Saturday 21st November 2009

John Sweeney (43)
David McGeown (51)
David Turnbull (Pen 90)

Ryan Deas (38)

Pollok maintained their lead in the Stagecoach Super Premier League on Saturday, but only after an extraordinary finish to their game with Largs Thistle at Newlandsfield Park. There was a shock for home fans when the team-lines appeared, with talismanic striker Bryan Dingwall missing as well as centre-back Chris Cruickshank. ‘Lok woes were compounded when ‘keeper Kris Robertson had to scratch from the side after aggravating an injury during the warm-up.

Despite that, it was the hosts who almost opened the scoring after nine minutes. Eddie Walton failed to deal with Shaun Dillon’s long ball, allowing Paul McAulay a shot at goal. He hit the post from a tight angle, and Tam Jamieson made a brave block to deny John Sweeney’s follow-up effort. McAulay had a weak effort saved by Steve Connick before Ryan McGregor tested the ‘keeper from long range, but he easily held on to the midfielder’s strike. McGregor then picked out David McGeown behind the visiting defence, only for the post to come to Largs’ rescue again. McGregor sent a left-footed volley wide before Thistle took a 38th minute lead against the run of play. RYAN DEAS twisted and turned at the edge of the box before planting the ball beyond Pollok’s trialist goalkeeper Chris Fitzpatrick. The hosts regrouped quickly and pulled level five minutes later. McGeown’s through ball found McGregor, and although Connick parried his shot JOHN SWEENEY was on hand to bury the rebound into the roof of the net. Largs assistant manager Paddy McIlvogue then incurred the wrath of the match officials and was sent to the pavilion.

Pollok continued to dominate when play resumed after the interval, with Davie Turnbull having a shot blocked after McAulay had muscled his way through the defence. Dillon had a free-kick saved before the home side hit the front after 51 minutes. Turnbull slipped a pass through to DAVID McGEOWN, who unleashed a stunning strike on the turn past Connick. Largs responded immediately with a close range header from Alan Barnes, but Fitzpatrick made the save. Turnbull netted in the 59th minute after a Dillon free-kick was well saved, only to be denied by the raised flag of the assistant referee. Fitzpatrick reacted well to hold on to a long-range Deas free-kick before making a terrific save to deny Stephen Kyle. The rebound fell to substitute Graham Black, but Gerry Joyce made a superb block to thwart the visitors.

Few could have predicted what was to follow in an explosive final five minutes to the game. Firstly Ryan Deas saw red for a two-footed tackle on Calum Hardie before Jamieson was carried off after Largs had used all three substitutes. McGeown scooped over from close range after McAulay had a shot blocked, then Fitzpatrick produced a magnificent fingertip save to turn a Barnes header around the post. Pollok broke from the resultant corner, with Stevie Miller sending McAulay and McGregor through for a two-on-one against Connick. McAulay rounded the ‘keeper and was tripped, but although he regained his footing and fired home, referee Iain Craig had already whistled for the infringement. He was left with no alternative but to send Connick off. Gary Davidson took the gloves, but before he could face the spot-kick he was shown a second yellow card for comments made to the crowd. Ross McMillan voiced his displeasure at the decision, and he was promptly shown a red card as well. Eventually Black faced up to the kick, but DAVIE TURNBULL found the corner of net to move Pollok 3-1 ahead. Largs lined up for the restart with only six players, and Mr. Craig saved them any further damage by blowing for full-time almost instantly.

With most teams involved in Emirates Scottish Junior Cup action next Saturday Pollok now have a free week to recharge their batteries.