Pollok 1-2 Cambuslang Rangers
Abercorn Builders
Premier League
Saturday 27th April
At Newlandsfield
Cambuslang Rangers kept here hopes of a place in next seasons Super
League with a fine 2-1 victory over League Leaders Pollok at Newlandsfield at
the weekend. Defeat was unthinkable in terms of slipping out of the top 6 but
Andy Cunningham's men put in the shifts of there lives to boost the Lang and
move them back into 2nd spot. Goals from Gary Robertson and a late winner from
Mark Daisley ensured the Lang left with a vital 3 points.
Manager Andy Cunningham made a couple of changes
to the side that had only taken 2 points from their last 5 games. Stuart Gauley
was missing through injury; Alan Paterson replaced him. Gary McGregor made
way for Stewart Taylor in the defence.
Cambuslang started quite well and were presented
with an opportunity after 5 minutes. Holmes found himself in space but failed
to get full contact on the ball and the Lok keeper saved easily. Only a couple
of minutes later and Holmes again had a great chance but this time his shot was
deflected for a corner, from the resulting kick Holmes again went close, this
time he got on the end of Gilhaney's kick but his header went inches over the
bar. Pollok took the lead after 12 minutes and it was totally against the run
of play. 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
Watt's swerving low effort beat the despairing dive of the helpless Lang
keeper. Although had he not touched the ball as it crossed the line the goal
would not have stood, as it was in direct. But the referee consulted with his
assistant and awarded the goal. Minutes later and it could have been 2, a good
run my M McWilliams left a couple of Lang defenders floundering but his shot
was well saved by Wardlaw in the Lang goal. Cambuslang did get back on level
terms after 25 minutes. A free kick from Gary Robertson took a slight
deflection on its way to goal leaving keeper McCormack helpless to stop it.
Robertson went close a minute later when his powerful 20-yard drive went
narrowly over the bar. Pollok's McNeil was the first player to be cautioned
when he yellow carded for a late challenge on John Richardson. Cambuslang then
went close through Balmain who fired just over from the edge of the box.
Cambuslang's Taylor was then booked for a foul on Lok's McNeil.
H-T 1-1
Pollok started the 2nd half on the attack and
should have re taken the lead a minute into it. Watt's cross eluded the Lang
defence and allowed McNeil a free header but Wardlaw easily saved it again.
Cambuslang were let off the hook again after some slack marking at the back.
McWilliams found himself in acres of space but his control let him down and the
ball bobbled behind for a goal kick. Pollok then replaced Fay with Dickson and
Cambuslang replaced Holmes with Maxwell. Cambuslang's Daisley turned well
on the edge of the box but his tame effort at goal was easily saved. Pollok
picked up there 2nd booking of the game when Gayne fouled Richardson.
Cambuslang were pushing the home side back and both Balmain and Gilhaney saw
effort go just wide. Pollok then threw on Madden for Gayne in an attempt to get
the winner. The referee then booked Balmain when he was late on Paccitti. With
9 minutes remaining it was the visitors who grabbed the lead. Substitute Stuart
Maxwell made his way down the left wing before delivering the ball into
the box that found Daisley unmarked and he nodded home from close range.
This sparked wild celebration among the visiting support. Cambuslang then
replaced the superb Gilhaney with Jamie Earlie making a rare appearance.
Cambuslang's celebrations were cut short when Pollok equalised within a minute
but to there relief the linesman had flagged for offside. Robertson picked up a
needless booking in the dieing minutes and Cambuslang held on for the vital 3
points.
Line-ups
Pollok
McCormack, K O'Neil, Fabiani, M McWilliams, Pacitti,
Cranmer, Fay, Gayne, P McNeil, Watt, D McWilliams.
Subs from Madden, Fraser, Gibson, Dickson,
Sherry
Lang
Wardlaw, Robertson, Taylor, Doak, Kavanagh, Richardson,
Paterson, Balmain, Daisley, Gilhaney (Earlie 85) Holmes (Maxwell 62)
Subs not used
Watson, McDougall & McGregor