Report: Pollok 3-2 Beith (02/02/2013)

Match photos from ROSS MacDONALD available HERE
Match stats from DAVIE BROWN HERE

Pollok claimed a spot in the last sixteen of the Emirates Scottish Junior Cup in the most dramatic style after a pulsating finish to their match with Beith at Newlandsfield Park on Saturday.

John Richardson made two changes to the side that had defeated Glenafton Athletic three weeks earlier, with Brian MacKay and Kevin McBride making way for Tony Fraser and the newly re-signed Paul McMenamin. The dangerous Kenny McLean missed out for the visitors due to injury, as did the cup-tied Chris Mackie.  Carlo Monti was first to try his luck with barely thirty seconds on the clock, but his shot from 20 yards out passed wide of the post. Beith responded with a low David McGowan drive that missed the target before the same player sent a weak header wide of goal. Andy Reid fired over from just inside the penalty area and Brian McGinty had a half-volley easily gathered before ‘Lok made the breakthrough in the 20^th minute. McGinty lofted a precision pass over the heads of the visiting defence to CARLO MONTI, who took one touch to control the ball before delivering an exquisite lob beyond the reach of the back-pedalling Adam Strain. Monti and Paul McQuilken both sent efforts wide and Jonathan Carter had a venomous drive charged down before the Ayrshire side equalised in the 35^th minute. Jay Lang floated over a corner kick, Marc McShane rose highest to win the header, and ANDY REID delivered the finishing touch with an acrobatic overhead kick. John Sheridan then headed over from another Lang corner before Fraser deflected a Calum Hardie attempt over the bar. With just over one minute remaining in the first half ‘Lok netted the goal that sent them into the interval ahead. Monti jinked away from the attentions of the Beith defence before squaring for TONY FRASER to slide the ball home at the far post.

It was the visitors who threatened first after the resumption, with Gary Wilson firing wide from 25 yards out. McGinty then saw a header saved before Stevie McNeil reacted well to tip a Reid effort over the crossbar. Reid found the net again in the 62^nd minute with a close range finish from a McGowan cross, but his celebrations were cut short by the raised flag of assistant referee Ivan Stankovic. Strain then made an excellent stop to deny McGinty after his shot changed direction thanks to a Sheridan deflection. Beith should have equalised with just five minutes to go when Kris Irvine crossed to an unmarked Reid, but he somehow managed to glance his free header wide from inside the six-yard box. The away side almost levelled in the final minute of regulation time when a Ross Brash corner caused chaos in the home box, with Reid seeing a header cleared off the line before an almighty scramble that resulted in Irvine’s header landing on the roof of the net. The Bellsdale outfit thought they had secured a replay when they made it 2-2 in the 92^nd minute. Gary Wild crossed from the right, and MARC McSHANE leapt to nod home at the back post. The drama wasn’t over however, as play raged to the other end. McQuilken released substitute RYAN McARDLE on the right, and his first time effort sailed past a helpless Strain to put ‘Lok back in front with 93 minutes on the clock. There was still time for Sheridan to send a header wide before the final whistle sounded to conclude a memorable cup tie.

Pollok return to Stagecoach Super Premier League action on Saturday when they take on Clydebank at Holm Park. Kick-off is at 2pm.

POLLOK: McNeil, Dunlop, McMenamin, Carter, Reilly, McGinty (Miller 87), Mills (McArdle 90+1), Hepburn, McQuilken, Monti, Fraser. Not used: McBride, Docherty, Black.

BEITH: Strain, McShane, Wilson, Wild, Sheridan, Docherty (Howarth 83), Hardie, Lang (Brash 53), Finnegan (Irvine 66), Reid, McGowan. Not used: Callaghan, Greenwood.

BOOKED

POLLOK: McGinty (78), McMenamin (84), Monti (90+5)

BEITH: Wilson (83)

GOALS

POLLOK: Monti (20), Fraser (44), McArdle (90+3)

BEITH: Reid (35), McShane (90+2)

Report: Glenafton Athletic 0-1 Pollok (12/01/2013)

Match photos courtesy of ROSS MacDONALD available HERE
Match stats from DAVIE BROWN HERE

Pollok got back to winning ways on Saturday with a hard-fought 1-0 Stagecoach Super Premier League victory against Glenafton Athletic at Loch Park.

