FPs taught a lesson as they crash out of West of Scotland Cup

Mar 4 2009 by Andrew Weston, Wishaw Press

FPs taught a lesson as they crash out of West of Scotland Cup

WISHAW High School FPs crashed out of the West of Scotland Cup at the third-round stage to Pollock at King George V Park on Saturday.

Manager Gary Hailstones made a number of changes in an attempt to freshen things up after his team were knocked out the Scottish Cup by Giffnock North last weekend.

But despite dominating large spells of this game they were undone by an efficient counter-attacking Pollock side.

The FPs took the game to their opponents from the kick-off and after just five minutes, a defence-splitting ball from centre-half Greg Fairbairn found Bret Ansell but his well-drilled shot from 12 yards flew inches wide of the far post, with the keeper beaten.

Minutes later Wishaw skipper Stephen Mackie went close with a deflected effort as they continued to pressure the visitors.

Bret Ansell was unlucky in 15 minutes mark when his deft flick from an expert Gary Miller cross somehow fell wide of the post.

Despite all this early pressure, it was Pollock, always dangerous on the break, who took the lead.

Weathering this early threat on their goal seemed to inspire Pollock and after an excellent cross into the box, Gary Watt headed the cross back across goal and Robert Wyatt made no mistake with his header from close range to stun the local side.

David McLuskey should have levelled things up but his volley from a Mark Jamieson flick spun just the wrong side of the upright.

Ten minutes from the interval, FPs were dealt another blow.

Defender Allan Littlejohn was slack with a ball out of defence and Pollock's Gary Watt made no mistake as he sidestepped his marker before leaving home keeper Paul O'Hara with no chance from close range.

Pollock stopper Kevin Macklin pulled off an excellent save from David McLuskey before the latter smashed an unstoppable shot past the keeper within a minute of the restart to reduce the deficit.

Despite having the majority of the ball, the FPs struggled to create much against a resolute Pollock rearguard and the visitors soon regained their two-goal lead.

Just after Robert Wyatt had seen his chip shot go over the crossbar for Pollock they were awarded a penalty after an Allan Littlejohn challenge. The spot-kick was converted by Gary Watt.

In the 80th minute, Pollock put the match beyond doubt when Gary Watt again eluded his marker at the back post before placing a well directed header past O'Hara.

On Saturday, the FPs have a Central Scottish Cup tie against East Kilbride AFC at home. The match kicks off at 2pm.

Saturday is also the FP's annual speakers night at Dalziel Park and everyone who is attending is requested to be there for 7pm and seated by 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start.

Meanwhile, everyone at Wishaw High School FPs would like to thank The Waverley Bar for their excellent hospitality after Saturday's match.

They also thank Wilson Inglis, Concept, S&D Engineering and Weston Transport for their continued support, while special thanks go to Bilco's in Hamilton and Cadzow Nursery for sponsoring Saturday's match.