Saturday 24th October 2009

John Sweeney (12)
Bryan Dingwall (30, 78)

Joe Andrew (45)

Pollok extended their winning run to five games with a 3-1 victory against Arthurlie at Newlandsfield Park that took them to second place in the Stagecoach West of Scotland Super Premier League.

Rab Sneddon’s preparations were disrupted by a car crash involving Paul Hyslop while on his way to the match, and it was the visitors who had the first shot of the game when a short free-kick was rolled to Frank McKeown, but he blazed over from 25 yards out. At the other end Shaun Dillon was given time to cross from the left and picked out Davie Turnbull, but his low header was stopped by Neil Parry. In the fifth minute Dillon was again the provider, this time crossing for Calum Hardie, but his powerful diving header was brilliantly saved by Parry. The ‘keeper had no answer in the 12th minute however when ‘Lok took the lead. Hardie crossed from the right to Turnbull, and rather than try for goal he intelligently nodded the ball back across to an unmarked JOHN SWEENEY who headed home the opener from six yards out. It was almost two moments later when Ryan McGregor sent a strike narrowly over from 25 yards out. Craig Malcolm flicked the ball over the crossbar for ‘Lie before seeing a fierce drive blocked by Gerry Joyce.

A slip by Joyce then allowed Joe Andrew a sight of goal, but he could only fire wide of the target. Turnbull had a deflected shot saved and Stevie Miller curled a shot inches wide before Kris Robertson was called into action to deny Malcolm with a terrific save after John McLay had picked the striker out beyond the ‘Lok back line. Pollok doubled their advantage right on the half hour mark when Bryan Dingwall and Turnbull playing a quick one-two that resulted in BRYAN DINGWALL lashing a left-footed strike beyond the helpless Parry. Sweeney then embarked upon a burst down the left flank before cutting inside and guiding an effort inches wide of the far post. In the 38th minute Sweeney picked out Hardie in space, but Parry saved his first shot and Hardie could only shoot over from the rebound. Arthurlie grabbed a lifeline on the stroke of half-time when JOE ANDREW was afforded time to turn in the box and slam a shot past Robertson to make it 2-1.

Robertson was called into action early in the second half to save a low Malcolm drive, then looked on as a Callan Adam free-kick from distance flew yards high of the crossbar. Some great interplay between Turnbull and McGregor resulted in a chance for Dingwall, but Parry saved well with his legs. Arthurlie’s chances of finding an equaliser were severely hampered in the 61st minute when a reckless lunge by Graham Dale on Hardie saw the full-back receive a second yellow card followed by a red from referee Barry Cook. Robertson held another McKeown free-kick before ‘Lok secured the points with a third goal after 78 minutes. Sweeney showed great footwork to fashion space for himself on the right, and he slid the ball across goal to the waiting BRYAN DINGWALL to prod home from close range. Robertson made one final stop, reacting superbly to deny McLay with his chest, but his side were rarely troubled for the remainder of the game and held on to take maximum points.

Pollok now turn their thoughts to the Emirates Scottish Junior Cup as they travel across the country to take on Newtongrange Star in the second round on Saturday.