John Richardson made four changes to the side that lost to Irvine Meadow XI, with Peter McMahon, Ryan McArdle, Stevie Miller and Tony Fraser all dropping to the bench. In came Jonathan Carter, Brian MacKay, Ross Hepburn and Stuart Mills. It was the hosts who had the first effort at goal, with former ‘Lok-man Craig McEwan blazing over from 30 yards out. Bobby Colligan then headed over before a Paul McKenzie shot on the turn was blocked for a corner kick. Colligan threatened again in the 28^th minute with a driving run from midfield, but his shot narrowly missed the target from the edge of the penalty area. Stevie McNeil then held a John Dempster overhead kick before making a brave dive at the feet of Craig Potter to force the ball wide for a corner kick. Ryan McChesney sent a 30-yard free-kick well wide for the hosts before McNeil saved a Glen Mitchell header from a corner kick. With two minutes of the half remaining Glenafton almost made the breakthrough when McChesney connected with Gus Cochrane’s corner kick, but his header cannoned against the crossbar. A glancing header then flew wide for the Ayrshire side as half-time was reached without Ally Semple being tested in the home goal.

It was the New Cumnock outfit who opened the second half on the front foot. McKenzie almost scrambled home from close range, only for Paul McQuilken to hook the ball off the line. At the other end Glen Mitchell almost turned a MacKay cross into his own net in the 49^th minute, and sixty seconds later Ross Dunlop curled an attempt narrowly over from just inside the penalty area. On the hour mark a Paul McQuilken corner bobbled around the area and against the post before being cleared to safety. Glen Mitchell headed over from a McEwan free-kick before another McQuilken corner was headed on by Steven Reilly to Carter, but his attempt was stopped on the line by Semple. Dempster then fired down the middle straight at McNeil before McChesney headed a Cochrane header onto the roof of the net. Colligan then drove wide from the edge of the penalty area before the only goal of the game arrived in the 86^th minute. Substitute Fraser had barely entered the fray when he burst down the left wing. McQuilken supported on the overlap, and although his cross was scooped away by the defence, Hepburn won back possession and headed to RYAN McARDLE, who brought the ball under control before hammering a strike into the roof of the net. The home side immediately brought on Gareth Armstrong as they searched for an equaliser, but the clock was not on their side as the full-time whistle blew to send all three points to Glasgow.

Next Saturday sees Pollok host Beith in the last 32 of the Emirates Scottish Junior Cup. Kick-off at Newlandsfield Park is scheduled for 1.45pm.

GLENAFTON: Semple, Potter (Armstrong 87), McEwan, McChesney, G Mitchell, Murphy, McKenzie, D Mitchell, Colligan, Dempster, Cochrane. Not used: Menzies, McKillen, Campbell, Dunsmuir.

POLLOK: McNeil, Dunlop, McBride, Reilly, Carter, McGinty, MacKay (McArdle 80), McQuilken, Hepburn, Monti, Mills (Fraser 86). Not used: Miller, McMahon, Black.

BOOKED

GLENAFTON: Cochrane (54), Potter (77)

POLLOK: McGinty (64)

GOAL

POLLOK: McArdle (86)

Report: Pollok 0-2 Irvine Meadow XI (05/01/2013)

Match photos courtesy of ROSS MacDONALD available HERE
Match stats from DAVIE BROWN HERE

Pollok’s unbeaten run came to an end after eleven games as they lost 2-0 at home to Irvine Meadow XI in the Stagecoach Super Premier League on Saturday.

On the back of an excellent victory against Kirkintilloch Rob Roy it was little surprise to see John Richardson field an unchanged starting eleven. The hosts started brightly, and could have taken the lead as early as the first minute. Carlo Monti cut the ball across to Tony Fraser, but he could only side-foot wide from a promising position. Monti was next to threaten, forcing Michael Wardrope into a good low save after being set up by Paul McQuilken. At the other end Stevie McNeil was called into action, making a terrific stop to deny Gareth Turner before blocking Chris McGowan’s follow-up with his legs. Fraser had a weak effort from the edge of the penalty area easily stopped by Wardrope before Richie Barr’s shot from a similar distance was gathered by McNeil. In the 28^th minute Steven Reilly saw a volley deflected wide for a corner, from which Stevie Miller had a 20-yard drive charged down by the visiting defence. Wardrope then pushed a low McQuilken attempt around the post, with Peter McMahon heading over from the resultant flag kick. With six minutes of the half remaining Chris McGowan redirected a Mark Campbell header towards goal, but McNeil reacted quickly enough to make the save. The deadlock was almost broken sixty seconds into injury time when Barr fired towards goal from 30 yards out, but could only hit the outside of the post.

