Duff Loks eyes on a cup prize

CHRIS DUFF pitched up at Pollok to win trophies and insists this squad has the talent to capture the holy grail.

The winger scored two as Lok thumped Neilston 4-1 in the sleet to reach the semifinals of the Scottish Cup.

Not since 1997 have the club lifted the trophy despite taking Beith to penalties in the showpiece four years ago.

But Duff has his sights set on a dream debut season after joining from Rossvale.

He said: “That’s probably the worst conditions I’ve played in – it was horrendous.

“But it’s a great feeling to be in the semi-final and to grab a couple of goals too makes it all the sweeter. I made the step to come here to try to win major honours and on our day we can be a match for anyone.

“We lost the Final on penalties to Beith before I joined. Hopefully this time around we can go one better but it will be a very tough ask.

“Our squad is very good and the competition for places is fierce. You need to be on it every game or you will find yourself out the team.”

Adam Forde drilled into the corner from 25 yards out seven minutes after the restart.

And Duff’s left-foot rasper from the edge of the box made it two 16 minutes later.

Stuart McCann converted brother Gary’s cutback before a misplaced pass allowed Duff to net. Gerry McLauchlan’s trip on Stephen Stirling let Dylan Fletcher put away a penalty. Matters on the pitch paled into insignificance though as the junior game was left in mourning.

Neilston tweeted: “The club is deeply saddened with the passing of supporter Gordon Sheach at the end of yesterday’s match.

“We wish to thank everyone from Neilston and Pollok, including both physios, who tried so hard to help Gordon.

“Our sincerest condolences go to Gordon’s wife, family and friends.”

Ton later said fellow fan Stuart Byars had died as they added: “The Neilston Juniors family have lost two good Farmer’s Boys this weekend.”