Pollok land West of Scotland Cup for first time in 17 years after shootout

There was late drama at Newlandsfield Park as Pollok clinched their first West of Scotland Cup since 2000, beating Cumnock 5-4 on penalties after a 2-2 draw on Saturday, writes Mark Donnelly.
By The Newsroom
Published 2nd Jun 2017, 16:20 BST
Updated 4th Jun 2017, 20:51 BST
The jubilant Pollok squad celebrate their dramatic shootout victory on the Newlandsfield pitch (Pic by Mark Donnelly)The jubilant Pollok squad celebrate their dramatic shootout victory on the Newlandsfield pitch (Pic by Mark Donnelly)
The jubilant Pollok squad celebrate their dramatic shootout victory on the Newlandsfield pitch (Pic by Mark Donnelly)

Scott Anson came close for ’Nock when he spotted keeper Jordan Longmuir off his line, his chip coming off the bar.

’Lok hit the woodwork themselves when Gary McCann’s cross-cum-shot was deflected onto the top of the goal.

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The Ayrshire cracks opened the scoring in the 33rd minute, a through ball being squeezed through to Callum McRobbie to net.

Cumnock then had two flag-kicks that were cleared to Ray Montgomerie, his first volley diverted over by Mark Sideserf, his second scrambled to safety by Longmuir.

’Lok equalised with the first real attack of the second half. Hanlon’s cross found his captain Paul Gallacher, rising to send a downward header into the bottom corner.

Good wing play from McRobbie picked out Del Esplin in acres of space, Longmuir denying him with a Schmeichel-esque block.

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A powerful drive from Anson clipped the top of the crossbar, before a Burns free-kick from 20 yards did likewise.

Just as it looked like it wasn’t going to be Cumnock’s day, they regained the lead in the 89th minute, Longmuir spilling a bouncing long range effort into the path of Burns who made no mistake.

The second minute of stoppage time brought about more drama, a combination of Longmuir’s long kick and hesitant Cumnock defending let Del Hepburn in behind the rearguard to keep his composure, lob Johnson, and send the game to penalties.

Anson was the only spot-kick villain in the first nine takers, pushing his wide of the upright, allowing Hepburn to once again take the plaudits by despatching past Johnson and sending the ’Lok support into raptures.