Pollok edged into the last four of the Euroscot Engineering Central League Cup after a penalty shoot-out victory against Thorniewood United in an entertaining game at Robertson Park on Wednesday.

John Richardson chose to make four changes to his side, with Michael McKinven, Ryan McArdle, Paul McAulay and Stevie Miller drafted in to replace Chris McCluskey, Paul McMenamin, Willie Sawyers and Brian McGinty. His side hit the front after 11 minutes when Mark Daly barged into Miller inside the penalty area. Referee David Munro pointed to the spot, and CARLO MONTI stepped forward to slot home from the 12-yard mark. McKinven made an easy save from a weak Chris Queen strike and a better stop from a Stuart Livingstone drive before the hosts levelled in the 20^th minute. Hesitancy in the ‘Lok defence allowed DES BRADSHAW a sight of goal, and he made no mistake from the edge of the penalty area. Two minutes later Livingstone found an unmarked Kevin Hamill from a free-kick, but his header was saved by McKinven. The Pollok ‘keeper then gathered an effort from the same player at the second attempt before launching a long ball downfield to Monti, but his overhead kick was stopped by Barry Fraser. Bradshaw couldn’t find the target after a McKinven clearance landed at his feet and Monti fired narrowly wide before ‘Lok took the lead again in the 42^nd minute. STEVIE MILLER pounced upon a McKinven kick-out and, with the hosts appealing for handball, slammed home from an acute angle.

The second half began with a slip from Jonathan Carter that left Hamill through on goal, but McKinven produced a fine save before Ross Dunlop swept the loose ball away. Miller cracked the crossbar with a fierce drive in the 51^st minute, and just sixty seconds later the hosts also hit the woodwork when Bradshaw’s lob bounced against the bar. McAulay then found Miller with a low cross, but the striker hit Fraser with his effort. The rebound fell to Monti, and the ‘keeper produced an excellent save to deny the visitors again. He then produced another good stop from Miller before substitute Stephen Mullen lobbed just wide for United. Livingstone shot over after a fine ball from Mullen before the home side equalised again in the 76^th minute. Carter misjudged a ball over the top, and KEVIN HAMILL seized upon the mistake to drill home a low finish. The Glasgow side were back in front only five minutes later when McArdle’s ball over the top found Monti, and he squared to substitute WILLIE SAWYERS to sweep home with his first touch of the match. Thorniewood refused to be counted out, and McKinven saved well from both Livingstone and David Campbell before the Viewpark side were rewarded in the third minute of injury time. John Kane bundled over KEVIN HAMILL in the box, and the striker dusted himself off before planting the resultant spot-kick past McKinven with the last touch of the game.

Thorniewood began the penalty shoot-out in disappointing fashion, with Hamill blazing the ball out of the ground. Fraser then saved from Sawyers before Aiden Malone and Paul McQuilken both netted. McKinven stopped Mullen’s effort to give ‘Lok the advantage and, with McArdle, Livingstone and Monti all finding the target, Queen stepped forward knowing that he had to score to keep the tie alive. Instead, he sent the ball wide of the left upright to confirm Pollok’s progress.

Before then Pollok face a make or break battle with Shotts Bon Accord that will determine whether or not they remain in the Stagecoach Super Premier League. Kick-off at Hannah Park next Monday is scheduled for 7.15pm.

THORNIEWOOD: Fraser, Campbell, Daly, Dunnachie, Brophy, McGowan, Queen, Livingstone, Hamill, Bradshaw (Malone 59), Loghlin (Mullen 70). Both subs used.

POLLOK: McKinven, Dunlop, Fraser, Kane, Carter, Brady, McArdle, McQuilken, McAulay, Monti, Miller (Sawyers 80). Not used: McGinty, Deas, Hepburn, McCluskey.

BOOKED

THORNIEWOOD: Queen (37)

POLLOK: Monti (31), Miller (66), McQuilken (84)

GOALS

THORNIEWOOD: Bradshaw (20), Hamill (76, 90+3p)

POLLOK: Monti (11p), Miller (42), Sawyers (81)

Irvine Meadow all but secured their top flight status as they defeated relegation threatened Pollok 2-1 in the Stagecoach Super Premier League at Meadow Park on Saturday.