Half-time saw a switch for ‘Lok, with Willie Sawyers replacing Brian McGinty. McNeil collected a Barr 20-yarder three minutes after the restart before Ryan McArdle found the side-netting after Monti fired a ball across goal. McArdle then drove over a low ball that struck Zander Ryan, and it took an acrobatic save by Wardrope to prevent an own goal. Campbell headed wide from a deep free-kick before Meadow took the lead in the 54^th minute. FINLAY FRYE found space behind the Pollok defence on the right wing before thumping a drive into the far corner of the net from a tight angle. Good play from Monti, Sawyers and Fraser then crafted an opening for McArdle, but Wardrope was well positioned to make the stop. The ‘keeper then saw a clearance ricochet off Monti, but his blushes were spared when the ball bounced off the top of the crossbar and away to safety. ‘Lok suffered a blow with quarter of an hour remaining when Sawyers limped off injured, and they almost lost a second goal immediately when Ross Dunlop had to clear off the line from Barr. Chris Strain missed the target from distance before a second goal arrived with ten minutes left to play. A spell of neat Meadow build-up play was rounded off by LIAM McGUINNESS, who passed the ball into the bottom-left corner of McNeil’s net. Moments later Barr outmuscled Kevin McBride, but the legs of McNeil prevented a third for the Ayrshire side. They had already secured all three points however, and were able to see out time with the minimum of fuss.

Pollok will look to bounce back quickly when they head to Loch Park to take on Glenafton Athletic next week. Kick-off for the league clash is set for 1.45pm.

POLLOK: McNeil, Dunlop, McBride, Reilly, McMahon, McGinty [Sawyers 46 (MacKay 75)], McArdle (Hepburn 76), Miller, McQuilken, Monti, Fraser. Not used: Carter, Black.

MEADOW: Wardrope, Ryan, Halliday, C McGowan (Gibson 70), Campbell, McGuinness (Kinniburgh 82), Frye, Strain, Barr, McLennan, Turner (N McGowan 67). Not used: McKeever, Hewitt.

BOOKED

POLLOK: McMahon (30), McBride (88)

MEADOW: Campbell (72)

GOALS

MEADOW: Frye (54), McGuinness (80)

Report: Kirkintilloch Rob Roy 1-2 Pollok (29/12/2012)

Match photos courtesy of ROSS MacDONALD available HERE
Match stats from DAVIE BROWN HERE 

Pollok signed off from 2012 on a high note, claiming a first away Stagecoach Super Premier League win in over 15 months as they edged out Kirkintilloch Rob Roy by two goals to one at Adamslie Park on Saturday.

The weather-imposed four-week lay-off allowed John Richardson’s squad some time to recover, but there were still four changes from the team that had defeated Glenafton Athletic in the Emirates Scottish Junior Cup. Out went Jonathan Carter, Stuart Mills, Ross Hepburn and Willie Sawyers, with Kevin McBride, Ryan McArdle, Stevie Miller and Tony Fraser all starting. The home side included ex-‘Lok players Robbie Henderson, Kevin Bradley and Iain Diack from the beginning, with another, Roddy Hunter, on the bench. The visitors made the better start, and almost took the lead in the second minute. Ross Dunlop sent over a cross for Fraser, but his header was brilliantly stopped by Stephen Robertson. The ball eventually broke back to Carlo Monti, but he could only scoop his shot over the crossbar. Brian McGinty then nodded wide from a McBride cross before dragging another attempt wide of the upright. At the other end Steven Meechan saw an effort from the edge of the box deflected wide for a corner before Stevie McNeil reacted well to keep out a Willie Easton header. McNeil was left helpless in the 24^th minute when a fierce strike on the turn from Diack cracked against the junction of post and bar, but the ball bounced to safety. Pollok hit the front just one minute later when a superb through ball from Paul McQuilken found RYAN McARDLE beyond the home offside trap, and the winger had time to compose himself before planting a calm finish beyond Robertson. Monti then saw a 35-yard free-kick stopped by Robertson before the hosts levelled in the 31^st minute. The ball fell to KIERAN McALEENAN 30 yards from goal, and with the minimum of effort he despatched an unstoppable strike off the underside of the crossbar and into the net. Rob Roy had the ball in the net again three minutes later through Easton, but his celebrations were cut short by the raised flag of the assistant referee. ‘Lok moved back ahead with three minutes of the half remaining when CARLO MONTI picked up possession 35 yards from goal, rode the challenge of Henderson and surged past Jackson Ohakam before slotting home from the edge of the penalty area.

Monti had the first attempt of the second half, firing over from 25 yards out, then turned provider three minutes later, only for Fraser’s header to sail over the bar. Monti then hit the legs of Robertson before Diack headed straight at McNeil. Midway through the half Monti demonstrated tremendous control to bring down a Fraser pass, but Robertson made a fine save to deny him again. Miller had an effort deflected wide for a corner kick before another chance for Monti in the 73^rd minute. This time he was released on the left by McQuilken, and it took a full-length diving stop from Robertson to stop the ‘Lok man from doubling the advantage. McQuilken headed over from a McBride cross before a late flourish from the home side. McNeil pushed a dangerous Alan Lindsay ball away as the game moved into injury time, and from the resultant corner kick both McBride and McNeil made crucial goal-line clearances to deny Meechan and protect all three points for ‘Lok.

