Hamill 49
Carberry 56

Subs:
12. Gayne
14. Gibson (6) (on 62 mins for 6)
15. Fraser
16. McNeill (6) (on 50 mins for 10)
17. Fay (6) (on 76 mins for 9)

OUTBATTLED & OUTCLASSED... AGAIN

Shout it loud, Spit: we're crap!

Pollok had new signing and old favourite Craig Cramner in the side for todays game against Maryhill. The new man nearly made a dream start when he headed a Logan cross just wide of the post after 4 minutes. After that effort the rest of the game was totally dominated by Maryhill who steamrollered Pollok with some great powerful attacking football.

The home goal was put under siege and Pollok can count themselves fortunate not to go in several goals down at half-time. After a great head flick on from the very impressive Young, McLafferty rammed the ball into the net but was denied by an offside decision.

The Pollok defence hadn't answer to the waves of attacks from the Maryhill team and again were fortunate to survive when, following a wonderful flowing move, a clever Carberry cutback was weakly shot at goal by McLafferty allowing a goal line clearance from Cranmer.

Maryhill then had a good penalty shout turned down when the ball hit Kevin O Neil's hand. It was an accident but I have seen them given. McLafferty then had a good chance when well set up by Young but again he finished weakly by hitting the ball over the bar. Pollok's only attempt of note came when Logan had a good shot from outside the box well saved at full length by Black. The half ended with Young out pacing the Pollok defence to send a clever chip just wide of the post.

Action from the Pollok v Maryhill game (digicam)

Half time: Pollok 0 Maryhill 0

The crowd turned out in huge numbers, shame about the performance... (digicam)

Maryhill continued after the break to dominate and they got a deserved goal that their fine play merited on the 49 minute mark. Right-back Miller showed good skills to make room for himself and his brilliant deep cross was powerfully headed in at the back post by KEVIN HAMILL who easily out jumped O'Neil. (0-1)

There then was a very controversial moment at the other end. Aitchison went down in the box a little theatrically but there was contact. The referee decided it was a dive and booked the player. A melee ensued and Maryhill left-back Paul Watson seemed to strike Drew McWilliams. The referee was trying to break things up and may have been unsighted.

In the 56th minute Maryhill killed the game off with another lovely goal. Clever and skilful play by Miller and Hughes ended with the latter's cutback being controlled first time and buried with great aplomb from 18 yards by GARRY CARBERRY. (0-2)

Drew McWilliams hits in a rare effort on goal (digicam)

Pollok tried to get back into the game and McNeill had a good shot well saved by Black and a long range effort by Aitchison was just wide but to be honest, Lok never really threatened apart from this. Maryhill continued to look dangerous and it was a surprise that they did not add to their total. A good save from McCormick and some frantic defending keeping the score down.

Pollok somehow managed to get six players booked in this game. As much as Pollok were poor credit has to go to Maryhill who outclassed the home team in every department and won this game with quite a bit to spare.

Pollok tried hard but were second to every ball and had absolutely no dig up front relying on high balls which the giant 'Hill defence mopped up easily. Young and McLafferty ran the show up front for 'Hill with fine midfield performances from Hughes and Hamill. If 'Hill can get a bit of consistency they will take a bit of stopping on this performance.

Full time: Pollok 0 Maryhill 2

Madden 42
Logan 57, 76
Cannie 90

Subs:
12. Gayne
14. Gibson (7) (on 63 mins for 6)
15. Cannie (8) (on 70 mins for 9)
16. McNeill
17. Fay (7) (on 77 mins for 7)

SHOCK AS SUPER LOK HIT TOP!

RL's all smiles as Super Lok hit top

Lanark started off the stronger of the teams and created some good chances due to some very poor Pollok defending. Brown took advantage of a piece of terrible indecision between Fabiani and Fraser and saw his shot go just past the post. Pollok replied with a double effort from Drew McWilliams that forced a goal line clearance.

McBratney then forced a good save out of McCormick with a good shot from 12 yards. Pollok started to come back into the game and a lovely one-two between the two McWilliams ended with a fine save by Smith from Mark McWilliams.

Lanark then caught the Pollok defence on the back foot and when Dickson and Pacitti collided, McBratney was left with an easy chance but McCormick pulled off a brilliant save and Fabiani then showed great skill to clear the rebound to safety.

