‘Lie come up short in derby
POLLOK .................................. 2 ARTHURLIE ............................ 0
It was the Southside derby on Saturday as Barrhead’s Arthurlie took the trip to Shawlands to meet Pollok at Newlandsfield.
Despite the two teams being at opposite ends of the league table, it was to prove an eventful 90 minutes, and it was third-bottom Arthurlie who made by far the brightest start to the game.
The visitors were given a golden opportunity to take the lead in the 18th minute when the referee pointed to the spot but Ryan McGregor saw his penalty easily saved by Jordan Longmuir.
Three minutes later, Andrew McLaughlin had another chance to give ‘Lie the lead but dragged his shot wide from inside the box.
In the 25th minute, it was McGregor again who was offered a great chance to score, this time heading a Connor Bradley cross wide from close range.
It had been all Arthurlie in the opening 45; that was until James Scott was called into action just before the break, making a great save low to his left and turning the ball wide for a corner.
Arthurlie were dealt a blow at the break when Lance Pearce was forced off due to injury with Alan Dunsmore making his return to the team as substitute.
The Barrhead side were dealt a further blow in the 64th minute when Mick Macneil was sent-off following a second yellow.
It was to prove the turning point in the game as, five minutes later the home side were to take the lead – Shaun Fraser converting from the spot after a penalty was awarded.
Despite caretaker boss Gary Carroll making further changes, including introducing himself in place of McLaughlin, it was always going to be an uphill battle for Arthurlie from a goal down.
With the clock hitting 90 minutes, it was left to Pollok to claim the game’s second goal. Substitute Jay Nelson converted from Stephen Docherty’s cutback to make it 2-0 and seal bragging rights for the hosts.