• The Magazine
  • Interviews
  • Current
  • Nostalgia
  • Legends
  • European
  • World
  • Log in
  • Subscribe
Menu
  • The Magazine
  • Interviews
  • Current
  • Nostalgia
  • Legends
  • European
  • World
  • Log in
  • Subscribe

A day oot at Pollok

PinkbyPink
October 29, 2013
inLatest, Review
A day oot at Pollok

BY MARK GODFREY

Having spent two days working in the plush, corporate surroundings of Old Trafford last week (no prawn sandwiches but half decent grub provided nonetheless), I came crashing back to down to earth on Saturday with my first visit to Newlandsfield Park, Glasgow, to watch hosts Pollok take on Glenafton Athletic.

For anyone unsure of who or what I’m talking about, Pollok is a Junior club (Scottish non-league) based in Glasgow’s southside, on the fringes of the trendy area of Shawlands. While Saturday’s visitors in the Stagecoach Super League Premier Division, Glenafton, tipped up from Ayrshire. My original plan for the weekend was to stay at the future in-laws and head to watch Partick vs. Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership, but having totally cocked-up when reading the fixture list and realised they weren’t even playing due to the international break, I decided to take in Non-League Day north of the border. And I certainly wasn’t alone. A fair estimate would of around 500 were in attendance, which may or may not be close to the norm. It is said that quite a number of Junior teams attract gates in excess of those attracted by many of Scotland’s lower level league clubs, and on this evidence, that assertion is correct.

Arriving just in time for the 2pm kick-off, the quirky, compact ground reeked of footballing history and tradition, tucked away amongst the tenements and high-rises with terracing so tight to the pitch you could smell the player’s liniment. Unusually for such levels of the game, the pitch was in immaculate condition despite the previous day’s torrential downpour. I was hopeful rather than optimistic that the players were of such a standard to be able to take advantage. My optimism was to be rewarded.

In the first half, Pollok hussled and harried, utilising their superior physical attributes while the nippier, more assured Glenafton boys stroked the ball round, weaving pretty patterns across the manicured grass. The boys in red were rewarded just before half-time when their outstanding No.9 put them deservedly ahead having already seen the Pollok keeper deny him on numerous oocasions. The natives were not so much restless at the break, more listless, as they wandered quietly toward the snack shop for their pies and bovrils.

The second half saw The Lok fightback as wave after wave of attack was desperately fended off by the Glenafton rearguard. The pressure finally told, on the officials at least, when a highly dubious penalty was given when the Pollok frontman took a tumble in the box. The spot kick was dispatched with aplomb to level things up and very soon after, the home side went 2-1 up. Glenafton looked out on their feet, like Ivan Drago at the end of the fight in Rocky IV, but somehow they got their second wind and bagged a well-taken an equaliser late on. This highly entertaining game finished in a thoroughly deserved 2-2 draw.

After the final whistle as the spectators ebbed away, several disgruntled Glenafton fans stayed back to ‘greet’ the referee and his assistants as they made their way back to the changing rooms with one particular old-timer semi-coherently shouting and bawling his way through the streets outside as if to make sure the Saturday afternoon shoppers at the nearby Morrison’s were aware of the miscarriage of footballing justice that had just taken place.

As a neutral, I thought it was a superb advertisement for Junior football and the quality and entertainment that can be found away from Soccer Saturday, hooky internet streams, or overpriced league fixtures (just a fiver to get in. Bargain). Here’s a few photos.

IMG_00000413

IMG_00000412

IMG_00000401

IMG_00000410

IMG_00000409

IMG_00000395

MARK GODFREY

Tags: Glenafton AthleticJuniorsNon-league dayPollok

Related Posts

RBC Heritage Odds
Latest

RBC Heritage Odds, Picks, Predictions, and Best Bets: Where to Bet on the PGA Tour Event

The Grand Slam events might get all the attention on the PGA Tour, but that doesn’t necessarily make them...

by Jamie Ingram
April 13, 2023
0
Latest

Mexican Open Tennis Betting Odds: Where to Bet on the 2023 ATP Acapulco Tennis Tournament

Tennis fans are in for a treat with the upcoming 2023 Mexican Open (ATP Acapulco) lineup. We’ve got a...

by Jamie Ingram
February 17, 2023
0
Latest

Best Greyhound Betting Sites in the UK – 9 UK Websites with the Most Competitive Greyhound Betting Odds

  Greyhound betting is as exciting as ever, only now it’s possible to do it with just a few...

by Jamie Ingram
May 5, 2023
0
Latest

NBA Playoff Odds, Pools, and Predictions: 2023 NBA Post Season Futures Odds

The playoff picture is starting to become apparent with the NBA season past the halfway point. All the best...

by Jamie Ingram
February 14, 2023
0
Load More
Next Post
The Road to Hampden, Round 1: Hawick Royal Albert 0-1 St.Cuthbert Wanderers

The Road to Hampden, Round 1: Hawick Royal Albert 0-1 St.Cuthbert Wanderers

Please login to join discussion
crypto sports betting
Current

Best Crypto Sports Betting Sites Ranked for Bonuses, Safety & Competitive Odds

by Jamie Ingram
June 5, 2023
0
0

The world of crypto sports betting sites has witnessed a remarkable change over the last years. Bettors are seeking more...

Read more
Best Tennis Bets Today

Best Tennis Bets Today: Tennis Betting Tips, Competitive Odds, and Expert Picks & Predictions

June 1, 2023
0
NBA Finals MVP Odds

NBA Finals MVP Odds for Jokic, Tatum, Butler, and Other Top Picks

June 1, 2023
0
Virtual Horse Racing UK

Best Virtual Horse Racing Betting Sites in the UK for 2023: Latest Odds, Lines, and More

May 31, 2023
0
belmont stack betting

Belmont Stakes Betting Guide & Odds – How to Bet on the 2023 Belmont Stakes Online

May 30, 2023
0
Menu
  • About
  • Contact Us
  • Profile

© Copyright 2023 – Football Pink

  • About
  • Contact Us
  • Profile

© Copyright 2022 - Ronnie Dog Media All Rights Reserved. Live Score

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Gmail
  • Print Friendly
  • LinkedIn
  • StumbleUpon
  • Tumblr
 

Loading Comments...
 

You must be logged in to post a comment.