There were a few robust tackles flying in from the home side and after a scramble in the box, Craig Stark can consider himself fortunate to stay on the park after he clearly elbowed Drew McWilliams in an off the ball incident. Lanark's centre half Arnott also had a wild kick at Fraser and this started a melee on the park with much pushing and shoving and somehow the referee saw fit to let the player off with a lecture.

Gary Madden heads Pollok into the lead (videograb)

Pollok took the lead in the 42nd minute with a fine goal. Clever play from Logan and Aitchison ended with a great Drew McWilliams cross being headed in at the back post by GARY MADDEN. (1-0)

Half time: Lanark United 0 Pollok 1

Pollok who started to play some very nice football in the difficult windy conditions dominated the second half. More good play in the mid field by Aitchison set up Madden and his shot was well saved at the near post by Smith.

Pollok on the attack at Lanark (digicam)

The second goal for Pollok came in the 57th minute. A clever ball by Fraser set Madden free on the left wing and he sent over a great cross with his weaker right foot, which RAYMOND LOGAN easily headed in at the back post for his first goal for the club. (2-0)

Lanark's uncompromising style of play affected the game. Arnott firstly followed through on Aitchison which ended up with another melee that saw Logan and Irving booked then Arnott kicked out wildly and caught Fraser which ended the Pollok mans involvement in the game.

Pollok made three quick substitutions and they killed off the game in the 76th minute. Firstly, a piece of sublime skill by Phil Cannie saw him beat his man on the wing with a delightful spin and dummy. Then his great cross ball was just missed by Madden but not the strong running RAYMOND LOGAN who hit the ball into the net at the back post. (3-0)

Logan taps in Pollok's third goal (videograb)

Aitchison, having yet again a fine game, came close with a thunderous shot from 30 yards before Pollok got a fourth in the dying moments. A clever first time ball from O'Neil set Cannie through on goal. PHIL CANNIE coolly ran 40 yards with the ball before dummying and then nutmegging the keeper. (4-0)

After a poor start - with some terrible defending - Pollok ran out comfortable winners with a good performance from the whole team. Special mentions to Madden, Pacitti and Logan. Lanark will rue the missed chances early on... but it is goals that count. The win also takes Pollok to the top of the table on goal difference.

Full time: Lanark United 0 Pollok 4

Stewart 11

Watt 24

Subs:
12. M. McWilliams
14. Gayne
15. Gibson (6) (on 84 mins for 6)
16. Madden
17. Cannie (7) (on 70 mins for 10)

TITLE BID STUCK IN THE MUD

No photshop trickery needed here... (videgrab)

Yet again another new keeper in goals for Pollok; this time it was ex-Larkhall keeper Billy McCormick - in until the end of the season as cover for injured Danny Hanley - who joined Raymond Logan (formerly of Linlithgow and East Fife) and Kevin Fraser (ex-Threave Rovers) in making his debut. Pollok started off strongly forcing a series of corners and two good saves from McLaughlin from McWilliams and McNeill.

Cumbernauld were looking very dangerous on the break and opened the scoring after a blunder in the Pollok defence. A hopeful ball caught Dickson flat-footed allowing PAUL STEWART a run in on goal and he showed fine composure to slide the ball home from 8 yards. (1-0)

Shortly afterwards, McCormick made a spectacular save from a wild clearance from O'Neil which the referee judged a passback. From the freekick some 9 yards out, Cumbernauld's Glancey was unlucky to see his clever effort hit the junction of the post and crossbar. Pollok then started to press forward and had a couple of close efforts. Fabiani headed a corner just wide and a good effort from Watt shaved the post with the keeper beaten.

The equalising goal came in the 24th minute. Aitchison unleashed a dipping shot from fully 40 yards which crashed off the crossbar. DAVID WATT then cleverly scored with a low diving header from 10 yards out. (1-1) Watt again came close when his vicious shot was deflected onto the crossbar. Cumbernauld then hit back and Stewart should have got his second when cleverly played in by No 10 he shot wildly over.

Passback mayhem (videograb)

The same player came close after a terrible clearance from a back pass fell right to his feet. Luckily for Pollok Fabiani was able to clear the danger.

