Newlandsfield Park

Pollok v Troon F.C.

⚽️ Pollok versus Troon F.C. ⚽️
Saturday 25th July 2026
Lowland League (West)
Newlandsfield Park, Shawlands
Kick-off 3pm

POLLOK MAKE WINNING START TO NEW LOWLAND LEAGUE WEST ERA, AS TROON’S DEPLETED SQUAD COMES UP SHORT

A new chapter in the history of both clubs began at Newlandsfield on Saturday afternoon, but it was Pollok who marked the occasion with victory as Stewart Maxwell’s side claimed a deserved 2-0 win over Troon in the inaugural fixture of the new Lowland League West campaign.

For both clubs, this was a landmark occasion. Having secured promotion from the West of Scotland Football League at the end of last season, Pollok and Troon were taking their first steps into Tier 5 of the Scottish football pyramid, with the sunshine providing a fitting backdrop for the dawn of a new era.

While the hosts were able to field a strong starting XI and boast plenty of quality from the bench despite one or two absentees following Wednesday night’s friendly against Easterhouse, Troon manager Jimmy Kirkwood arrived in Glasgow with his options severely limited.

Leyton Dunlop and Jack Allan were both ruled out after picking up injuries in last weekend’s WOSFL Charity Cup Final at Auchinleck Talbot, joining Ben Armour on the treatment table. The trio are all expected back sooner rather than later, but none were available for the league opener. Holidays deprived Kirkwood of Kyle Gilroy, Nathan Baird, Evan Ferguson and Clayton Hood, while long-term absentees Mark Morrison and Jack Sherrie also remained unavailable, although club captain Morrison is expected to receive the all-clear to resume training in the coming weeks. Against that backdrop, Troon always knew they would need to be at their very best.

Pollok settled quickest and immediately applied pressure from a succession of early set-pieces. After just two minutes, Lee Gallacher’s corner found Cameron Henry, but the defender could only blaze over the crossbar. Another Gallacher delivery followed moments later, although no one could apply the finishing touch before Lewis Watt’s effort from a tight angle was comfortably gathered by Martin McDonald. Troon’s first attacking opportunity arrived after five minutes from a corner of their own. The delivery wasn’t the cleanest and Stephen Bronsky could only glance a header towards goal, the effort drifting narrowly wide of the far post.

The home side continued to dominate possession and territory, winning another corner after eight minutes. Troon eventually scrambled clear, but only as far as Watt, whose fierce strike looked destined for the top corner until McDonald produced a magnificent fingertip save to push the ball over the bar. It was an outstanding stop and an early reminder of the goalkeeper’s importance to the visitors. Gallacher’s next corner, on 14 minutes, was well claimed by McDonald again, but the pressure finally told five minutes later. Olly Cameron was at the heart of much of Pollok’s best football throughout the afternoon, and his vision unlocked the Troon defence with a superb clipped pass into the right-hand channel. Lewis McCracken timed his run perfectly before producing an equally composed finish beyond the advancing McDonald to hand the hosts a deserved 1-0 lead after 19 minutes.

Troon responded positively. Just three minutes after falling behind, debutant Max Guthrie nearly announced himself in spectacular fashion. The forward unleashed a venomous strike from well outside the penalty area that forced an excellent save from Pollok goalkeeper KP McAllister, who flung himself to his right to keep the visitors at bay. The contest remained entertaining throughout the opening period, with Cameron continuing to pull the strings in midfield. The influential playmaker became referee Gary Hanvidge’s first booking of the afternoon on the half-hour mark after bringing down Callan Veitch, but he continued to cause problems whenever Pollok surged forward. Cameron almost doubled the advantage six minutes before the interval, only for Carter Frew to produce a perfectly-timed sliding challenge to deny what looked a certain shooting opportunity.

Troon then came agonisingly close to drawing level before the break. Sam Jamieson whipped an inviting delivery into the penalty area, where Ben Hughes met it from close range. His effort beat McAllister but cannoned back off the crossbar before the Pollok goalkeeper reacted sharply to smother the loose ball and preserve his side’s narrow advantage heading into half-time.