‘Lok manager John Richardson made two alterations from his midweek line-up against Auchinleck Talbot, with Ryan Deas and Paul McAulay dropping to the bench at the expense of Paul McMenamin and Paul McQuilken. Pollok should have taken the lead with only eighty seconds on the clock as Carlo Monti dispossessed Mark Campbell at the edge of the penalty area to leave himself with only Michael Wardrope to beat, but the striker could only clip the ball against the inside of the post before watching it bounce to safety. Tony Fraser was then fortunate to see a sliced clearance land in the arms of Chris McCluskey before Chris Strain saw a back post header easily gathered by the ‘Lok ‘keeper. The opening goal came after 16 minutes when a careless pass from McMenamin allowed Meadow to break down the right flank through Richie Barr, and he rolled the ball across the area to ADAM STRACHAN who applied a close-range finish. David Hamilton then headed wide before the hosts doubled their advantage after 24 minutes. Jonathan Carter was adjudged to have tripped Findlay Frye inside the penalty area, and referee Nick Walsh pointed to the spot before sending the Pollok man to the pavilion. RICHIE BARR stepped forward to calmly stroke home the spot-kick. Ten-man Pollok needed a quick reply, and they got it just two minutes later. Willie Sawyers found BRIAN McGINTY behind the home defence, and he bundled the ball through the legs of Wardrope and into the net. Liam McGuinness then had a mishit saved by McCluskey before Barr shot over after a break down the left. With three minutes left in the half Strain cracked the ball beyond McCluskey, but Ross Dunlop was perfectly placed to make a vital goal-line clearance.

Pollok created another opening within the first minute after the restart, only for Monti to send the ball out of the ground from 20 yards out. McCluskey then blocked at the feet of McGuinness before Monti fired over again, this time from a Sawyers lay-off after a steepling ball from McMenamin. Sawyers then shot wide from distance before a sweeping move involving Hamilton and Strain ending with McGuinness being unable to apply the finishing touch. Hamilton forced a good low save from McCluskey on the hour mark before Strain released Strachan one-on-one with the Pollok ‘keeper, but the Meadow man pushed his effort wide of the upright. Substitute McAulay then sent over a dangerous low cross to Fraser, but he could only head straight at Wardrope from a promising position. Barr hit the side-netting and Strachan had a 20-yarder saved before McAulay headed well wide from a Dunlop cross. Barr could have wrapped the game up in the final minute but was denied by the legs of McCluskey. ‘Lok had one last-gasp chance to level matters, but Fraser’s low cross found no takers and so it was the hosts who were left to celebrate at the final whistle. As the teams left the field Pollok’s Ryan Deas saw red for comments made to the match officials.

Pollok return to cup action on Wednesday evening when they take on Thorniewood United in the last eight of the Euroscot Engineering Central League Cup. Kick-off at Robertson Park is scheduled for 7.15pm.

IRVINE MEADOW: Wardrope, McLennan (Ryan 79), Halliday, N McGowan, Campbell, Frye, Hamilton, McGuinness, Barr, Strain, Strachan. Not used: Turner, Reeder, C McGowan, Hewitt.

POLLOK: McCluskey, Dunlop, Fraser, Carter, McMenamin, Kane, McQuilken (Deas 80), Brady (McArdle 34), Sawyers (McAulay 67), Monti, McGinty. Not used: Lovering, McKinven.

BOOKED

IRVINE MEADOW: Frye (64), Halliday (69)

SENT OFF

POLLOK: Carter (23)

GOALS

IRVINE MEADOW: Strachan (16), Barr (24p)

POLLOK: McGinty (26)

Auchinleck Talbot clinched the 2012/13 Stagecoach Super Premier League title in emphatic style at Newlandsfield Park with a 4-1 win over Pollok on Wednesday evening.

John Richardson’s plans were dealt a blow during the warm-up as Steven Reilly exacerbated a calf injury, and so Ryan Deas was a late replacement as one of four changes to the side that lost to Largs Thistle on penalties. Chris McCluskey, Carlo Monti and Brian McGinty were also recalled at the expense of Michael McKinven, Paul McMenamin, Ryan McArdle and Paul McQuilken. The first effort of the game came in the second minute when Steven White’s mishit was easily gathered by McCluskey. Andy Leishman then collected a Monti free-kick at the second attempt before Martin McGoldrick saw a header cleared off the line from a Bryan Young corner. ‘Lok could have moved in front after nine minutes when Willie Sawyers dispossessed Craig Pettigrew to leave himself one-on-one with Leishman, but his attempted chip failed to clear the ‘keeper, who palmed the ball to safety. Instead, it was the visitors who opened the scoring after quarter of an hour when JAMES LATTA’s low strike from 25 yards out was enough to beat McCluskey. Four minutes later the lead became two when Young’s shot was parried by McCluskey, and DAVID GORMLEY pounced upon the loose ball to curl home into the unguarded net. Goal number three came just one minute later as Young picked out the unmarked JAMES LATTA, who slotted home to complete a five-minute goal blitz. Gormley then sliced wide with the goal gaping after a clearance landed at his feet. McCluskey got his fingertips to a Latta effort before Paul McAulay sent a scissor-kick wildly off target from a John Kane throw-in. Monti then rounded Leishman, but his chipped cross was cut out before it reached Sawyers. Deas saw a header cleared by Pettigrew after a Monti free-kick, and the half finished with Talbot on the front foot again, with Keir Milliken firing narrowly wide in first-half injury time.