Before half time Pollok were unlucky not to get another goal before half time. Mcwilliams had the ball in the net from a Watt cross but it was ruled offside. Then Fraser got the break of the ball in the box and his shot was cleared off the line by Cumbernauld's right back.

Half time: Cumbernauld United 1 Pollok 1

The second half was pretty poor. Pollok had the bulk of the play but too often overpassed the ball. Cumbernauld again were content to hit on the break and their skilful and hard working forwards kept the Pollok defence under pressure.

Pollok's best efforts came from Watt who twice forced good saves from the always impressive McLaughlin, but the United keeper knew nothing about a third effort from Watt which crashed off the inside of the post and somehow stayed out of the net.

A bustling Guy's Meadow! (digicam)

United almost got a freak goal when Pacitti deflected a shot from No 11, but McCormick made a good low save. Logan then came close for Pollok as well after a nice turn in the box he crashed a shot of the base of the post. United could have snatched the points in the last minute when No. 6 rose unmarked to power in a header just over the bar.

This was a game that Pollok could have won but I think a draw was the fair result. United were hard to break down and played some nice football on the break with goalscorer Stewart and No 10 looking impressive. For Pollok, Aitchison was outstanding with very good performances from Watt and Pacitti.

Anonymous Lok fans: unimpressed... (digicam)

Full time: Cumbernauld United 1 Pollok 1

Cannie 20, 88 (pen)

Urquhart 55
G. Wilson 75

Subs:
12. McNeill (7) (on 64 mins for 9)
14. Gibson (6) (on 76 mins for 7)
15. Elliot (6) (on 85 mins for 6)
16. Gayne
17. Sherry

HONOURS EVEN

Aitchison: 1st victim of serial carder

Pollok had another new keeper in goals today - stopgap Mark Johnston from Kilbarchan Amateurs - and he was under pressure straight away when he had to clear a terrible Dickson backpass from the feet of Neilston's Martin McLauchlan. After this early scare Pollok had the best of the first half, playing some good football and creating many chances.

Great play from Watt lead to Cannie firing in a dangerous cross that was headed just over the bar by a diving Drew McWilliams. Gary Madden then ended a fine move with a good low shot that was well saved by Sexton in the Neilston goal. More clever play by Cannie ended with a Davie Watt effort that went just wide.

Phil Cannie celebrates superb opener (videograb)

Lok had a claim for a penalty denied by Mr Collum when Watt was grabbed around the waist and hauled to the ground. And it got worse: two poor tackles by Fox and the right back didn't see a yellow card. Pollok got a deserved opening goal by yet another piece of magic from Phil Cannie. From a free kick 35 yards out PHIL CANNIE sent a tremendous shot low into the net via the base of the post. (1-0)

Pollok should have added to the total on the stroke of half-time when one of the best moves of the season involving five players ended with Watt side footing the ball just wide of the post.

Half time: Pollok 1 Neilston 0

Neilston started the second half very strongly and forced Pollok on the defensive with some very good, skilful attacking football. The equaliser came in the 55th minute and what a great goal it was from the always excellent ALAN URQUHART. A headed clearance fell into his path and he showed brilliant skill to volley the ball powerfully and majestically into the top corner of the net. (1-1)

Sexton hauls down McNeill for the penalty (videograb)

Urquhart was then involved in a highly controversial incident. Aitchison challenged him for a high ball and caught the Neilston man in the face with his hand. It looked accidental but the Neilston players surrounded the ref brandishing imaginary cards. It was Aitchison who saw red however.

Fox of Neilston was a lucky man to escape a red card when he twice raised his hands to Aitchison's face in front of the ref.

Neilston used the extra man well and put Pollok under a great deal of pressure. Murray should have done better than shoot wide when cleverly set up by Johnston. Neilston got a second again with more controversy. McLauchlan dived on the edge of the box and the ball went out of play with the linesman giving a goal kick. Referee Collum decided it was a free kick. GARY WILSON then hit an absolute beauty of a shot into the top corner of the net. (1-2)

Pollok fought back well and Cannie's great cross into the box was just missed by McWilliams. Fallen then elbowed McNeill's head and was booked. Then Pollok's Mark McWilliams was guilty of a similar offence on Murray and he too can consider himself fortunate to only get a yellow. Gibson then forced a great save out of Sexton with a thunderous shot.