Next up for Pollok is a visit from reigning Super League champions Irvine Meadow XI. Kick-off at Newlandsfield Park is set for 1.45pm.

ROB ROY: Robertson, McLachlan, McVey, Meechan, Diack, McAleenan (Lindsay 79), Bradley, Ohakam (K Connolly 46), C Connolly, Easton (Adam 49), Henderson. Not used: Hunter, Brown.

POLLOK: McNeil, Dunlop, McBride, Reilly, McMahon, McGinty, McArdle, Miller, McQuilken (Hepburn 84), Monti (Sawyers 88), Fraser. Not used: Docherty, Black.

BOOKED

ROB ROY: C Connolly (28), McLachlan (48), K Connolly (49), Bradley (77), Lindsay (90+3)

POLLOK: McMahon (23), Reilly (68), McArdle (75) 

GOALS

ROB ROY: McAleenan (31)

POLLOK: McArdle (25), Monti (42)

Report: Glenafton Athletic 0-1 Pollok (24/11/2012)

Match photos courtesy of ROSS MacDONALD available HERE
Match stats from DAVIE BROWN HERE

An early goal was enough to take Pollok through to round four of the Emirates Scottish Junior Cup after a closely contested encounter with Glenafton Athletic at Loch Park on Saturday.

John Richardson made one change to the side that had defeated Shotts Bon Accord a fortnight earlier, with Steven Reilly returning to the heart of the defence. Peter McMahon moved to left-back, with Kevin McBride dropping to the bench. The change paid off immediately as his side hit the front after only seven minutes. Paul McQuilken flighted over a corner from the left and STEVEN REILLY rose highest to bullet an unstoppable header beyond Ally Semple in the home goal. Ten minutes later Richie McKillen’s cross was missed by Stevie McNeil, but the ball drifted narrowly wide of the upright. ‘Lok suffered a blow in the 19^th minute when Brian McGinty was forced off with a hamstring injury, with Stevie Miller taking over his midfield berth. Paul McKenzie drove over six minutes later before McNeil stopped a Craig Potter shot on the half-hour mark. McMahon and Reilly then combined to block another Potter effort five minutes later. Glen Mitchell was next to try his luck with a free-kick that hit the defensive wall, with the same player sending the rebound well wide. Ross Dunlop then headed a McKenzie strike over, and from the resultant corner Paul Murphy hit the top of the crossbar after a goalmouth scramble. Pollok should have extended their lead with two minutes of the half remaining when Glen Mitchell and Ryan McChesney collided as they chased a clearance from McNeil. The ball fell perfectly for Willie Sawyers, but he pulled his effort horribly wide from a terrific position. The final chance of the half fell to the hosts in injury time, with Stuart Mills reacting well to clear a Danny Mitchell shot off the line.

It was the Ayrshire side on the front foot again when play resumed, with McNeil saving a Glen Mitchell header from a McKenzie free-kick. Danny Mitchell fired a low drive wide before McNeil gathered a long-range Gareth Armstrong attempt. Armstrong then missed the target by the narrowest of margins with a volley from the edge of the penalty area. In the 63^rd minute McKenzie dispossessed Carlo Monti and cut in from the right, but could only blaze the ball high over the bar. Midway through the half Sawyers sent a shot on the turn just wide before coming even closer moments later, forcing Semple to tip the ball over for a corner kick. Tony Fraser was introduced to the action as a 77^th minute substitute and within sixty seconds he delivered a low ball into a dangerous area, but none of his teammates could apply a finishing touch. With three minutes of the game remaining the Glens looked as if they might grab an equaliser, only for McNeil to produce a save from the very top drawer to keep out John Dempster’s header. That proved to be enough for the visitors as ‘Lok held on to claim a last 32 spot.

Next up for Pollok, weather permitting, is a return to league action as they head to Holm Park to take on Clydebank. Kick-off is scheduled for 1.45pm.

GLENAFTON: Semple, Menzies, McKillen, McChesney, G Mitchell, Potter (Colligan 83), McKenzie, Murphy, Armstrong, Boyle (Dempster 66), D Mitchell. Not used: Cochrane, Dunsmuir.

POLLOK: McNeil, Dunlop, McMahon, Carter, Reilly, McGinty (Miller 19), Mills (McArdle 72), Hepburn, Sawyers, McQuilken (Fraser 77), Monti. Not used: McBride, MacKay.

BOOKED

GLENAFTON: McKillen (28), McKenzie (56)

POLLOK: Monti (53)

GOAL

POLLOK: Reilly (7)