Pollok grabbed a lifeline four minutes into the second half when Monti’s free-kick was stopped by Leishman but fell to WILLIE SAWYERS, who found the back of the net from six yards out. McCluskey then saved a Gormley header from a Colin Spence cross before a fierce shot from the former flew just wide of the upright. Any thoughts of a Pollok comeback were dispelled in the 71^st minute as Talbot added their fourth. Milliken crossed to BRYAN YOUNG, who volleyed home at the back post. ‘Lok tried to respond through Deas, but when his strike ricocheted off Leishman to Sawyers the striker missed the target from a terrific position. Gordon Pope then cut out a dangerous Sawyers cross as McGinty lurked and Sawyers headed over from a Kane cross before a dipping drive from Michael Reilly was saved by McCluskey. Monti forced one more late stop from Leishman before referee Steven Reid’s whistle blew to confirm Auchinleck Talbot as kings of the West Region.

Pollok’s battle against relegation continues on Saturday afternoon when they face Irvine Meadow XI at Meadow Park. Kick-off is at 2pm.

POLLOK: McCluskey, Dunlop, Fraser, Deas, Carter, Brady (McQuilken 54), McAulay (McArdle 63), Kane, Sawyers, Monti, McGinty. Not used: Miller, McKinven.

AUCHINLECK: Leishman, Lyle (Park 73), Pope, Pettigrew, McGoldrick, Spence (Faulds 69), Young, White, Gormley (Reilly 73), Milliken, Latta. Not used: Montgomerie, McGarrity.

BOOKED

POLLOK: McGinty (56), Carter (59), Monti (65)

GOALS

POLLOK: Sawyers (49)

AUCHINLECK: Latta (15, 20), Gormley (19), Young (71)

Pollok crashed out of the New Coin Holdings West of Scotland Cup as they fell to a penalty shoot-out loss against Largs Thistle at Newlandsfield Park.

John Richardson made three alterations from his midweek line-up, with Michael McKinven, Darren Brady and Ryan McArdle starting in place of Chris McCluskey, Steven Reilly and Carlo Monti. The visitors opened brightly, with McKinven having to beat away a Willie McClure strike in the eighth minute. Two minutes later Euan Lindsay pounced upon a misplaced McArdle pass and released Graham Muir, but he could only shoot wide of the target. The breakthrough came in the 13^th minute when Gus Gault flighted over a free-kick, and NIKKI LITTLE rose to head home past McKinven. ‘Lok squandered a chance to level in the 25^th minute when Paul McAulay broke clear in a two-on-one attack, but Barry McLaughlin cut out the danger as he tried to find Willie Sawyers. Pollok’s predicament worsened when they fell further behind in the 31^st minute. Lindsay released NIKKI LITTLE with space to run into, and he twisted inside Ross Dunlop before curling a fine finish beyond the stranded McKinven. A mistake from McLaughlin almost allowed McAulay to reduce the deficit with 34 minutes played, but a good low save from Stephen Connick denied the young striker.

Half-time saw a double change for the hosts as Monti and Brian McGinty replaced McArdle and Paul McQuilken, and the move paid off as ‘Lok pulled a goal back in the 50^th minute. Monti’s free-kick looped into the air, and WILLIE SAWYERS timed his jump perfectly to direct a backwards header over Connick and into the net. The visitors were gifted an opportunity to re-establish their two-goal cushion moments later when McKinven handled a Jonathan Carter pass-back, but McGinty charged down McClure’s effort from the resultant indirect free-kick. Largs were reduced to ten men just before the hour mark when Gault saw a straight red for an off-the-ball stamp on Tony Fraser. Dunlop then fired over from a low John Kane cross before McClure shot high for Thistle. With ten minutes remaining ‘Lok found a leveller when Monti laid the ball of to BRIAN McGINTY at the edge of the penalty area, and he drilled home with the aid of a deflection. A second yellow card for McLaughlin saw the Ayrshire side finish with nine men, but Pollok couldn’t find a winner and so the game moved to penalty kicks.

The first six attempts were all successful, with Sawyers, McGinty and Monti converting for Pollok and Kevin Struthers, Andy Monaghan and Nikki Little finding the target for Largs. McAulay then had his effort saved by Connick, and after Joe Connolly and Paul McMenamin had netted it was left to Muir to clinch the match. He made no mistake and booked his side a meeting with Glenafton Athletic in the last eight of the tournament.

