POLLOK goalkeeper Jordan Longmuir was the toast of Newlandsfield after a number of exceptional saves helped his side to a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over Auchinleck Talbot in the semi-final of the Evening Times Champions' Cup.

The first-season Junior saved a spot-kick from Gordon Pope during the match - and then stopped another couple when the game finished deadlocked at 2-2 after 90 minutes.

Lok will now face surprise side Blantyre Vics in Saturday's final at the same venue (2pm), and Longmuir said: "It's always good to test yourself against the best, and Talbot proved once again they are the best by winning the Scottish Cup.

"In fact, after winning the championship. we will be up with them in the Premier League next season and I'm looking forward to more of the same.

"I thought we bossed the game in the first 15 minutes, but gave them a soft goal and they finished the half the stronger of the sides.

"At the break, the manager told us to go out and play to our strengths, by picking our passes and getting our feet on the ball.

"Fortunately, we managed to get a couple of goals and we got through in the end."

Longmuir added: "At Pollok, we work on reactions and agility a lot with the goalkeeping coach, Brian 'Biscuit' Whelan, with agility normally at the top of the menu.

"I must admit Biscuit was a big draw in me coming to Pollok. Every keeper will tell you that if the ball is there to be saved you go for it, regardless of what's in front of you, but I was delighted with some of my saves.

"Mind you, not everyone will have been pleased with my performance. I played with Colville Park for three years and never won a single penalty shoot-out.

"My old manager was in the crowd for last night's game, so he will be as sick as a parrot. I will need to send him a text and apologise!

"Penalties are a bit of a lottery. You pick your side and stick to it - and hope for the best. Thankfully, it worked for me against Talbot and now we're in the final."

Talbot started the match with just five of the players who helped them win the Scottish Junior Cup at the weekend.

And they were so short of numbers that former player Derek McCulloch came out of retirement to help them in defence.

So it was no surprise that Pollok were on the ascendancy from the first whistle.

With home advantage, and roared on by a passionate support, the hosts carved out a good chance inside two minutes.

Kevin Bradley skipped past two defenders and played in Allan MacKenzie, who forced Talbot keeper Andy Leishman into a good save.

But that was just a taster of what was in store for the big Auchinleck keeper.

With five minutes on the clock, Pollok were awarded a free-kick 25 yards out. Tam Hanlon couldn't have struck it any sweeter - and it was bound for the top corner - but somehow Leishman was able to tip it over the bar.

Hanlon then fired past as Lok turned the screw - but it was the visitors who took the lead.

It was a simple move and cross into the box and Dwayne Hislop was on hand to side-foot into the empty net.

Talbot should have doubled their advantage midway through the first half. Lee Cochrane delivered a cross-cum-shot into the danger area and Mark Shankland slid in at the back post, but the ball hit the side netting.

Graham Wilson then flashed a shot inches wide as Talbot took a stranglehold on the game.

Talbot continued their domination right up until the break with Cochrane the latest to try his luck.

Lok boss Tony McInally introduced Robbie Winters just a few moments into the second period - and it paid instant dividends.

Hanlon sent over a wicked corner and Winters' shot was handled on the line. Hanlon stepped up to level from the penalty spot.

With 55 minutes on the clock, and a free-kick awarded to Pollok, there was a melee in the box and McCulloch was red-carded for a push on Winters.

Two minutes later, Robbie Winters headed home a MacKenzie cross to give Lok a 2-1 lead.

David Winters then had a goal ruled out for offside before Talbot were awarded a penalty kick in 65 minutes. Gordon Pope struck the kick well, but Longmuir pulled off a stunning save.

However, Talbot were level just four minutes later, Graham Wilson controlling a long ball into the box and clipping it over Longmuir.

Keir Milliken then found himself one-on-one with Longmuir, but again the Lok goalie was rock solid. With five minutes remaining, Longmuir showed his class by pulling off a stunning double stop.

The tie went to penalties and Mark Shankland hit the bar before Longmuir saved from Milliken and Colin Spence.

The second of his spot-kick saves meant Pollok were through to the final by virtue of a 3-2 scoreline.

Afterwards, McInally said: "We gave Talbot a guard of honour before the game for their fantastic Scottish Cup win - but that was where the respect finished.

"We played well for large spells of the game and should have had a third goal, but the referee's assistant ruled it out. I'm delighted we're through."

Talbot gaffer Tommy Sloan said: "I can't fault my players. We were down to the bare bones but they gave me everything.

"We created some really good chances, but fair play to Pollok because they played well."