Watt 11

Robertson 24
Daisley 84

Subs:
12. Madden (5) (on 71 mins for 8)
14. Fraser
15. Gibson (7) (on 56 mins for 7)
16. Dickson
17. Sherry (6) (on 89 mins for 6)

LOK GOT WHAT THEY DESERVED

Lok management team: might be concerned at the flat performance

It would be an exaggeration to suggest that a Pollok defeat at home to Cambuslang Rangers is catastrophic in terms of their Central League championship challenge, but there was an air of tangible dejection at full-time when referee Euan Norris sounded the final whistle on the day's events.

It is worth mentioning the key players absent from the sixteen: Stevie Aitchison will miss whatever games are left for this season after losing his red card appeal, while Raymond Logan joined crocked duo Danny Hanley and John Hendry on the terraces. All four players would have had a major impact upon this game, such is their undoubted influence in Ronnie Lowrie's schizophrenic outfit.

There was certainly little in the way of football played from the home side. An exception to that rule was Mark McWilliams, playing a more advanced role than usual to cover for the missing Raymond Logan, and until he began to tire, he was the lynchpin of all Pollok's early moves. Less successful a replacement in midfield was the hard-working Stevie Gayne who tried to fill the boots of Aitchison in the defensive midfield role, but his ungainliness in the position was clear to everyone in the ground.

Cambuslang had the better of the early exchanges, with a snapshot from Billy Holmes in the second minute forcing Billy McCormick to be alert. As the 'Gers took advantage of the ground conceded by a subdued Pollok side, they continued to harass and harry, pushing for the opener. Drew McWilliams tried to carve out an opportunity for himself in the 7th minute, but the Cambuslang defence covered well, and this first positive foray into the heart of the visitors' penalty area galvanised Pollok for a brief spell. Mark McWilliams embarked on one of a few weaving runs that produced little, but as soon as possession was conceded, Lang pressed forward on the break, whipping in a high ball that bamboozled the dozing Lok rearguard before the danger subsided.

Against the run of play then, Pollok forged ahead in 11 minutes. A free-kick had been won around 25 yards out on the stand side of the ground. The Cambuslang wall didn't afford keeper Alan Wardlaw enough cover, and DAVIE WATT's swerving low effort beat the despairing dive of the helpless Lang player-assistant (1-0).

Mark McWilliams, thriving on the freedom of being able to push forward at every opportunity, yet again displayed superb ball control and balance three minutes later when he elected to take on the Cambuslang defence ahead of him after picking up possession 30 yards out. He shrugged off the challenge of four blue shirts before running out of pitch, and his shot on goal lacked the composure to fool Wardlaw, who blocked well.

Cambuslang's counter-attacking strategy had the obvious downside of allowing Pollok to press forward at will, but the speed and skill with which they turned that around to create their own chances was a wonder to behold at times. Their midfield ran this game, and the continental style of spreading the play wide from the middle and back again had the spun trio of Gayne, Fay and Pacitti on the verge of dizziness, such were the merry dances they were being lead on by their counterparts.

One such break in the 24th minute led to a free-kick being conceded in a not too dissimilar position to that one that Pollok had opened from, and full-back GARY ROBERTSON stepped forward to drill a deflected shot past the unsighted Billy McCormick (1-1). Ronnie Lowrie, perhaps unfairly, was furious with McCormick who although did not have the best view of the ball coming in, was very slow to get down to it as it came across him.

With the Somervell Park side back on terms they grew in confidence, and Mark Daisley was impressive coming forward as the half progressed. Pollok's makeshift midfield showed signs of fraying around the edges as the play began to be concentrated in the Pollok half. In one of Lok's rare productive charges forward, they produced a string of corners. From the second one, a short corner to Fay was laid off into the path of Drew McWilliams and he in turn spotted Davie Watt wide on the left who shrugged off the attentions of a pressing Lang defence to rifle a shot goalwards that deflected wide for the third corner.