Pollok next face the daunting prospect of a visit from runaway Stagecoach Super Premier League leaders Auchinleck Talbot. Kick-off at Newlandsfield is set for 7.15pm.

POLLOK: McKinven, Kane, McMenamin, Dunlop, Carter, Brady, McArdle (Monti 46), McQuilken (McGinty 46), Sawyers, McAulay, Fraser. Not used: Miller, Lovering, McCluskey.

LARGS: Connick, Fisher, C Little, McLaughlin, Walton, Gault, Struthers, Muir, Lindsay (Connolly 77), N Little, McClure (Monaghan 71). Not used: Kane, Lappin, Weir.

BOOKED

POLLOK: Brady (87)

LARGS: McLaughlin (11, 87 off), Muir (62), Struthers (81), C Little (89)

SENT OFF

LARGS: Gault (59), McLaughlin (87)

GOALS

POLLOK: Sawyers (50), McGinty (80)

LARGS: N Little (13, 31)

Pollok claimed a quarter-final berth in the Euroscot Engineering Central League Cup with a penalty shoot-out victory against Kirkintilloch Rob Roy at Adamslie Park on Wednesday.

Pollok boss John Richardson made four changes to his weekend line-up, with Michael McKinven, Brian McGinty, Ryan McArdle and Ryan Deas making way for Chris McCluskey, Paul McMenamin, Ross Dunlop and Paul McAulay. ‘Lok could hardly have made a worse start to their evening as they fell behind in the second minute. An Iain Diack cross from the right found WILLIE EASTON with the freedom of the penalty area, and he gratefully slammed home the opening goal of the game. Willie Sawyers headed wide from a Paul McQuilken free-kick before Rob Roy almost doubled their advantage in the 16^th minute when Kevin Bradley turned McMenamin before blazing wide from a great position. The visitors made the most of the let-off as they equalised just two minutes later. McAulay swung over a cross to the waiting WILLIE SAWYERS, who looped a header high over Stephen Robertson and into the net. A Carlo Monti corner kick then fell into the path of Steven Reilly, but his weak effort was easily collected by Robertson. McAulay then sliced wide for Pollok before a double blow for the hosts saw them forced into using both of their two available outfield substitutes before the interval. Diack and Chic Connolly both hobbled off, with Roddy Hunter and Jason Crooks their replacements.

Sawyers curled a 51^st minute effort wide before the hosts hit the front again in the 61^st minute. Jonathan Carter’s clumsy challenge inside the penalty area resulted in referee Colin Steven pointing to the penalty spot, and KENNY CONNOLLY stepped forward to beat McCluskey from the 12-yard mark. The ‘Lok ‘keeper then denied Easton before Alan Lindsay shot wide for Rob Roy. Sawyers then found space behind the defence, but his mishit attempt crept wide of the upright. In the 71^st minute Monti displayed some excellent footwork before teeing up John Kane for a crack at goal, but the midfielder’s drive was well tipped over by Robertson. At the other end persistent work from Bradley helped fashion a chance for Easton, but McCluskey made another good stop. Pollok drew themselves level with 16 minutes remaining when a terrific McAulay cross found the head of WILLIE SAWYERS, and he powered the ball through the best efforts of Robertson. Sixty seconds later Tony Fraser turned a McArdle cross over from close range before a whipped ball from McAulay struck Robbie Henderson and ricocheted into the arms of Robertson. Sawyers then showed good strength to hold off Henderson, but his shot was turned away by the ‘keeper. With one minute left to play Sawyers found the net again, only to be denied a hat-trick by the raised flag of the assistant, and so the match moved to penalty kicks.

Sawyers opened the shoot-out in confident style, but Lindsay was equally composed to level matters. McQuilken, Connolly, Monti, Crooks and McAulay were all in turn successful, but the eighth penalty from Bradley was pushed away by the diving McCluskey. That gave Reilly the chance to give Pollok the victory, and he calmly planted home his spot kick to book a last eight meeting away to Thorniewood United.

Pollok are back in cup action again on Saturday when they host Largs Thistle in the New Coin Holdings West of Scotland Cup. Kick-off at Newlandsfield is at 2pm.

ROB ROY: Robertson, Lindsay, K Connolly, Henderson, McVey, Meechan, C Connolly, (Crooks 45+1), McAleenan, Bradley, Diack, (Hunter 35), Easton. Not used: Brown.

POLLOK: McCluskey, Dunlop, McMenamin (McArdle 46), Reilly, Carter, Kane, McAulay, McQuilken, Sawyers, Monti, Fraser. Not used: Brady, McGinty, Miller, McKinven.

BOOKED

ROB ROY: Easton (25)

POLLOK: McAulay (82), Carter (83), Reilly (87)

GOALS

ROB ROY: Easton (2), K Connolly (61p)

POLLOK: Sawyers (18, 74)

A solitary strike was enough to give Clydebank all three Stagecoach Super Premier League points as they defeated Pollok at Newlandsfield Park on Saturday.

Home manager John Richardson made just one change to the eleven who overcame Beith seven days earlier, with Steven Reilly taking the place of the unavailable Paul McMenamin at the heart of the home defence. ‘Lok carved out the first chance of the game with one minute on the clock, but Robert Hamilton was able to gather Carlo Monti’s mishit effort at the second attempt. Two minutes later Willie Sawyers found Ryan Deas in a good position, but he could only blaze his attempt wide of the target. Ryan McArdle was next to have a try for the hosts, only to see his effort blocked by Chris Wilson. Michael McKinven was called into action for the first time after 14 minutes, stopping a shot on the turn from Joe Andrew before denying the same player again moments later. Brian McGinty headed over from a Monti corner and Vinny Berry had a shot deflected wide by Jonathan Carter before the visitors hit the front after 29 minutes. Tommy Martin fed SCOTT WALKER 25 yards from goal, and he drilled a low finish beyond the unsighted McKinven. Pollok should have levelled matters four minutes before half-time when John Kane timed his run perfectly to meet a Monti free-kick, only to head straight at Hamilton from point blank range.

The second period began with Berry sending a low drive wide before Hamilton stopped a 20-yarder from Deas. Ryan Kelly then tried his luck with an overhead kick but was unable to direct the ball towards the target. The visitors then scrambled away a dangerous low cross from McArdle before Martin fired wide from distance. In the 56^th minute Monti turned his marker well to pounce on a pass from Kane, but couldn’t find a finish as he scooped his effort over the crossbar. Ross McPherson fired wildly over and Reilly headed wide before Hamilton tipped over another Monti strike. In the 67^th minute Wilson sent a weak shot into the arms of McKinven, and sixty seconds later the same player missed the target as Bankies were unable to capitalise on a quick breakaway. Paul McQuilken made way for Ross Dunlop as ‘Lok sought an equaliser, but with the exception of two comfortable saves from Deas they were unable to exert any real pressure on the Clydebank defence and the visitors were able to play out time and claim the spoils.

Other results also conspired against ‘Lok, and they now find themselves back in a relegation dogfight. Before they get the chance to battle back up the table however they face Kirkintilloch Rob Roy in the third round of the Euroscot Engineering Central League Cup on Wednesday. Kick-off at Adamslie Park is scheduled for 6.45pm.

POLLOK: McKinven, Kane, Fraser, Reilly, Carter, McGinty, McArdle, McQuilken (Dunlop 69), Sawyers, Monti, Deas. Not used: McAulay, MacKay, Miller, McCluskey.

CLYDEBANK: Hamilton, Walker, Wilson, Kelly, McInnes, Campbell, Allum (Moffat 83), Martin (Gold 73), McPherson, Andrew, Berry (Bell 83). Not used: Burns, MacAdam.

BOOKED

POLLOK: McGinty (20), Reilly (39), Monti (44), Carter (47)

CLYDEBANK: Allum (58) 

GOAL

CLYDEBANK: Walker (29)

Pollok took a massive step away from the Stagecoach Super Premier League drop zone on Saturday as they defeated Beith by the odd goal in five at Newlandsfield Park.

Home boss John Richardson made two alterations to the side that had defeated Arthurlie at the same venue seven days earlier, with Michael McKinven taken over between the sticks in place of Chris McCluskey and Ryan McArdle replacing Paul McAulay. Beith entered the game having been inactive for five weeks, but they showed little sign of rustiness as they created the first chance, with David McGowan’s cross floating narrowly over the bar. The hosts responded with a long diagonal ball from John Kane that picked out Ryan Deas, but his first time attempt sneaked just past the post. Andy Reid then shot over before a Willie Sawyers through ball almost released Carlo Monti, only for Gary Wilson to make a last ditch tackle to thwart the striker. Nicky Docherty and Ross Brash both sent efforts over the bar before ‘Lok hit the front with quarter of an hour played. John Sheridan was caught in possession by Sawyers, who fed the ball to CARLO MONTI to drill a low finish past Adam Strain. The home side were almost caught out in similar fashion just sixty seconds later with Kenny McLean robbing Kane, but his flick with the outside of the boot was touched round the post by McKinven. The Pollok number one was called into action again moments later when a Reid free-kick breached the defensive wall, but the young ‘keeper made a fine save to turn the ball away. Calum Hardie then sent a back post volley wide before seeing another attempt charged down by Jonathan Carter. Beith lost Chris Kerr to injury after 42 minutes, with Kris Irvine replacing him. This was to prove somewhat serendipitous as just one minute later Irvine provided the Ayrshire men with an equaliser, sending over a corner kick to NICKY DOCHERTY, who rose highest to power home a header from ten yards out.

Beith had the first shot of the second half when Hardie cut in from the wing before curling a strike just wide of the upright. Monti then fired a powerful free-kick towards goal that Strain stopped with his legs, and Sheridan managed to block the follow-up effort from Sawyers. McKinven saved a Docherty header before Pollok regained the advantage on the hour mark as CARLO MONTI drove a 30-yard free-kick beyond Strain with the aid of a deflection off Marc McShane. He tried his luck with another set piece seven minutes later, but this time watched the ball sail wide of the target. Sawyers then failed to direct a Monti cross goalwards from an excellent position, and Beith took advantage by pulling level again after 76 minutes. Irvine’s header found CALUM HARDIE unmarked behind the ‘Lok back line, and he lashed home a terrific half-volley that gave McKinven no chance. Docherty then had a low effort saved before Pollok took the lead for the third time after 83 minutes. Carter battled for possession in midfield before laying the ball off to BRIAN McGINTY 25 yards from goal, and he unleashed the sweetest of strikes into the top left corner of the net beyond the helpless Strain. Beith’s best chance of restoring parity once again came in the first minute of injury time when Sheridan’s goalbound header struck team-mate Charlie Hobbs and ricocheted to safety. Seconds later ‘Lok were reduced to ten men when referee David Lowe showed a second yellow card to Deas, but his side managed to see out time without any further drama.

Pollok are back in league action this Saturday as they play host to Clydebank. Kick-off is at 2pm.

POLLOK: McKinven, Kane, Fraser, McMenamin, Carter, McGinty, McArdle, McQuilken, Sawyers, Monti, Deas. Not used: McAulay, Lovering, Brady, Miller, McCluskey.

BEITH: Strain, McShane, Wilson, Kerr (Irvine 42), Sheridan, Docherty, Hardie, Brash (Hobbs 67), McLean, Reid, McGowan. Not used: McKay, Lang, Greenwood.

BOOKED

POLLOK: Deas (49, 90+1 off), McGinty (78)

BEITH: McShane (55), Sheridan (64), Wilson (89)

SENT OFF

POLLOK: Deas (90+1)

GOALS

POLLOK: Monti (15, 60), McGinty (83)

BEITH: Docherty (43), Hardie (76)

A crowd of 729 saw Pollok leapfrog local rivals Arthurlie in the Stagecoach Super Premier League standings after a 3-1 win at Newlandsfield Park on Saturday.

Both teams were short on personnel, with ‘Lok able to name only four substitutes and ‘Lie forced to include coach Gavin Duncan amongst their replacements to complete their numbers. Michael McKinven, Steven Reilly and Darren Brady dropped out for the hosts, with Chris McCluskey, Tony Fraser and Brian McGinty all brought in to the starting eleven. McCluskey was called into action inside the first minute, easily clutching a James Marks header from a Steven Crawford cross. Steven Bonar then tried his luck from distance, but his drive was blocked by Paul McQuilken. The opening goal came in the 17^th minute when McCluskey sent a long free-kick into the arms of Kevin Macklin. The visiting ‘keeper quickly launched a clearance downfield and, with the ‘Lok number one still backpedalling, PAUL STEWART connected with a superb volley to take advantage of the unguarded net. Pollok responded with a dipping effort from Carlo Monti that was easily taken by Macklin. Arthurlie almost extended their lead after half an hour when Marks fired narrowly off target from 35 yards out. The home side nearly levelled in the 38^th minute when Monti’s drive hit Stephen Miller in the face and fell to Willie Sawyers at the edge of the six-yard box, but his off-balance volley flew over the bar. McCluskey held a Steven Dymock free-kick before the Glasgow outfit equalised three minutes from half-time. Jonathan Carter’s ball into the box was flicked on by Ryan Deas to Sawyers, who held off his marker before teeing up CARLO MONTI to slam home a low drive beyond Macklin. ‘Lok could have gone to the break in the lead, but Sawyers’ front-post header from a John Kane throw-in was stopped by the ‘Lie ‘keeper.

