan Dingwall (73)
David McGeown (84)

John Laidlaw (64)

Pollok completed their pre-season campaign with a 2-1 victory against Bonnyrigg Rose at Newlandsfield Park.
Kris Robertson made his first appearance of the season in goals for Pollok, while David McGeown also made his first start of the campaign after his return from holiday. Trialist Craig Gupwell made a second appearance at centre-half as he sought to impress manager Jim Sinnet.

Stevie Miller had the first opportunity for Pollok when he sent an early header over the crossbar, and only a last-ditch Bonnyrigg tackle denied Bryan Dingwall moments later. Rose’s first chance came courtesy of a low drive from just outside the box by Paddy Flannery, but Robertson gathered easily. Andy Essler should have opened the scoring after 17 minutes when Bryan Dingwall’s cross found him in space, but a high bounce saw him send his close range header over the bar. Essler then crossed for McGeown, but again Pollok sent a header high over the target. After 29 minutes Robert Downs produced a terrific piece of skill to turn his marker at halfway, and after a burst down the left wing he sent over an inviting ball for Dingwall, but his strike partner could only send an effort wide. Downs curled a strike just over the crossbar after 38 minutes, and two minutes before half-time Gupwell had a shot from 6 yards out saved by Bonnyrigg ‘keeper Lenny Clark.

Paddy Flannery had the first goal attempt of the second half when he hooked over after 48 minutes, while for ‘Lok half-time substitute Davie Turnbull was quickly involved in the action with a drive that passed narrowly wide of the post. Pollok came within inches of opening the scoring after 55 minutes when Essler cut in from the left and guided the ball towards goal, only for Clark to touch his shot onto the bar. It was the visitors who opened the scoring after 64 minutes. McGeown conceded possession in his own half and Rose worked the ball through to JOHN LAIDLAW, who beat Robertson with a shot from 20 yards that nestled in the bottom right-hand corner of the net. Paul Riley almost doubled the advantage just 80 seconds later with a chipped effort that beat Robertson but rebounded off the crossbar. The ‘keeper then saved from a Daniel Stewart free-kick before his side drew level after 73 minutes. Essler crossed from the left to Turnbull, and although his header hit the post BRYAN DINGWALL followed up to stroke home the rebound. Bonnyrigg then lost David Burrell to injury, and having used all of their substitutes they were forced to play out time with just 10 men. ‘Lok took advantage of their numerical superiority to grab victory with six minutes left to play. Turnbull’s flick was met by DAVID McGEOWN, who bravely beat Clark to the ball to bundle it into the net.

The win was Pollok’s third in three pre-season matches, but the real test will come this week as the competitive action begins with the Sectional League Cup.

Stevie Miller (23)
Bryan Dingwall (89)

Kevin Cunning (4)

Pollok’s second game of their pre-season campaign saw them defeat East Kilbride Thistle by the odd goal in three at Newlandsfield Park. Neither of the trialists who featured at Volunteer Park were included for Pollok, although another new face, centre-half Craig Gupwell, came into Jim Sinnet’s starting line-up.

‘Lok had the first chance of the game after two minutes when Mark Booth crossed for Bryan Dingwall, but ‘keeper Chris Wilson touched his header around the post. His side moved one goal to the good just two minutes later. Pollok conceded a free-kick 25 yards from goal, and KEVIN CUNNING stepped up to curl the ball into the corner of the net with Robbie MacKillop rooted to the spot. The hosts responded with a dangerous cross from Joe Carruth that Stuart Sangster had to clear over his own crossbar, and from the resultant corner Robert Downs saw a header blocked by the East Kilbride defence. Dingwall then released Downs on the left, and after a surging run he cut the ball across to Brian MacKay, who could only lift his shot over the bar. Downs then rattled the post twice in quick succession, but his team managed to find the target after 23 minutes. Richie Newall’s free-kick was met by STEVIE MILLER, who timed his run perfectly to meet the cross and bullet the ball home with his head. Booth then fired over from distance for ‘Lok, while at the other end Alan McCrae drove a shot across the goal but wide of the post.

The hosts almost edged in front five minutes after the restart, but Wilson managed to save after Chris Cruickshank directed a Newall free-kick towards the target. Sangster then nodded an Alan Paterson free-kick wide before Andy Essler replaced Booth for ‘Lok. The home side took the lead with 24 second half minutes gone when Carruth’s throw-in from the right was flicked on at the near post by Downs, and BRYAN DINGWALL arrived in the perfect position to steer home a close range finish. Stevie Miller then had a shot from a tight angle saved after being played in by Downs. McCrae tried to catch out MacKillop with a quickly take free-kick with 15 minutes left to play, but the ‘keeper was alert and gathered the ball comfortably. Pollok’s final chance came when MacKay played a short corner to Carruth, who swept over a cross to substitute Derek Wingate, but he could only send his header high of the crossbar. Dingwall and Paul Woods both picked up yellow cards with just one minute left to play, but ‘Lok were able to preserve their lead and claim victory.

Pollok’s final pre-season game will also be at Newlandsfield Park, with Bonnyrigg Rose the opposition on Saturday.