HALF-TIME: POLLOK 1-0 TROON F.C.

It had been an enjoyable opening 45 minutes, with Pollok deserving their lead but Troon showing enough to suggest they remained firmly in the contest. The visitors started the second half brightly, but were almost caught by a swift Pollok counter-attack just three minutes after the restart. Walsh raced clear and forced another fine save from McDonald, who stood tall to keep Troon within touching distance.

As the half wore on, Kirkwood’s limited attacking options became increasingly apparent. Pollok were able to freshen things up with a triple substitution after 67 minutes as Bob McHugh, Scott Boyle and Liam McGonigle all entered the action, replacing Stuart McCann, Cameron and Watt. Troon continued to battle and Guthrie remained their brightest attacking outlet. On 70 minutes, the debutant produced an excellent piece of individual skill to work himself into a dangerous position, only for Cameron Henry to produce a colossal defensive intervention to halt him at the crucial moment. Troon introduced youngster Reece Craig on the left flank shortly afterwards in an attempt to inject fresh energy into the attack, but the decisive second goal arrived before the visitors could build sustained momentum.

With 76 minutes played, a slack defensive header was seized upon by Gallacher, who wasted no time in unleashing a stunning first-time drive beyond the helpless McDonald. It was a finish worthy of putting the game beyond doubt and a richly deserved reward for another impressive display from the Pollok midfielder. The home side comfortably managed the closing stages, introducing Jack Brown in place of captain Jamie Bain before Przemyslaw Dachnowicz replaced Gallacher for the final few minutes. Troon’s frustrations were compounded when Callan Veitch, who had worked tirelessly throughout, was forced off after picking up a knock, with Lewis Allan coming on in his place. Dean Fulton was cautioned late on for a trip before Bronsky was perhaps a little unfortunate to join him in the referee’s notebook after a narrowly mistimed challenge on McCracken near the touchline.

There was to be no late comeback, and the final whistle confirmed a 2-0 victory for Pollok, who began life in the Lowland League West with three deserved points.

FULL-TIME: POLLOK 2-0 TROON F.C.

For Troon, it was ultimately a disappointing afternoon, although the context cannot be ignored. With a lengthy injury list, several players away on holiday and few options available from the bench, Kirkwood’s side remained competitive for long spells before the hosts’ greater depth told in the second half.

There were nevertheless positives to take, with McDonald producing several outstanding saves to keep his side in the contest, Guthrie showing plenty of promise on his debut and Troon creating enough opportunities to suggest they will trouble plenty of teams once key personnel return.

However, the Seasiders know an immediate improvement will be required as attention quickly turns to Wednesday night’s trip to Johnstone Burgh, where they will look to register their first points of the new campaign. The season may be only one game old, but in a competitive new division, there will be little time to dwell on opening-day disappointment.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Head over to our Supporter’s WhatsApp group chat after full-time to cast your vote!

To read the match preview, follow the link:
https://troonfootballclub.co.uk/pollok-250726-preview/

⚽️ Johnstone Burgh versus Troon F.C. ⚽️
Wednesday 29th July 2026
Lowland League (West)
Keanie Park, Johnstone
Kick-off 7.45pm

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Pollok v Troon F.C.

⚽️ Pollok 1-0 Troon F.C. ⚽️
Saturday 11th October 2025
WOSFL Premier Division
Newlandsfield Park, Shawlands
Kick-off 2pm

Frustration at Newlandsfield at Troon somehow strike a blank.

After a weekend off thanks to Storm Amy, Troon returned to action on Saturday – but it proved a frustrating afternoon for the Seasiders, who somehow left Newlandsfield empty-handed despite dominating large spells of a game that saw hosts Pollok claim an unlikely 1–0 victory.

Troon boss Jimmy Kirkwood was forced into one change from the side that defeated Beith in the Scottish Communities Cup, with winger Lewis Lovering ruled out through illness. That opened the door for Sam Jamieson to make his long-awaited return from injury – his first start since the opening day win at Renfrew.

