Renfrew suffered a 4-1 defeat to Pollok in their second Scottish Lowland League West match as the visitors scored four first-half goals before Alan Cook pulled one back from the penalty spot after the break.<\/p>\n
Pollok arrived at New Western Park looking to build on their 2-0 opening-day victory over Troon, while Renfrew were aiming to bounce back from a 4-2 defeat to Kilwinning Rangers in their first Scottish Lowland League West match. Instead, the home side slipped to a second successive league defeat despite battling on with 10 men after Kieran Healy’s second-half dismissal.<\/p>\n
Renfrew manager Ryan Borris made one change from the side beaten by Kilwinning Rangers on the opening weekend, with Jack Donohoe replacing Thomas “Danny” McLeay in goal. Pollok manager Stewart Maxwell also made a single change following his side’s win over Troon, as Jack Brown came into the starting line-up in place of Jake Brown.<\/p>\n
Renfrew made the brighter start and forced the first save of the evening inside the opening minute. They continued to press in the early stages, winning corners and long throws that caused problems in the Pollok penalty area.<\/p>\n
The visitors settled and took the lead after 11 minutes. Scott Boyle’s cross caused confusion in the Renfrew box before the ball broke for Olly Cameron, who finished to make it 1-0.<\/p>\n
Renfrew looked for a response and Harwood tested Kyle McAllister from distance, but Pollok doubled their advantage on 19 minutes. Stuart McCann met a low cross and turned the ball home from close range.<\/p>\n
Pollok continued to create chances. McGonigle forced a save before the visitors won a series of corners.<\/p>\n
The pressure paid off on the half-hour when Henry headed home from a corner to make it 3-0.<\/p>\n
Cameron Kerr was booked for Renfrew in the 34th minute before the home side enjoyed a spell of possession. Olly Smith found Mahon with a promising attack, but McAllister gathered quickly.<\/p>\n
Pollok added a fourth goal seven minutes before the break when Gallacher found the net to complete an impressive first-half display.<\/p>\n
Renfrew almost handed Pollok another goal shortly before the interval when a defensive mix-up saw the ball heading towards their own net before it was saved by Donohoe.<\/p>\n
The travelling Pollok support greeted the half-time whistle with loud applause after an excellent first-half performance.<\/p>\n
Renfrew made two changes at the break and almost reduced the deficit from a free-kick that flashed across goal.<\/p>\n
The game changed further in the 55th minute when Healy was shown a straight red card for a high boot, leaving the home side to play the remainder of the match with 10 men.<\/p>\n
Despite that setback, Renfrew continued to push forward. They won several corners and forced a scramble in the Pollok penalty area before being awarded a penalty after a foul.<\/p>\n
Cook converted from the spot in the 73rd minute to make it 4-1. It was Renfrew’s second penalty in two Scottish Lowland League West matches since joining the division.<\/p>\n
Pollok continued to threaten on the counter-attack. Dachnowicz had the visitors’ best chance of the second half when he fired over after good work from Millerick.<\/p>\n
Renfrew kept going until the final whistle but were unable to reduce the deficit further as Pollok claimed all three points.<\/p>\n
The result lifts Pollok to the top of the Scottish Lowland League West table after two straight victories, ahead of Kilwinning Rangers on goal difference. Renfrew are 15th after back-to-back defeats in their opening two matches and will aim to claim their first points of the season when they travel to Cumbernauld Colts this weekend.<\/p>\n
Renfrew: Donohoe; Wylie (c), Punton (C. Smith 46), Cook, Healy, Kerr (McCoist 46), O. Smith (Percival 64), Fyfe, Harwood (Winton 64), Mahon, Innes (Paterson 67).<\/p>\n
Pollok: McAllister; Henry (McCreath 83), Walsh, Brown, McLaughlin, Leyden (McHugh 67), Cameron, Gallacher (Dachnowicz 78), Watt (Millerick 67), McCann (Boyle 67), McGonigle.<\/p>\n
Goals: Cameron 11, McCann 19, Henry 30, Gallacher 38 (Pollok); Cook (pen) 73 (Renfrew).<\/p>\n
Red card: Healy 55 (Renfrew).
\nBookings: Kerr 34, Mahon 41, Cook 85, Wylie 87 (Renfrew); McGonigle 25, Cameron 72 (Pollok).<\/p>\n
Match officials:\u00a0Referee: Regan Wallace, Assistant Referee 1: Luke George Anderson, Assistant Referee 2: James Cerinus<\/p>\n
Attendance: 313<\/p>\n