Macklin saved a mishit McGinty effort early in the second half before Pollok hit the front after 61 minutes. John Paul McKeever was wayward with a passback allowing Deas to steal in ahead of Macklin to get to the ball first. The ‘keeper tripped the winger, and referee Grant Irvine pointed to the penalty spot. CARLO MONTI stepped forward to calmly slot home and give the hosts the lead. Sawyers then headed over from a Monti corner before a McQuilken volley from 25 yards crept over the bar. Marks was next to send an effort high of the target with a scissor-kick from six yards out that he failed to keep down. The same player then managed to direct a 25-yard shot goalwards, but McCluskey made a low save. The Pollok ‘keeper then clawed a Stewart cross away from under his own bar before the clinching goal arrived four minutes from time. Deas and Monti worked a short corner routine that ended with the latter crossing to RYAN McARDLE, who guided the ball home from close range. Craig Holmes sent an injury time header over after a Mark Blakey cross, and the final whistle sounded soon afterwards to ensure that the three points would be staying in Glasgow.

The big games keep coming for Pollok, with another vital league encounter taking place this Saturday as Beith visit Newlandsfield Park. Kick-off is at 2pm.

POLLOK: McCluskey, Kane, Fraser, Carter, McMenamin, McGinty (Miller 90+1), McQuilken, Deas, Sawyers, Monti, McAulay (McArdle 46). Not used: MacKay, McKinven.

ARTHURLIE: Macklin, McKeever (Holmes 82), Crawford, Miller, Merrilees, Bonar, Dymock, McKeown, Marks, Stewart, Blakey. Not used: O’Malley, Merriman, Duncan, Cannon.

BOOKED

POLLOK: Sawyers (36), McMenamin (55), McGinty (87)

ARTHURLIE: Macklin (60), McKeown (72), Miller (84), Bonar (89)

GOALS

POLLOK: Monti (42, 61p), McArdle (86)

ARTHURLIE: Stewart (17)

Dunipace were left shell-shocked as a late comeback by ten-man Pollok saw them exit the Euroscot Engineering Central League Cup at Westfield Park on Saturday.

The teams had met five weeks prior at Newlandsfield Park in the New Coin Automatics West of Scotland Cup, and ‘Pace manager Craig McKinlay stuck by nine of the eleven who were edged out by a single goal that day. John Richardson fielded only five of his side from that encounter, and his changes included a debut for John Kane, signed during the week from Clyde. it was the visitors who threatened first, with Willie Sawyers heading wide from a Paul McQuilken cross with only four minutes on the clock. Carlo Monti then fired wide from 25 yards out before a good stop at the other end by Michael McKinven to deny Barry Rodger with his legs. Monti sent a free-kick inches over the crossbar in the 19^th minute before another good stop from McKinven, this time holding a Gary Wright effort. ‘Lok came within inches of opening the scoring in the 25^th minute when Monti cracked a low strike off the base of the upright, and his side hit the front three minutes later when RYAN DEAS showed terrific footwork at the edge of the penalty area to deceive his marker before guiding the ball past the helpless Gerry McGinty. The game threatened to boil over moments later when Rodger fell inside the penalty area as he tried to take the ball around McKinven, and referee Paul O’Neill pointed to the spot. He then produced a red card for the ‘keeper, McKinven’s second in as many outings. Debutant Chris McCluskey was called from the bench to take over between the sticks, but he was unable to prevent CRAIG REID from restoring parity as he slotted home the spot-kick with 33 minutes played. Mark Miller then hit the crossbar with a corner kick before McCluskey stopped a shot from Paul Mallon. McGinty saved a Deas set piece before the hosts hit the front one minute into first half injury time. Stevie Reilly conceded a free-kick just outside the penalty area, and although McCluskey got a hand to the ball he couldn’t keep out CRAIG REID’s well-directed strike.

Things got worse for Pollok two minutes after the resumption of play when the hosts added a third. Miller’s cross was flicked on at the front post, and KEVIN MULLEN showed a poacher’s instinct to nod home from point blank range. ‘Lok pulled a goal back in the 54^th minute when Monti flighted over a cross from the left and WILLIE SAWYERS powered home a perfectly placed header. Dunipace’s Miller then chipped narrowly over before a Jonathan Carter drive flew just wide of the post. McCluskey stopped a mishit effort by Rodger before producing a fine diving save to keep out a well-struck Ritchie Kirwin volley. Miller came close again for the hosts before his namesake Stevie saw the ball whisked away from his toes by McGinty after a goalmouth scramble. McGinty then saved from Monti before ‘Lok grabbed an equaliser two minutes from time. McQuilken’s drive was parried by McGinty, but TONY FRASER was quickest to react and slammed home the loose ball. Both benches were now hatching plans for a penalty shoot-out, but the Pollok players had other ideas as they pushed for a winning goal. It arrived in the fifth minute of injury time when Miller’s cross picked out WILLIE SAWYERS at the back post, and he again demonstrated tremendous accuracy with his head to send ‘Lok through to a third round meeting with Kirkintilloch Rob Roy at Adamslie Park.