Pollok, meanwhile, were looking to find form after a difficult start to their campaign, and though they’d only managed two wins all season – both away from home – they showed plenty of resolve in front of their home support.

The visitors flew out of the traps and could have been two or three ahead inside 15 minutes. Callum Gow’s early poke towards goal was well saved by Chris White, before Dario Viviani lifted a clever effort just wide with the keeper beaten. Moments later, Jamieson pounced on a defensive mix-up but couldn’t get enough power on his finish to trouble White.

Pollok offered little at the other end – a Bob McHugh header the closest they came – but it was all Troon, with Viviani, Docherty, and Gilroy linking beautifully in attack. A string of fine saves from White and a stubborn defensive showing from the hosts somehow kept the score level.

As half-time approached, Troon struck the woodwork through a looping Viviani header, while Leyton Dunlop’s dipping free-kick was clawed away at full stretch. Pollok, who saw three players booked before the break, were clinging on as the sides went in goalless.

HALF-TIME: POLLOK 0-0 TROON F.C.

The story of the second half followed a familiar script: Troon pressing, Pollok surviving. The Seasiders thought they’d taken the lead on 47 minutes when Dunlop nodded home Viviani’s cross, only for an extremely contentious offside flag to deny them – a decision that still had Troon fans talking long after full-time.

And in classic fashion, the punishment came quickly. Against the run of play, Bob McHugh spun his marker and fired past Dale Burgess to give Pollok a shock 52nd-minute lead with their first clear-cut chance of the afternoon.

Troon responded in waves. Gow headed narrowly wide, Jamieson struck the post, and substitute Callan Veitch almost scored from 30 yards with a stunning lob that again crashed off the frame of the goal. White continued to frustrate, saving from Docherty and Veitch, while the woodwork was Troon’s tormentor for a third time late on.

As the rain began to fall, Pollok dug deep to protect their slender advantage. Kyle Faulds’ last-ditch clearance off the line prevented McHugh from doubling the lead in the closing minutes, but it was little consolation to a Troon side who will feel they should have taken all three points.

A classic “smash and grab” win for Pollok, who made their luck count, while Troon were left to rue an afternoon of missed chances.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Kyle Faulds

by Graeme McKenzie

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To read the match preview, follow the link:
https://troonfootballclub.co.uk/pollok-111025-preview/

⚽️ Troon F.C. v Hall Russell United ⚽️
Saturday 18th October 2025
3pillars Financial Planning Scottish Communities Cup Round 3
Portland Park, Troon
Kick-off 2.30pm

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Pollok v Troon F.C.

⚽️ Pollok versus Troon F.C. ⚽️
Saturday 23rd October 2021
PDM Buildbase WOSFL Premier Division
Newlandsfield, Glasgow
Kick-off 2pm

 

Troon were left frustrated as Pollok climbed to the league summit after taking all three points in the sunshine at Newlandsfield.

A bumper crowd of 745 watched on as Pollok began the match the stronger & Troon were pressed in during the early stages. But it was the visitors who nearly broke the deadlock, a Jaime Gallagher corner met by the head of Dean Fulton, but he saw his header creep narrowly over Longmuir’s crossbar. Callum Graham was first to threaten for ‘Lok, latching onto a Matty Grant through ball but Murchie was out sharp to thwart him & Brownlie headed the resulting corner high over the bar. Just as it looked like Troon had survived the early pressure, the home side took the lead with the scrappiest of goals; Evan Horne turned & broke past Gallagher & Ryan Stevenson to feed Stuart McCann, whose deflected effort evaded Darren Miller & Ewan McLevy’s efforts to creep across the line. With Troon rocked at this, Pollok looked to take full advantage & the ever alert Graham was sent clean through only for Troon keeper Murchie to deny him yet again. Troon grafted their way back into the game & after both Stevenson & Dean Fulton had efforts on goal, Sam Jamieson had the best effort of the half when he shot from 20 yards but it clipped the crossbar to safety, much to Longmuir’s relief.