A frustrated Paul McNeill picked up the second booking of his Pollok career after a minor incident with John Richardson in the 33rd minute, and a chance to restore the home lead was squandered five minutes later when Fabiani's cross from the right was miscued by a low on confidence Drew McWilliams. Stuart Taylor became the second player booked for clattering McNeill four minutes before the break as the half degenerated into scrappy football from both sides. The remaining pressure in the half was imposed by Cambuslang, with Daisley and Holmes working well together on the left, and another Robertson free-kick from distance being squandered.

Half-time: Pollok 1 Cambuslang Rangers 1

Pollok wasted no time in passing up their own chances though, and another cross from Fabiani found Drew McWilliams who once again displayed the control and poise of a man down on his luck when in yards of space.

In the lead up to the hour, firstly Kavanagh thwarted McWilliams as he lined up a shot, Gary Robertson went in hard on McNeill and a minute on Daisley would have been disappointed with a poor effort that failed to test McCormick. Stevie Gayne, making his first start in over two months, picked up another caution when he was penalised for swinging his arm across a Lang midfielder in the 60th minute, and from the free-kick Gilhaney was quick to fire in an effort on McCormick's goal that flew over.

Wardlaw then made a fantastic save from Fabiani's close-range header, before Mark McWilliams was booked for a blantant bodycheck. Increasingly Cambuslang, cheered on by a vocal support, began to impose their superiority over the lethargic home side. Gilhaney and Patterson both had opportunities to put them ahead as the game moved into its final quarter, before Balmain brought the game to a halt for a scything tackle upon Craig Cranmer in the 74th minute.

On the balance of play, Cambuslang Rangers deserved the goal that gave them the points in the 84th minute. Young Mark Gilhaney, the thorn in the Pollok right side, drilled in a cross that inexplicably wasn't read by the Pollok back three, and MARK DAISLEY was left totally unmarked to plant a close-range header past McCormick from a few yards out (1-2).

Despite the bitter pill of conceding a late goal, Pollok quickly fought to get back in contention, and they had the ball in the net two minutes later when a McNeill header set up Drew McWilliams to net, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Robertson was then booked for his part in a painful sandwich on Lok substitute Gary Madden and as the clock ran down, Davie Watt launched a desperate effort from distance that flew wide of target.

Cambuslang were deserving winners, with Daisley and Gilhaney impressive in the final third, while Alan Wardlaw had an excellent game in goal. Defeat for Lang was unthinkable in terms of the title, and the win keeps their hopes alive for another few weeks. As for Pollok, well there are very few positives to take from the game. A full-strength side might have competed better in this game, and hopefully by the time the next fixture comes around on the 13th of May at home to Renfrew a few more players may be off the treatment table. Mark McWilliams just shades man of the match award from Davie Watt for an excellent first half performance, although he did fade in the second half.

Final score: Pollok 1 Cambuslang Rangers 2

McNeill 56
Watt 57
D. McWilliams 90

Subs:
12. Fraser (6) (on 88 mins for 6)
14. Gibson
15. Madden
16. Watt (8) (on 53 mins for 7)
17. Dickson

SOLID STUFF FROM SUPER LOK

McNeill in the wars somewhat

In what was a scrappy first half with many misplaced passes, both teams passed up good chances to open the scoring. Drew McWilliams had the first chance for Pollok when after a Pacitti flick on he found himself with a free shot at goal that he hit straight at Smith from 6 yards out.

The same player then came close with a clever swerving effort from 25 yards that went just wide of the far post. The best chance of the half came moments later when after some great skill Paul McNeill hooked his shot wide of the post when he really should have hit the target . Drew McWilliams then was through with the keeper to beat but was denied what looked like a very poor offside decision.

Lanark gradually came into the match and after forcing two corners Young had a clever header from 18 yards well saved by McCormick.

Leonard sorts out Paul McNeill (videograb)

A minute later Leonard nearly opened the scoring with a thunderous free kick which was brilliantly turned onto the bar by McCormick.

Half time: Pollok 0 Lanark United 0

Pollok on the attack (digicam)

Pollok almost got off to a dram start in the first minute of the second half. McNeill had a fine glancing header which looked to be a certain goal before Smith pulled off an excellent save. Drew McWilliams then had one of the worst misses you are likely to see when he hit the ball wide of the open goal after some great play by McNeill. It was not to prove too costly as Pollok scored two good goals in the space of 46 seconds.

