YFS
Pollok United kicked off this Glasgow & District League game knowing that a win would be the first meted out to Milngavie for the entirety of the season; but also that a loss would hand their in-form opponents the league title.
Despite the high stakes, both teams opened the game without any obvious signs of nervousness. Milngavie’s defence demonstrated early on that they would be tough to beat, collecting balls confidently from the air and stringing together passes deep within their own half. Eight minutes passed before any flaw in their cover could be spotted, as Pollok’s Brogan Murphy breaking through his opponents’ back line in an attempt to latch onto a through ball. Ultimately, he was jostled out of possession and the ball rolled harmlessly for a goal kick.
The game’s first quarter was a tale of two number sevens: for Milngavie, Robbie Donaldson was dynamic and dangerous on the right wing, while United’s Lewis MacLeod was instrumental in most of his side’s more fruitful attacks. Both controlled play and provided ample service for their teammates in forward positions. Donaldson would have the favour returned by Wanderers’ Kyle Campbell, who displayed great flair in attacking possession (not least in the 13th minute, when he beat two defenders with an impressive backheeled pass).
Milngavie had been threatening, and turned promise into a goal in the 27th minute. Striker Kalvin Warren was on hand to pick up on Ben Jenkins' long cross into the penalty area, tipping the ball into the right-hand side of the net with an accurate header. 1-0 to Milngavie.
The home side looked to have the bit between their teeth after going ahead, and the delivery from the left wing remained top notch. Their failure to capitalise further can largely be put down to the performances of Amir Khan, who proved to be an imperious defensive marker who never let a forward get away for long, and Scott Dryden, who pulled off some quality saves to keep his side in the game. Defensive duties can be a thankless task – especially in a losing side – but those two deserve great credit for putting in professional shifts against tough challenges.
United’s mental toughness would be rewarded near the death of the first half. Brogan Murphy flicked a ball over his marker at the edge of Milngavie’s penalty area, and without another controlling touch launched an over-head kick above the ‘keeper and into the opposite side of the net for the equaliser. Jason McCartney – an otherwise highly capable presence in the Wanderers’ goal – was blameless against a piece of individual inspiration that there was simply no accounting for.