HALF-TIME: POLLOK 1-0 TROON F.C.

Whatever Manager Jimmy Kirkwood said to his troops at half-time certainly worked, as they came out all guns blazing after the interval & pinned their hosts in to defend. A lovely move involving several Troon players cut right through Pollok & ended when Longmuir saved from Fulton at his front post, but the visitors didn’t have to wait long for the goal their play merited. A poor Brownlie clearance was met by Sam Jamieson, who was brought crashing to the ground by Pollok Captain Bryan Wharton & the ref awarded a foul, before being advised by his Assistant Referee that the foul was in the box. A penalty was awarded & Stephen Wilson confidently stepped up to fire high past Longmuir to draw the Seasiders level. The equaliser boosted Troon, and the impressive Josh Black was next to threaten with Longmuir coming to the rescue with a smart save. Just as Troon looked to have worked their way into the game, Pollok capitalised on some poor defending from the visitors to take the lead again. Jonny Lyon was afforded too much space to swing a dangerous ball in to the box & Callum Graham strolled in unmarked to head home at the back post for 2-1. This deflated Troon & had the opposite effect on their hosts, who climbed to the top of the league above Auchinleck Talbot with the win.

 

Referee: Ross Clark
Assistant Referee One: Alan Burnett
Assistant Referee Two: David White

 

To read the match preview, follow the link:
https://troonfootballclub.co.uk/pollok-231021-preview/

 

 

⚽️ Troon F.C. versus Ardeer Thistle ⚽️
Saturday 30th October 2021
Kilmarnock Pie WOSFL Cup Preliminary Round
Portland Park, Troon
Kick-off 2pm

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Pollok v Troon F.C.

⚽️ Pollok versus Troon F.C. ⚽️
Saturday 23rd November 2019
Macron Scottish Junior Cup, 4th Round
Newlandsfield Park, Glasgow G43 2XR
Kick-off 1.45pm

MATCH REPORT by Michael Connolly

Saturday November 23rd was round 4 of the Macron Scottish Cup. A difficult draw saw Troon with an away tie at Pollok.

It was a very cold and cloudy day with steady rain as the teams took to the pitch at Newlandsfield Park. A healthy attendance of 505 greeted both teams. We started well with some good passing football in the first 15 minutes, but didn’t test the Pollok keeper – apart from a magnificent save he made from a Dean Keenan free-kick. The hosts came more into the game and took the lead in the 22nd minute – a good finish from midfielder Shaun Fraser. The through pass looked suspiciously offside – but the linesman kept his flag down, despite protestations from the Troon players. A feature of the first half were the number of yellow cards by referee Alastair Grieve. The ‘Lok number 6, Del Esplin, was his first of 7 cards and this was soon followed by John Gemmell, Ross Barbour and Dean Fulton as the officious referee nearly spoiled a good game of football. It was looking like a single goal deficit in the first half – but slack defending allowed Pollok midfielder Chris Duff spare to head the ‘Lok into a two goal lead just four minutes from the interval. A minute later their captain Paul Gallacher was also yellow-carded.

HALF-TIME: POLLOK 2-0 TROON F.C.

The second half saw Troon push forward to get back into the game. A tactical switch was made with 30 minutes remaining. Andy Strachan replaced Scott Chatham slotting in at central defence, and big John Gemmell moved into the attack. In the 80th minute another attacking substitution took place with Steven McCreadie replacing the injured Ross Barbour. Three minutes later Dean Keenan was yellow carded. The ref was not finished though, when the Pollok Manager Murdo MacKinnon was also booked 2 minutes from time. A well deserved consolation goal was scored, in a goalmouth scramble by Raymond Montgomerie.

We played well throughout, against a very good Pollok side. Their central defenders – and a very fast and tricky forward line were impressive. However, our determination and sheer effort – especially in the 2nd half merited, at least, a draw and a replay.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Raymond Montgomerie

📆 NEXT FIXTURE 📆

⚽️ Troon F.C. versus Pollok ⚽️
Saturday 30th November 2019
McBookie SJFA West Premiership
Portland Park, Portland Street, Troon KA10 6QN
Kick-off 1.45pm

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Pollok v Troon F.C.