The first goal came after a fine flowing move with two great first time passes from McWilliams and Watt releasing PAUL MCNEILL as he drove into the box to fire a low, hard shot under the body of Smith from 12 yards. (1-0)

The second goal was created by good running by Drew McWilliams that forced Martin into a poor clearance. Kevin O'Neil then played the ball into DAVID WATT'S feet and he produced a neat turn and a clinical placed finish from the edge of the box into the corner of the net. (2-0)

Watt nets the Pollok second (videograb)

Lanark fought back well after this double setback and good shots from outside the box from Leonard and Bell brought out fine diving saves from McCormick. The referee then had to produce three yellow cards for Lanark as some very late tackles started to fly in with the biggest cheer of the day greeting the yellow card shown to centre half Slater for some persistent fouling.

First half action from Pollok v Lanark (digicam)

Pollok got a third goal in the last minute of the game. A deep cross to the back post from Logan was skilfully controlled on his chest by DREW MCWILLIAMS and after cutting inside the full back he placed the ball low into the corner of the net. (3-0)

A good second half performance from Pollok own three important points today. The introducing of Watt definitely changed the course of the game. Pollok had McCormick to thank for his great save with the score at 0-0 and I made him man of the match for this and his other fine saves during the match.

For Lanark Bell and McBratney had good games and always tried to play football.

Full time: Pollok 3 Lanark United 0

D. McWilliams 80
Logan 86

Subs:
12. Dickson
14. Fraser
15. Gibson
16. Madden (7) (on 73 mins for 7)
17. Sherry

LATE GOALS SEAL A DESERVED VICTORY

Tea n' sausage rolls at half-time, honest guv!

Pollok had very much the best of the first half and created some very good chances to score. Early on a deep free kick from Aitchison was powerfully headed towards goal by Logan, with Hutchison making a low save and he almost fumbled the ball into the path of McWilliams.

Roland Fabiani then had two good chances. The first a snap shot from 25 yards was well saved by Hutchison and the second was a chip that went just over the bar. Pollok's best chance fell to Paul McNeill after a great through ball from Logan. However McNeill was too casual with his shot alowing Hutchison to make a brave diving save at his feet.

Arthurlie created very little with most of the attacks coming form the long ball out of defence from the keeper that the Pollok defence dealt with comfotably with Pacitti and Cranmer being very strong in the air.

Mark McWilliams clears (videograb)

Half time: Arthurlie 0 Pollok 0 (And no-one's sure who won the half-time boxing...)

Arthurlie started off the second half much stronger and had a good twenty minute spell which coincided with them playing good football on the ground as opposed to the route one stuff of the first half. The home side were very unlucky not to take the lead when the Pollok goal had a miracle escape. A skilful forcing run into the box by Rhodden ended with I think Travers poking the ball towards the goal from 6 yards. McCormick in the Pollok goal was beaten but a goaline clearance by Mark McWilliams saved the day with the ball rebounding of the post to saftey.

Another good run from Gillies who was the Lie's best player on the day I thought, saw a fine save from McCormick after Down's cross/shot. Gillies again broke into the box with a great late run, but his volley was high over the bar. Pollok replied with a Drew McWilliams shot that was deflected just wide of the post. Arthurlie than broke up the field and with two men unmarked in the box a great tackle from Kevin O'Neil on Rhodden saved what looked like a certain goal.

Tempers flair after a poor decision (videograb)

Then came a hugely controverial moment that I find hard to explain. Cranmer fairly won a tackle on the edge of the Pollok box. The Lie player was injured but play raged on to the other end of the park. Hutchison then scluffed a back pass straight to McWilliams and brought down the Pollok forward in the box as he ran past him. The referee who was in the other half of the field then blew his whistle.

The result was a bounce up in the Lie penalty area not in the centre of the park. From the bounce up Stephen O'Neil caught the ball in both hands after it bounced and the referee retook it.

