THE challenge for Pollok’s recast backline now is to try and chalk up back-to-back clean sheets in the Premier Division for the first time this season.

Last weekend’s 1-0 Newlandsfield triumph over a formidable Darvel side was only the third occasion in their eleven WoSFL league outings to date when the Glasgow outfit’s defence has not been breached (Glenafton 2-0 and Hurlford United 0-0 were the others).

Willing, eager and as ready as he can be to take up this gauntlet is Lok’s new centreback signing David Brownlie whose outstanding maiden display in  a 3 man defensive partnership alongside older stagers Bryan Wharton  and Mark Sideserf provided  the  rocks upon which the Ayrshiremen’s best attacking ventures crumbled.

Putting it to the ex-Rangers, Ross County and Stranraer signing after  the final whistle that being instrumental in Darvel recording a blank scoreline was the equivalent of a  striker notching a debut goal brought a smile to his  face.

“Maybe not quite that “ he responded, “But it’s very pleasing nonetheless as it was always my intention to get a clean sheet on my first ever appearance as a Pollok player.

“And I can count myself fortunate  because  I  know deep down that achieving  this  aim was only possible because of the covering abilities and determination shown by Sidey and Bryan on either side of me as well as the superb closing down work of our midfield.

“Ours was a wonderful all-round performance with every single player doing their bit for the cause and showing this Pollok team has what it takes to go and compete for the title itself.”

The Tollcross based 24 year old has an all-encompassing  footballing background as befitting someone who has a day-job as a Soccer  Academy Coach with Rangers however his past experiences didn’t  prevent him being `blown away`by Pollok’s set up.

He added: “To be made welcome  with open arms by the manager, players and club officials is pleasing and I feel settled already even though my feet are literally just through the door.

“And then there’s the surroundings of a magnificent playing surface as well as the wonderful atmosphere supplied by a near 900 crowd on Saturday so I can  think of  few better places to be playing (bar Ibrox of course.)

“It’s hard not to  think I’ve landed on my feet and more so given  the extremely high standard of football played  by  both teams out there today.

“I’ve experienced the Senior game at various levels as well as the Lowland League with East Kilbride and I’m convinced there’s little  if any difference between  teams of the calibre of  Pollok and Darvel and  what I’ve come up against at League One and League Two level.”

Next up for  Brownlie & Co is a short trek across the Clyde to face second top of the tale Clydebank ,boasting an  undefeated  record and currently  the highest scoring  Premier side thanks to  an impressive array of sharpshooters, headed up by Nicky Little  and inclusive of Ross McPherson, Hamish McKinlay, Ciaran Mulcahy, Connor Lynas and Liam McGonigle.

It’s a daunting prospect but one that has Brownlie respectful but far from running scared.

He admitted, “I’ve always set my standards high throughout my career and I’m not for changing my approach at Pollok.

“It was fabulous  getting off to such a good start and hopefully we can look to build on that.”

Meanwhile, Clydebank were one of seven WoSFL clubs whose names went into the hat when guest celebrity Scotland Rugby Coach Gregor Townsend helped conduct the  2021/22 Scottish Cup first round draw  and Gordon Moffat’s men will not be unhappy at landing a trip to face either Burntisland  Shipyard or Dalkeith  Thistle ,locking horns  again  this coming Saturday after a 1-1 first game draw.

The problems posed by long exacting journeys North are facing Cumnock and Darvel, pitted against Highland League pair Formartine and Keith respectively but  a clear winner in any tie of the round stakes is the all- Ayrshire clash of long standing rivals Irvine Meadow and Auchinleck Talbot .

The games involving WoSFL clubs and due  to be played on Saturday 18th September are as follows…

Broomhill v Glasgow University
Clydebank v Burntisland Shipyard or Dalkeith Thistle
Formartine Utd v Cumnock
Irvine Meadow v Auchinleck Talbot
Keith v Darvel
Broomhill v Glasgow University

Elsewhere, Kello Rovers  are inviting applications for their team manager’s post vacated by Scott “Paddy”Clelland  in the aftermath of his side’s7-1  weekend  drubbing by St Cadocs while hearing Greenock are close to naming a replacement for  Tommy Molloy after he and dugout ally Shaun Dillon recently moved to Kilbirnie Ladeside.

On the playing front, Benburb have placed out of favour striker Scott Lewis on the open to transfer list.

PLAYING FRIDAY 3rd SEPTEMBER 2021(Kick Off 7.30PM): P.D.M. Buildbase Premier League.Darvel v Hurlford Utd .

SATURDAY 4TH SEPTEMBER 2021(Kick Offs 2PM):P.D.M. Buildbase Premier League.Irvine Meadow v Kilwinning Rangers, Cumbernauld Utd v Rob Roy, Clydebank v Pollok, Largs Thistle v Benburb , Rossvale v Troon, Rutherglen Glencairn v Blantyre Vics, Cumnock v Auchinleck Talbot, Beith v  Kilbirnie Ladeside, Glenafton v Bonnyton Thistle. PDM Buildbase Conference League A, Irvine Vics v Lesmahagow, Maybole v Muirkirk,  Forth Wanderers v Lugar Boswell,  Arthurlie v Johnstone Burgh,  Glasgow University v Craigmark,Saltcoats Vics v Maryhill, Girvan v Bellshill Athletic, Shotts  Bon Accord v Whitletts Vics. PDM Buildbase Conference League B. Ashfield v Thorniewood Utd, St Cadocs v  Port Glasgow, ArdeerThistle v Newmains Utd , Cambuslang Rangers v RoyalAlbert, Greenock v Gartcairn, Glasgow Utd v Kello Rovers, Dalry Thistle v Carluke Rovers.PDM Buildbase Conference League C. Vale of Clyde v Kilsyth  Rangers, Ardrossan  Winton Rovers v  Larkhall Thistle,  Lanark Utd v Petershill, East  Kilbride Thistle  v St Anthonys, Neilston v Drumchapel Utd,Vale of Leven v Glasgow Perthshire, St Rochs v Wishaw. PDM Buildbase Division Four.Kilsyth Athletic v Glenvale, BSC Glasgow v  Campbelltown Pupils, St Peters v Harthill  Royal.,Harmony Row v Finnart