Hat-trick hero scores three for Cumbernauld

Three second half goals from United’s new striker Chris Zok sealed victory for the Cumbernauld men after a dismal display in the first 45 minutes of this pre-season friendly match at Tinto Park, Govan.

The visitors were a disjointed outfit in the opening half but a stern interval talk from John Queen and a couple of substitutions seemed to do the trick and an excellent performance produced the goods 
and the win.

Benburb started at full throttle and had three good chances in the first ten minutes of the contest. They continued to play strongly and got their reward in the 20th minute when, following a punt up the park and a mix-up in the United defence, Steven Waddell put the home team ahead.

United just could not get it together to begin with but improved as the interval approached only to lose another goal. Five minutes from the half time whistle the Cumbernauld boys laid siege to the Benburb goal and had five efforts blocked by the home defenders. The ball was then cleared up the pitch and Wadddell took advantage to score a second goal for the Bens.

United reappeared after the break with their sleeves rolled up and reduced the leeway on the hour mark when a great Alan Clark (signed from Ashfield) free kick found Chris Zok who headed home.

John Renwick and Tony Fraser had chances to equalise before Zok got his second goal following a United corner, lobbing the ball over the keeper.

Eighteen year old Ross Foley came on as a substitute as United went for the winner and took the eye with some good play.

United got the win, against a good Benburb team, late on when a United man was fouled in the penalty area. Chris Zok grabbed the ball and expertly converted to gain his hat trick.

This was a very worthwhile workout for the Cumbernauld players setting them up for the games ahead.