Strike power on Murdie’s mind after stalemate
POLLOK manager Murdie McKinnon is convinced his side will be more attack-ready for their Macron Scottish Junior Cup fourth-round replay with Glenafton after Saturday’s first meeting of the clubs ended in a 0-0 stalemate – the fourth blank sheet in his six games at the Glasgow club’s helm.
Murdie was in bullish spirits in the wake of a hard fought Loch Park clash.
“I do believe we probably shaded things over the piece and Glenafton could not have many complaints had we pipped them to a place in the last 16.
“It’s never easy coming here so I’m not altogether unhappy to be taking them back to Newlandsfield and though the tie is far from over I’m hopeful we can do better with a fully fit Adam Forde and Gary McCann to throw into the mix.”
The visitors almost made a dream winning start with just 18 minutes played when a slip by Glens defender Kyle McAusland set Pollok striker Stewart McCann scampering clear and his well hit shot would have been a certain score but for a wonderful full length diving save from goalkeeper Brian McGarrity who excelled again shortly afterwards by stretching out an arm to touch a netbound Ryan McGregor header round his post .
The Ayrshiremen responded with a few menacing attacking thrusts of their own and Pollok shotstopper Jordan Longmuir’s magnificent one-handed save to keep out a Mick McCann glancing header ensured they did not capitalise on finishing the first half on top.
The second period contained decidedly fewer heart-raising moments thanks in no small part to the defensive stalwarts at either end of the pitch – McAusland for the Glens and Pollok captain Paul Gallagher ensuring the back doors were kept firmly shut with the latter’s dominance ensuring his side could afford an ankle knock forcing stopper Danny Boyle to come off with half an hour left to play without ever looking like conceding a goal.
Glens boss Craig McEwan said: “Is it now advantage Pollok? Well, I don’t think my players performed particularly well and they have a lot more to give so my hope is they do it at Newlandsfield.”
Craigmark Burntonians’ 2-1 win at home to Fife hopefuls Glenrothes was arguably the biggest upset among the remaining ties while Lanark United held higher league Rossvale to a 1-1 draw at Moor Park and Royal Albert gave high flying Clydebank the mother of all frights at Tileworks Park .
Allan Campbell’s headed goal had the League One outfit leading 1-0 at the interval only for their hopes of a Cup shock to come undone through the combination of Martin Harty’s red card and Clydebank scoring secondhalf counters through Jordan Shelvey, Cammy McLair and Stevie Higgins.
Last season’s beaten finalist Hurlford United ran out 3-1 winners at Duncansfield while also taking their place in the fifth-round draw are Kilwinning Rangers and Largs Thistle.