Pollok got an equaliser in the 88th minute. A Gibson header lead to McNeill running into the box where he was brought down by Sexton. PHIL CANNIE expertly stroked the ball home before more controversy. (2-2)

Cannie tried to get the ball as Sexton attempted to boot it into the stand. Sexton followed through and kicked Cannie's foot. Cannie was shown a second yellow card which caused uproar both on and off the park.

Neilston substitute Chris McKie then back-headed Mario in the face while attempting to head the ball on. None of the Pollok players thought it was deliberate and neither did the majority of the crowd but a red card was shown.

Thankfully the final whistle went before there was any more incidents. Pollok should have had the game sewn up before half time but fair play to Neilston who scored two great goals. The referee was the biggest influence on this game however.

Full time: Pollok 2 Neilston 2

McAninch 80

D. McWilliams (pen) 57
Watt 59

Subs:
12. Sherry
14. Gibson (6) (on 70 mins for 9)
15. Elliot
16. Cannie
17. Fay (7) (on 66 mins for 11)

TITLE DREAM ON TRACK AFTER WIN

Point-saving stuff from Graham Potter

The opening 30 minutes of this game were quite frankly dreadful. A combination of a poor surface and terrible passing saw very little football played. In the 32nd minute we had the first real attempt on goal when Thistle's John Wilkinson made room well for himself in the box but his hard hit shot was easily saved by Graham Potter.

Pollok ended the half strongly and passed up a number of good chances. McNeill cleverly controlled a long kick out and saw his good shot well saved by the Larkhall keeper. The same player then should have done better than hit the ball over the bar when well set up by Watt. Watt then showed great skill to turn his man on the edge of the box and was unlucky to see his chip shot go just wide with the keeper well beaten.

Pollok where then denied what looked like a stonewall penalty when Hugh Kennedy clearly pulled back McNeill inside the box.

Drew McWilliams opens from the spot in 2nd half

Half time: Larkhall Thistle 0 Pollok 0

The second half was full of chances for both teams. Pollok continued where they left off with both McWilliams and Watt shooting just wide. The best move of the match saw a nice passing move end with Aitchison forcing another good save out of the Larkhall keeper. Larkhall hit back with a typical powerful run by the impressive Watret and his excellent cross was just missed by the incoming No 8. Larkhall's Wilkinson then had time and space in the box but was denied by a good Dickson tackle.

More match action from Gasworks Park

The opening goal for Pollok came in the 57th minute. Watt held the ball up well in the box and was pulled to the ground by Kennedy. After some nonsense in the box when the Larkhall keeper was booked for kicking the ball off the spot. DREW MCWILLIAMS kept his cool to send the keeper the wrong way from the spot. (1-0)

Pollok got a second goal a few minutes minutes later. An Aitchison long throw was played into the path of DAVIE WATT and he hit a great low volley into the net from 12 yards. (2-0)

Larkhall tried to fight back and forced a series of corners but did not look like scoring. The game erupted in the 70th minute. The Larkhall left back Stephen McQuade was guilty of a very reckless tackle from behind that caught McNeill in the back of the knee. The referee showed a straight red card .

There then followed Larkhall's best spell of the game as they pushed men forward. The Pollok defence looked very shaky as No 10 ran through a static centre of defence and was denied a goal by a fine save by Potter then a good goal line clearance by Pacitti. However the home side pulled a goal back and what a lovely goal it was. From what has to be said a soft free kick given on the edge of the area PETER MCANINCH hit a screamer of a shot over the wall and into the net. (2-1)

Larkhall then had a good shout for a penalty when a shot from No 6 took a wicked bounce and hit O'Neil on the arm. It would have been soft but I have seen them given. Pollok on a quick break should have tied the game up when a good move involving Fay and Madden ended with Gibson hitting his shot against the keeper when he should have done better.

I thought Pollok deserved the victory today. After a terrible opening it turned out to be a pretty good game. Watt played his best game for Pollok since his arrival and another good performance from Mario Pacitti who was good in the air against two powerful forwards. For Larkhall before his red card McQuade and Watret had good games.

Full time: Larkhall Thistle 1 Pollok 2