Newlandsfield attentions now turn to a vital Stagecoach Super Premier League clash with local rivals Arthurlie this Saturday. Kick-off is at 2pm.

DUNIPACE: McGinty, Meikle, Kirwin, Reid, Mullen, Cullen (Gordon 90+2), Hunter, Wright, Rodger, Mallon, Miller. Not used: Orr, Murphy, Hutchison, Cherrie.

POLLOK: McKinven, Carter, McMenamin, Kane, Reilly (Fraser 68), Brady (McCluskey 32), McAulay, McQuilken, Sawyers, Monti, Deas (Miller 58). Not used: Lovering, MacKay.

BOOKED

DUNIPACE: Meikle (76), Wright (90+6)

POLLOK: Reilly (45), Miller (78), McQuilken (90), Fraser (90+3)

SENT OFF

POLLOK: McKinven (31)

GOALS

DUNIPACE: Reid (33p, 45+1), Mullen (47)

POLLOK: Deas (28), Sawyers (54, 90+5), Fraser (88)

Pollok squandered a late lead for the second week in a row as they drew 1-1 with Petershill in the Stagecoach Super Premier League at New Petershill Park on Saturday.

John Richardson’s side showed one change from the 3-2 defeat at Ashfield, with Paul Lovering making way for Paul McQuilken. ‘Lok were first to threaten after six minutes when Paul McAulay sent a dangerous cross into the Peasy box, but Brian McGinty failed to control the ball with his chest and the chance was gone. Three minutes later Stewart Maxwell delivered a free-kick into the visiting area, and although Ryan Jordan rose highest he was unable to steer the ball towards goal under pressure from the Pollok defence. Paul Woods then stepped inside Steven Reilly and fired goalwards, but his mishit effort failed to test Stevie McNeil. Liam Finnigan prodded wide from a corner kick before Stephen McGladrigan found himself unmarked in the penalty area, but he could only direct his free header over the crossbar from eight yards out. David Galt curled an attempt wide with half an hour gone, and Pollok should have hit the front sixty seconds later. Carlo Monti nipped in to beat home ‘keeper Michael White to a loose ball before squaring for McAulay, but the striker blazed over from the edge of the penalty area with the goal gaping.

When play resumed after the interval Ryan Deas was first to try his luck with a 20-yard effort that deflected wide for a corner kick. Jordan and Monti then both drove wide from distance and McQuilken forced a near post save from White before Pollok opened the scoring on the hour mark. McGinty and McAulay combined to released CARLO MONTI, who cut inside his marker before passing the ball into the bottom-right corner of White’s net. McNeil then hacked away a low cross from Woods before Monti sent a 25-yard free-kick narrowly wide of the upright. Substitute Ryan Craig then tested McNeil with a free-kick from just outside the box, but the ‘Lok number one made a good stop. He came to the rescue again five minutes from time when Maxwell’s deep cross was knocked back by Woods to McGladrigan, but he was denied at point blank range when McNeil managed to get his head in the way of the ball to redirect it against the crossbar. His resistance came to an end with only three minutes left to play when Petershill’s pressure was finally rewarded. Maxwell swung over a corner kick and SEAN McKENNA was left unmarked to bullet home a headed equaliser. The game was then delayed whilst referee Nick Walsh sent Pollok coach Stephen Docherty to the pavilion for allegedly making comments towards the match officials. The last chance of the game fell to McKenna three minutes into injury time, but he sliced wide from 18 yards out to ensure that the sides would finish with a point apiece.

Pollok now turn their attentions to the New Coin Automatics West of Scotland Cup, hosting Largs Thistle at Newlandsfield Park on Saturday in round three of the competition. Kick-off is at 2pm.

PETERSHILL: White, Girvan, Palmer (Craig 66), McCabe, Jordan, Murch, Finnigan, Maxwell, McGladrigan, Woods, Galt (McKenna 70). Not used: Burke, Barr, G Black.

POLLOK: McNeil, Dunlop, McMenamin, Reilly, Carter, McGinty, Deas, Hepburn, McAulay, Monti, McQuilken. Not used: Sawyers, Brady, Fraser, Lovering, McKinven.

BOOKED

PETERSHILL: Jordan (73)

POLLOK: Hepburn (29), Monti (44), McQuilken (86)

GOALS

PETERSHILL: McKenna (87)

POLLOK: Monti (60)