JUNIORS Newlandsfield men beat Frew to League Cup glory UNDER LOK AND KEY

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JUNIORS Newlandsfield men beat Frew to League Cup glory UNDER LOK AND KEY

THE vision of a new, resurgent Pollok became clearer last night when they were crowned Euroscot Eng Sectional League Cup winners following a 3-0 victory over Renfrew.

Pollok goalscorers Ross Dunlop, Paul McQuilken and Carlo Monti in the 3-0 win over Renfrew
Pollok goalscorers Ross Dunlop, Paul McQuilken and Carlo Monti in the 3-0 win over Renfrew

What was truly memorable was the manner of their success as John Richardson`s men played his game plan to perfection in sticking to a very disciplined 4-5-1 formation.

This ensured they were rock solid defensively but always dangerous in attack with midfielders pouring forward at every opportunity to support lone striker Carlo Monti.

Recognition came from boiler room exponent Paul 'Diego' McQuilken picking up the sponsor's Man of the Match award but anyone in the winning camp barring their almost redundant goalkeeper Stevie McNeil could have been the recipient.

Delighted assistant boss Stevie Docherty said: "The boys competed well and went about their jobs with a real desire so to my mind we didn't have a single failure out there.

"Setting ourselves in recent weeks to keep things tight but with the emphasis on playing a passing game has not been to everyone's liking, but there's no doubt the players themselves appear well suited to this system.

"It's a great achievement to win the first silverware of the season, not least because it shows the progress that's been made from where we were last year.

"Our aim now is to build on this cup win and really kick on in our league matches, starting with a crucial test when Ashfield visit Newlandsfield on Saturday."

Pollok were 1-0 to the good after 15 minutes when an exchange of passes down the left wing ended with Paul McBride firing over a cross that found opposite flank man Ross Dunlop unmarked only six yards out. He directed a header off his own shoulder to totally deceive diving Frew No.1 Danny McLeay.

Renfrew almost levelled matters approaching the half-hour mark when ex-Lok front man Alain Kinney blasted a shot that beat McNeil all ends up only to crash off the crossbar and away to safety.

This near thing had terracing supporters in agreement during half-time that the next goal was going to be vital in the grand scheme of things and, following loud Renfrew claims for a penalty, Pollok snatched it in 57 minutes. The ever-alert Monti cleverly played in McQuilken inside the box, and he buried his shot for 2-0.

Buoyed by doubling their advantage,Pollok sensed the cup was almost in their grasp and began to dominate proceedings, so it was no real surprise when they added a third goal 20 minutes from the end after a surging run forward from substitute Jamie Docherty ended with him setting up Monti to net from close range for 3-0.

Pollok comfortably saw out the closing stages to bask in the loud terracing acclaim as Euroscot Eng managing director Ian Rorison presented the silverware to beaming skipper Paul Lovering.

Bitterly disappointed Renfrew co-boss Colin Clark said: "We only made it a contest for 45 minutes and over the piece, Pollok probably deserved to win.

"For us, the turning point came at 1-0 when the already booked Lovering brings down Alain Kinney in the box for what looked like a clear spot kick and a likely second yellow card.

"We needed the referee to be strong and make the big call but, unfortunately, he wasn't up to it and we paid the price."

In other news, the postponed Scotland Juniors friendly against Rutherglen Glencairn has been rescheduled for this coming Monday night (Clyde Gateway Stadium, 7.45pm). Keith Burgess's side face Republic of Ireland in Tipperary on October 6.

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