Saturday 5th September 2009

Bryan Dingwall (14)
David McGeown (24)

Report by Mark Donnelly

Pollok lined up at a rain soaked Newlandsfield looking to chalk up victory number 100 in the Super Premier League, making one change to the starting eleven who had beaten Kilbirnie Ladeside the previous week, Bryan Dingwall replacing Paul McAulay up front.

Pollok wasted no time making their intentions clear, and had the ball in the visitors net within the first minute, but Davie McGeown’s header was adjudged to be offside. The next chance came the home team’s way, when Davie Turnbull headed over from Calum Hardie’s delivery. Pollok opened the scoring in the 14th minute. Lanark failed to clear a Stevie Miller corner, and when the midfielder picked up the ball again, his cross found the head of Turnbull. The striker’s header caused confusion in the Lanark rearguard, and the ball found its way through to BRYAN DINGWALL, who slotted past Allan Creer for his 94th goal in Pollok colours. David McGuire was the first name to find himself in referee Kevin Graham’s book, when he was cautioned for attempting to trip Davie McGeown as the Lok midfielder broke clear. Bryan Dingwall had his name taken soon after for dissent.

Andy Essler tried his luck from 20 yards, but his effort went just over Creer’s crossbar. From the resultant goal kick, Gerry Joyce won a header in his own half which found Essler. The winger spread the play over to the right wing, finding Hardie with a delightful ball, and Hardie’s inch perfect cross picked out DAVIE McGEOWN at the back post, and he powered home a header off the underside of the bar. Pollok looked to extend their lead further shortly after, but Creer saved Dingwall’s effort. Chris Cairney and Grant Cuthill then had their names taken, for handball and dissent respectively. Calum Hardie was next to try his luck for the home side but fired just wide. Bryan Dingwall again tested Creer, but Creer was up to the task and tipped the striker’s effort around the post. Davie McGeown picked up Pollok’s second booking of the afternoon for a late tackle, before Lanark had their best effort of the half, a free kick, which was comfortably held by Kris Robertson.

Dunky Sinclair looked to his substitute’s bench to bring his side back into the game with Hugh Kelly replacing Chris Cairney, and Andy Harrison replacing Tommy Franch. An Andy Essler booking was the only thing to note in a turgid first twenty minutes of the second period. It was the 70th minute before either side threatened again, when Shaun Dillon sent in a cross which Dingwall headed just wide. Soon after Davie Turnbull’s left foot effort from the edge of the box was easily held by Creer. The Moor Park side’s best chance of the game fell to centre half David Gray who forced Kris Robertson into a fine double save. Rab Sneddon then called on John Sweeney to freshen things up, as the youngster replaced Andy Essler. Calum Hardie again attempted to get his name on the score sheet, but fired just wide from the edge of the area, before Tommy Lennox was booked for a late tackle.

With five minutes remaining, Pollok took the opportunity to use their full allowance of subs, bringing Stevie Bonar and Alan Waddell on to replace Davie McGeown and Bryan Dingwall, who both received a standing ovation. Lanark substitute Hugh Kelly was the final name to be taken by Kevin Graham after he was penalised for wrestling Davie Turnbull to the ground. Turnbull had the last chance of the afternoon, but Creer dealt with his effort.

A comfortable win for Pollok, whose third win out of four games keeps them firmly up towards the top end of the table.