This seemed to spur on the Pollok players and they got a goal five minutes later in the 80th minute. DREW MCWILLIAMS ran on to a clever through ball from Logan and showed great skill and composure to cut inside two men and hit a low shot home from 12 yards. (1-0)

Arthurlie tried hard to get back into the game but the much criticised Pollok defence handled the attacks well. Pollok's killer second came in the 86th minute. A nice one-two from Drew McWilliams and McNeill ended with the latters cross being cooly volleyed in at the back post by RAYMOND LOGAN. (2-0) Pollok then played the remaining minutes out with a lot of possession deep in Arthurlie's half.

Drew McWilliams opens the scoring (videograb)

This was a game I thought Pollok deserved to win. The defence played well and the midfield and forward line looked a lot more dangerous than it has in recent weeks. Arthurlie played well in the second half but on the whole even allowing the players that were missing were very disappointing considering the considerable talent they had on the park.

Full time: Arthurlie 0 Pollok 2

Logan 48
Pacitti 70

Gaffney 20
Davis 90

Subs:
12. Gayne
14. Fay
15. Aitchison (6) (on 69 mins for 10)
16. D. McWilliams (6) (on 45 mins for 11)
17. Sherry (6) (on 69 mins for 7)

LOK PAY PENALTY IN LATE SICKENER

Watt back in and was impressive

Pollok got off to a good start in this match when with only seconds on the clock, Watt displayed fine strength and skill to hold off two Bens defenders as he fired a low hard and shot just wide of the post. However after that the home side had very little threat against Iain Banks in the Bens goal.

Benburb started to get a grip of the midfield and put the home side under a lot of pressure. From the third corner kick in succession, Bens took the lead. Kevin O'Neil in trying to clear only managed to skim the ball off the top of his head into the path of GRAEME GAFFNEY who rose unmarked at the back post to bullet the ball into the net (0-1).

Play rages in the 2nd half of Lok v Bens (digicam)

Half time: Pollok 0 Benburb 1

Bens press Lok back as they chase a goal (digicam)

The second half was much more entertaining with both teams playing better football. Pollok immediately got back on terms with a good goal. Drew McWilliams ended a nice passing move with a deep cross ro the back post where RAYMOND LOGAN out jumped Jamieson to header the ball powerfully in from 8 yards out. (1-1)

Bens almost retook the lead when slack marking in the box allowed Tinney time and space but he hooked his shot wide. Pollok then had a good effort from Watt on the turn well saved by Banks.

More good pressure by Pollok ended with a second goal. After a blocked Mark McWilliams shot the resultant corner was spectacularly headed into the net from 10 yards by MARIO PACITTI. (2-1)

Mario Pacitti celebrates a rare goal (videograb)

Pollok then wasted some good opportunities with Gibson and Watt both shooting over when they really should have done better. Bens gave a warning that they were not out of the game when O'Hara rose unchallenged at the back post to crash a header off the post.

Pollok press for their second goal (digicam)

Then as expected an equaliser came in the 4th minute of injury time. A nothing hopeful high ball into the box found for the third time in the match and the umpteenth time this season an unmarked opponent in the box in the shape of substitute MARK DAVIS and he easily headed the ball into the net. (2-2)

Full time: Pollok 2 Benburb 2

The penalty shootout unfolded as follows:

(P) WATT: low and hard to keepers right, but excellent diving save by Banks 0-0
(B) TINNEY: placed high into top right of net; keeper dived right way but no chance 0-1
(P) M. MCWILLIAMS: low hard to keepers left Banks did well to touch it but couldn't keep it out 1-1
(B) GRAHAM: hard high penalty in left corner of net, keeper sent wrong way 1-2
(P) SHERRY: keeper sent wrong way with low hard classy penalty to bottom left corner 2-2
(B) ELRICK: hard high to keepers left McCormick did well to touch it but couldn't keep it out 2-3
(P) D. MCWILLIAMS: sent keeper wrong way low and hard to left corner 3-3
(B) SHARKEY: chipped high into top right corner of net keeper no chance 3-4
(P) O'NEIL: battered straight at keeper Banks saved with his legs 3-4

Pollok had the chance to kill off the game at 2-1 but didn't take it. Benburb were not as impressive as earlier in the season when they demolished Pollok 3-0. A reasonable second half but yet again the defence let the home side down. For Benburb I made Gaffney their best player with Logan solid for the home side.