Pollok’s reward for a nerve-shredding win over Darvel in the previous round was a game against East Stirlingshire of the Lowland League. The game was played at the Falkirk Stadium which has seen crowds of up to 21,000 for concerts by the likes of Elton John and Rod Stewart. On a cold day in November the fourth round of the South Challenge Cup attracted 305 – the vast majority hoping for an away win, and Pollok delivered as a double from Ryan Wallace and one from Liam Lapsley confirmed a comfortable progression.
Maxi made two changes from the defeat at Benburb as Chris O’Kane and Sean O’Donnell – making his first Pollok start – replaced Declan Black and Andy Gallacher. There was also a change in formation with Bain playing as one of three central defenders. Amongst East Stirlingshire’s ranks were former Pollok youngster Tony Coutts and 2010 Scottish Cup winner Morgaro ‘Jimmy’ Gomis.
The game kicked off with ten extra sets of goal frames of various sizes dotted around the side of the pitch so even a misplaced pass had a good chance of finding a net. Pollok started brightly and from long range Docherty forced Ecrepont into a diving save which was then cleared behind. It was to be the first of a number of early set pieces from which Pollok threatened.
The Southsiders took the lead from a corner in the tenth minute. Bain swung it in and Wallace rose highest in the six yard box to power home a header for his first Pollok goal. It was a merited lead.
East Stirlingshire had a great opportunity to equalise a few minutes later when a through ball found Spence in behind the Pollok rearguard. Truesdale was out quickly to narrow the angle and make a good, and vital, save.
The Pollok keeper was back in action when McRoberts skipped past Wallace and fired in a low cross which Truesdale cleared with his right boot. Pollok captain, Forde then picked up a booking for a challenge on Coutts which most in attendance felt was a good tackle.
The remainder of the half saw the home side retaining possession with some nice passing but not threatening a well organised Pollok defence and it was the away side who carved out another decent chance on the stroke of half-time with a breakaway which saw Docherty slip in Lapsley. He tried to cut back in for a better angle but was well tackled.
HALF-TIME: EAST STIRLINGSHIRE 0 – 1 POLLOK
East Stirlingshire started the second half with a speculative volley which swung wide and then a low strike which also missed the target. Docherty then won a corner which Forde swung in and Wallace was there again to glance his header home and double Pollok’s lead.
Another set piece for Pollok in the 56th minute saw them extend their lead to three. Forde’s delivery was aimed at Wallace but the home defence managed to head it to the edge of the box where Lapsley met it with a controlled, low volley into the net.
With the Pollok defence on top form, this put the result – if not the final score line – beyond doubt. East Stirlingshire battled on in search of a consolation and forced Truesdale into a diving save whilst at the other end Docherty had a shout for a penalty and Forde saw a low drive go just wide.
With the full moon beaming down to assist the floodlights throughout the second half there were to be no frights for Pollok and Ross Smith retired with an extremely well-deserved clean sheet. The big man has never given less than his all and he leaves with everyone’s respect and best wishes.
It had been a complete team performance by the Southsiders in a thoroughly merited win against a team from the league above. Everyone on the pitch, on the bench and in the away support had played their part with a huge sense of togetherness shown as the players exited the pitch to a rapturous round of applause.
FULL-TIME: EAST STIRLINGSHIRE 0 – 3 POLLOK
Man of the Match: Ryan Wallace
Attendance: 305
Match report by Peter Thomson
Photographs from James Graham
Full match highlights and post-match interview in association with Scottish Property Centre:
