Robert Downs (24)
David McGeown (47)
Bryan Dingwall (78)

Michael Hughes (35)

Pollok’s long season finally came to an end with a silver lining as they lifted the Evening Times Cup Winners Cup after a 3-1 victory over Cumnock at Maryhill’s Lochburn Park.

Outgoing Pollok manager Rab Sneddon took charge of the side for the final time, and he named the same eleven who had defeated Auchinleck Talbot on Wednesday evening. Cumnock’s Michael Hughes had the first chance of the game, heading wide from a cross from the left. Pollok’s first opportunity came from a Richie Newall corner, with Raymond Logan sending a weak volley wide of the post. Robert Downs also shot wide after creating space for himself with a sublime turn before Chris Cruickshank sent over a cross that glanced off the face of the crossbar. Pollok took the lead from a set piece after 24 minutes. Newall played a short corner to Stevie Miller on the edge of the penalty area, and he crossed towards ROBERT DOWNS, who directed a pinpoint header beyond Graham Potter and into the back of the net.

Cumnock lost Gareth Campbell to injury, with Darren Henderson taking his place, and Henderson nearly made an immediate impact, heading a Stevie Farrell cross wide. ‘Nock almost drew level when David McInally’s ferocious effort from the edge of the box struck the underside of the crossbar and rebounded to safety. A mistake by Stevie Aitchison allowed McInally another chance, but a combination of Zander Ryan and Derek Heaton managed to block his effort for a corner. Cumnock’s pressure was rewarded after 35 minutes as they levelled the scores. Paul Cameron’s cross from the right was spilled under little pressure by Kris Robertson, and MICHAEL HUGHES gratefully slammed the loose ball into the net. ‘Nock could have taken an advantage into the interval when Cameron rode a number of challenges to get into great position inside the Pollok box, but wasted all his good work by firing the ball over the target.

Half-time saw a change of shape for Pollok, with Andy McClay taking over from Newall as ‘Lok opted to move to a back three, and within two minutes they had regained their lead. Logan delivered an exquisitely weighted pass to DAVID McGEOWN, who coolly rounded Potter before slotting home. Pollok almost moved further in front after 56 minutes when Dingwall connected with a cross from the right, but his well struck drive from close range was superbly saved by Potter. Robertson was called into action at the other end when he firstly pushed a well-hit McInally free-kick around the post, then when he tipped a 25-yard strike from Richie Barr over for a corner. Anton Heffron then sent the ball over from close range after a stramash in the box at a Cumnock corner. At the other end of the field Heffron was dispossessed inside his own area by Downs, but the striker couldn’t find the target with his shot on the turn.

Robertson held another Barr effort from distance and Aitchison blocked a goalbound strike from Hughes before Davie Turnbull entered the game with quarter of an hour left to play. His first involvement in the game was to help create Pollok’s third goal. Turnbull took possession just inside the Cumnock half before picking out the run of Downs with an inch-perfect ball. He swept a first-time pass across to strike partner BRYAN DINGWALL, who fired home into the bottom left-hand corner of the net. Miller then blocked a drive from Stuart MacDonald, while Turnbull shot just wide after a clever one-two in the Cumnock box. The last chance of the game fell to Barr, who seized upon hesitancy in the Pollok defence but could only shoot wide of the post.

Pollok therefore took the final silverware of the season, and it was only fitting that Rab Sneddon was afforded the honour of lifting the trophy as he brought down the curtain on a Pollok career that brought sustained success, with three league titles amongst the eight honours that arrived at Newlandsfield Park during his four-year tenure in the managerial hot-seat.

Bryan Dingwall (35, 51)
Chris Cruickshank (54)
Stevie Miller (77)

Bryan Young (7, 16)

Pollok gave themselves one final shot at glory this season with a come-from-behind victory over Auchinleck Talbot in the semi-finals of the Evening Times Cup Winners Cup at Newlandsfield Park. Pollok manager Rab Sneddon made three changes to his side as he took charge of his troops for the last time at home. Out went Gary Wilson, Brian McKeown and Andy McClay, while Chris Cruickshank, Stevie Aitchison and Richie Newall all returned.

‘Lok made the worst possible start as they found themselves a goal behind after just seven minutes. Colin Spence fed the ball out to the right wing, with BRYAN YOUNG picking up possession at the touchline before cutting inside and curling a sweet strike past Kris Robertson into the corner of the net. Six minutes later Robertson tipped over a fierce Kris Doolan shot from the edge of the box, but he was beaten again after 16 minutes. Doolan flighted over a corner from the right and BRYAN YOUNG slid in to guide the ball into the bottom left-hand corner of the net. Pollok began to raise their game, with Raymond Logan and Bryan Dingwall both shooting wide from just outside the penalty area, but it took a defensive blunder after 35 minutes to bring ‘Lok back into contention. James Lundie’s woeful header back to his ‘keeper fell short of Derek Barnes, and BRYAN DINGWALL pounced to loft the ball into the net. Logan then set up Newall for a low drive that Barnes saved well, while Zander Ryan blazed a shot miles over the target. The half finished with Robertson making a good stop with his legs to deny Danny McKelvie.

Talbot nearly extended their lead early in the second half after another Doolan corner, This time Cruickshank won the header but directed it towards his own net, only for a team-mate to clear it from the goal-line. Doolan then fed McKelvie, who found his path to goal blocked by Robertson. The ball broke to Young, but Robertson recovered quickly enough to save his follow-up effort. After 51 minutes Robertson launched a long ball downfield for BRYAN DINGWALL to run onto, and he flicked an expert finish beyond the advancing Barnes to level the scores. Three minutes later Pollok edged ahead. Newall’s free-kick from the left was missed by Dingwall, but fell kindly for CHRIS CRUICKSHANK, who smashed the ball home from close range. Dingwall then headed just wide for Pollok, while Robertson was forced in to a terrific save after Gavin Collins had connected with a Young corner. Midway through the second half Auchinleck were given the perfect chance to equalise.

Stevie Aitchison tripped McKelvie just inside the area, and referee Greg Aitken pointed to the spot. McKelvie stepped up to take the kick himself, but could only rattle the right-hand post, with Ryan hacking the rebound to safety. Newall then cleared off the line from a Stuart Davidson strike before being replaced by McClay. McKelvie screwed a shot wide before Robertson misjudged a long ball, allowing Doolan a sight of goal, but he also missed the target. After 74 minutes Collins found the target with a header from a corner, only for McClay to make yet another goal-line clearance for Pollok. Three minutes later Pollok claimed the goal that virtually sealed their place in the final. McClay passed to STEVIE MILLER 25-yards from goal, and his powerful drive gave Barnes no chance. He missed the target from similar range shortly afterwards, while at the other end Derek Heaton made a great saving header to clear a dangerous John Boyle cross, and Pollok held on for a place in the final.

That final gives Rab Sneddon the chance to finish his Pollok managerial career on a high note when ‘Lok take on Cumnock at Maryhill’s Lochburn Park.

Chris Erskine (37)
Jamie Longworth (44, 57, 82)
Alain Kinney (77)

Bryan Dingwall (45)

Pollok’s hopes of lifting the Whyte and Mackay West of Scotland Cup were crushed at the final stage as they were thrashed 5-1 by Kilbirnie Ladeside at Maryhill’s Lochburn Park.

Pollok made the brighter start of the two sides, with Bryan Dingwall heading narrowly wide from a Gary Wilson free-kick after just four minutes. Another Wilson free-kick five minutes later found the head of Robert Downs, who nodded the ball down to Raymond Logan. Logan fired home from close range, only to have his celebrations cut short by the assistant referee’s offside flag. It took 11 minutes for Ladeside to force a save from Kris Robertson, with the ‘keeper easily gathering Jamie Longworth’s header. David Anderson then volleyed wide from a David Gray corner as The Blasties began to settle into their rhythm. Robertson had to hold an ambitious 35-yard free-kick from Gray before Pollok squandered a great chance to take the lead. Zander Ryan’s cross from the left found David McGeown just three yards from goal, but somehow the midfielder managed the head the ball against the legs of Paul McCann in the Kilbirnie goal.

McCann then held a McGeown drive from 20-yards out before the Ayrshire side took the lead after 37 minutes. Good interplay down the right by Kilbirnie drew the ‘Lok defence out of shape, and when the play was eventually switched to the left CHRIS ERSKINE found himself with time and space to drill the ball beyond Robertson. Ladeside nearly added a second after 43 minutes when hesitant defending allowed Longworth a strike at goal, only for the ball to cannon against the post. He made no mistake 60 seconds later however when a failed attempt to play offside allowed JAMIE LONGWORTH to advance on goal, and he coolly slotted beyond Robertson. There was still time in the half for Pollok to grab a lifeline when Stevie Miller’s cross from the right was met by the head of BRYAN DINGWALL at the near post, and he made the score 2-1 at half-time.

Ladeside almost restored their two-goal cushion upon the resumption of play when Liam McGuiness was afforded a free header from a corner, but he missed the target. Logan mishit an effort from the edge of the box, then headed wide from a McGeown cross as Pollok sought an equaliser. Ryan was next to try his luck with a low free-kick, and only a fine save from McCann kept his side in front. With 57 minutes on the clock Kilbirnie moved 3-1 in front. Erskine slipped the ball through to JAMIE LONGWORTH, who made no mistake as he fired past Robertson. Dingwall and McGeown spurned further chances for ‘Lok before they were reduced to ten men with 20 minutes remaining. A strange bounce deceived Miller near the halfway, and he caught the ball as it was going past him. Referee Gary Hilland had no hesitation in producing a straight red card.

Five minutes later David Anderson played a neat one-two with Alain Kinney, but his shot hit the legs of Robertson and deflected wide for a corner. Kilbirnie’s fourth was not far away however, as they scored again after 77 minutes. Chris Cruickshank conceded possession in midfield, allowing Longworth to take the play forward. He played in ALAIN KINNEY, who gleefully tucked the ball away against his former club. Pollok struck woodwork with nine minutes to go when Ryan’s cross was touched onto the post by McCann, but just one minute later Kilbirnie completed the rout with a fifth goal. Erskine’s blocked strike fell to JAMIE LONGWORTH, and he produced an exquisite flick with the outside of his boot to complete his hat-trick. Longworth should have added a sixth with two minutes left to play, but he shot wide from a good position.

The result was a major disappointment for Pollok, who will now turn their attentions to the Evening Times Cup Winners Cup as a long season moves into it’s final week.

Karl Anderson (31)
Chris Zok (86)

Zander Ryan (11)
Davie McGeown (60)

Pollok progressed to the semi-finals of the Evening Times Cup Winners Cup when they won their second penalty shoot-out in the space of 48 hours, defeating Kirkintilloch Rob Roy at Adamslie Park. Chris Fitzpatrick’s sending off against Vale of Leven did not incur a suspension, but regular ‘keeper Kris Robertson returned between the sticks for ‘Lok with Fitzpatrick on the bench. Also out of Monday’s line-up were Chris Cruickshank, Mark Booth and Alan Waddell, with Gary Wilson, Andy McClay and Bryan Dingwall restored to the side.

It was the hosts who had the first strike at goal, with Paul McQuilken firing well over after just two minutes. The same player found space beyond the Pollok defence three minutes later, but Robertson was able to save his shot at goal. Raymond Logan then headed wide from a Wilson cross before ‘Lok took the lead after 11 minutes. Again it was Wilson who swung over a cross from the left, picking out ZANDER RYAN, who bulleted a header beyond John Thomson for the opener. Robertson made a low save from Grant Anderson after 17 minutes, while McQuilken produced a mishit when in good position three minutes later. Pollok lost Paul Hyslop to injury after 25 minutes, with David McGeown his replacement. Six minutes later Kirkintilloch levelled the scores. Grant Anderson floated over a corner from the left and KARL ANDERSON rose to power the ball home. Thomson was nearly deceived by a sliced Stevie Miller cross that he had to push over the crossbar, while at the other end Robertson also had to tip the ball over, this time from a Stuart Morrison drive. ‘Lok almost moved back into the lead three minutes before half-time when McClay slipped a pass through to McGeown, only for his curling effort to strike the post and fall to safety.

McGeown had another opportunity to put Pollok in front seven minutes into the second half when played through on goal by Logan, but Thomson saved well from his low effort. Wilson then delivered a steepling ball to Logan inside the area, but his casual finish struck the base of the post. ‘Lok moved ahead again however on the hour mark. Wilson burst out of defence on the left before laying the ball off to Ryan. He found Downs, who gave a pass back to Wilson. He picked out DAVID McGEOWN, and after some good footwork he sent over a cross from the left that floated beyond Thomson and found the corner of the net. Thomson redeemed himself with an excellent close range save from Dingwall after 73 minutes. John Richardson brought on Ritchie Chang and David Kirkwood as he sought an equaliser, and it arrived with just four minutes left on the clock. Pollok failed to clear their lines after a cross from the right, an when Ryan’s attempt to control the ball went awry CHRIS ZOK pounced to shoot home from close range.

Pollok therefore faced a second penalty shoot-out in this season’s competition, with Zok converting the first spot-kick for the hosts. Downs stepped up for Pollok, only to see Thomson save his strike. Not to be outdone, Robertson immediately struck back for ‘Lok when he saved from Johnathan Carter. Ryan scored to level at 1-1, and Robertson produced another stop from Kirkwood to keep it that way. Substitute Mark Booth was next for Pollok, but he launched his strike high over the crossbar. Yet again however Robertson stopped for Pollok, this time saving from Thomas Jarvis. Miller and Morrison both hit the net with their penalties, meaning that Logan had the chance to win the game for Pollok. Just as he had done on Monday evening he kept a level head to bury the kick and take ‘Lok through, this time to a semi-final meeting at Newlandsfield Park with either Auchinleck Talbot or Kilbirnie Ladeside.

Raymond Logan (11)
Alan Waddell (82)

Graeme McKenzie (44)
Kevin Montague (72 pen)

Pollok were made to battle all the way before finally overcoming Vale of Leven to claim a place in the quarter-finals of the Evening Times Cup Winners Cup. Rab Sneddon made two changes to his side, with Zander Ryan and Raymond Logan returning, while Gary Wilson and David McGeown missed out.

Prior to the game the Alexandria side were presented with the Stagecoach Central District Second Division trophy, and they declared their intent to add more silverware as they attacked early on. Gordon Martin shot well over from 30 yards out after six minutes, and two minutes later an unmarked Robert McKenzie headed wide from an Alan Brown free-kick with the goal gaping. It was the hosts who made the breakthrough however after 11 minutes. Alan Waddell passed to RAYMOND LOGAN 20 yards from goal, and he lashed the ball powerfully beyond Matt Carr. Moments later Chris Fitzpatrick made a brave stop at the feet of Brown after he was released by Alan Gourlay, while Ryan could only find the side-netting at the other end for ‘Lok. Fitzpatrick then reacted well to tip over a header from Gourlay after a Vale corner.

Pollok could have doubled their lead after 25 minutes when a clearance was blocked into the path of Robert Downs. His shot was saved by Carr, but fell to Waddell. He struck an effort at goal, only for Robert McKenzie to head the ball away to deny a certain score. Three minutes later Logan beat the offside trap, only for Carr to make another good stop with his legs. Fitzpatrick turned away a well-struck Jack Buchanan shot before a poor header by Chris Cruickshank put his team in trouble, only for Kevin Montague to volley wildly over the bar. His side did pull level however with just one minute of the half remaining. GRAEME McKENZIE completed a neat one-two with Buchanan before placing the ball into the bottom corner of the net. ‘Lok responded immediately with a 25-yard Logan drive, but Carr produced another top quality save.

He was in action again early in the second half, this time stopping a Paul Hyslop header from close range. Stevie Miller and Logan then missed the target for Pollok, but Derek Heaton didn’t with a header from a Ryan corner, only for Carr to punch clear off the line. Hugh Hamill introduced Craig Wotherspoon to the action after 67 minutes, and the move reaped almost instant rewards. Wotherspoon beat the offside line and raced in on goal, only to be brought down by Fitzpatrick. Substitute referee Colin Steven dismissed the ‘keeper, with the less than 100% fit Kris Robertson coming off the bench in place of Heaton. His first job was to pick the ball out of the net as KEVIN MONTAGUE tucked away the spot-kick. Hamill took the scorer off and replaced him with Hugh Ward in an attempt to shore up the game, but his side conceded an equaliser with just eight minutes left to play. Cruickshank crossed for Downs, whose header crashed off the post before rebounding to ALAN WADDELL, who made no mistake with the follow-up effort. Logan could have won the match in normal time when he broke clear, only for his clipped shot to bounce agonisingly against the woodwork.

Vale took the first kick in the shoot-out, with Ward beating Robertson. Downs made no mistake for ‘Lok to bring the scores level. Gourlay then stepped up, only to be denied by a fine save by Robertson low to the goalkeeper’s right. The next six kicks were all converted, with Ryan, Hyslop and Miller all scoring for Pollok, while Buchanan, Martin and Alex Drain did likewise for Vale. The responsibility of the last kick fell on the shoulders of Logan, and he fired home to set up a quarter-final meeting against Super First Division champions Kirkintilloch Rob Roy at Adamslie Park