MATCH REPORT by Michael Connolly

Saturday 10th August saw us visit Newlandsfield Park for our 3rd league game of the season. Our opponents Pollok are consistently one of the top West Premiership sides. I was reliably informed before the game that they are “flying” this season, and had yet to concede a goal in their 3 Sectional League Cup games and their two league matches to date.

Despite the recent heavy rainfall, Newlandsfield was in surprisingly good condition as bright, warm sunshine greeted both teams.

From the start, it was one-way traffic towards ScoJo. Dean Keenan picked up a yellow card in the 25th minute, followed by one of the Pollok midfielders 5 minutes later. Not surprisingly, Pollok took the lead in the 33rd minute – a spectacular shot from 30 yards out beating ScoJo. Three minutes from the interval, the ‘Lok were awarded a penalty kick. It was very unfortunate for Raymond Montgomerie, but it was a correct call by the referee. The spot-kick was comfortably converted.

HALF-TIME: POLLOK 2-0 TROON F.C.

We started the 2nd period brightly, but didn’t really test their defence. A third goal followed with a well worked goal in the 67th minute. Substitutions followed as we tried to effect the game, with Steven McCreadie, Sam McCloy and Todd Henderson replacing Dylan Pooler, Ryan Stevenson and Dean Fulton respectively. Some of the supporters suggested they would have like to have seen them a little sooner.

Between the substitutions on the 79th minute, a neat move down the right flank resulted in Pollok’s fourth goal.

It was not a good performance. We created very little threat – in fact, I don’t recollect their keeper making a single save. There were some positives: Neil McGregor had a solid performance in the centre of our defence. Not for the first time this season, Dean Fulton worked hard down our right flank.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Dean Fulton

After the promising victories in our Sectional League Cup, the league games have been a disappointment. A single point from our first 3 games is obviously a cause for concern, but there is a long campaign ahead.

Referee: Matthew MacDermid
Assistant Referee One: Robert Peacock
Assistant Referee Two: Howard Wilkin

NEXT FIXTURE

Whitletts Victoria versus Troon F.C.

Monday 12 August 2019

McBookie SJFA West Premiership
Portland Park, Troon
Kick-off 6.45pm

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Pollok v Troon F.C.

Troon keeper Scott Johnstone proved the hero as Troon deservedly walked away from Newlandsfield with a hard-earned point, for the third time between the sides this season, after a gritty match in Glasgow.
Pollok started the game the brighter of the two teams, with their first chance coming within the first ten minutes after some early pressure. Stefan McCluskey was played in by Jamie Henry with a fine ball over the top, he cut in on to his right foot but dragged his shot wide. Halfway through the first period Ryan Stevenson tested Jordan Longmuir from 20 yards. After reacting first to the second ball, he found himself with time to compose himself before striking the ball from the right hand side of the area, which Longmuir smothered. Jack Sherrie was next to try his luck, he marauded down the left hand side, dropping his shoulder to get past Gary McCann, but as he drove towards the box he cut in and hit a fierce shot high and wide of the right hand corner.
HALF-TIME: POLLOK 0-0 TROON F.C.
Dean Keenan tried his luck just after the hour mark after the ball fell to him outside the area, but his shot destined for the bottom right corner was covered by Longmuir. With 13 minutes to go, ScoJo produced arguably the save of the season. McCluskey beat McCreadie on the left hand side and managed to get a cross in, Shaun Fraser met the ball at the edge of the box on the half volley, hitting the ball into the ground which was destined for the top left hand corner. However, ScoJo adjusted himself mid-dive to reach the ball and tip it over the bar after a Keenan deflection, leaving the home side dumbfounded & both sets of fans applauding.
A valuable point once again earned on the road ahead of a vital match at Petershill this coming Saturday.
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