Gretna 2-0 Pollok: Addison and Kelly seal composed Lowland League home win

Gretna claimed a valuable 2-0 victory over Pollok in the Scottish Lowland Football League on 12 September 2026, delivering a controlled performance at Raydale Park. In a match that looked evenly balanced for long spells, Gretna’s sharper finishing and resilient defending made the difference, with Ryan Addison and Marc Kelly getting the goals that separated the sides.

Match Overview

From the opening exchanges, Gretna set out to press Pollok high and deny the visitors time on the ball. Pollok, traditionally a dangerous attacking side, tried to stretch the game through their wide players, but the home back line held its shape well. The breakthrough arrived in the 34th minute when Addison reacted quickest inside the box, converting a low cross after a patient Gretna move down the right.

The second half followed a similar pattern. Pollok saw more possession but struggled to create clear-cut chances, and Gretna doubled their lead in the 78th minute through Kelly, who finished calmly after being released into space behind the defence. From there, the home side managed the game with maturity, restricting Pollok to efforts from distance.

Key Moments

• 34′ – Gretna 1-0: Ryan Addison turns home a low delivery after good work on the right flank.
• 52′ – Pollok response: A driven shot from the edge of the area forces a strong save from the Gretna goalkeeper.
• 78′ – Gretna 2-0: Marc Kelly races clear and slots the ball past the advancing Pollok keeper.
• 88′ – Late pressure: Pollok win a series of corners, but Gretna defend each one with composure.

Tactical Story

Gretna’s 4-2-3-1 shape worked effectively without the ball. The two holding midfielders screened the central lane, forcing Pollok into wide areas where crosses could be dealt with by a dominant centre-back pairing. When Gretna won possession, they looked to transition quickly, and both goals came from moves that began with sharp pressing in midfield.

Pollok’s 4-4-2 offered width and a direct threat, but they lacked a finishing touch in the final third. Their best moments came from set pieces, yet Gretna’s goalkeeper commanded his area well and claimed several dangerous deliveries.

Standout Players

Addison was a constant menace with his movement between the lines, while Kelly’s pace proved decisive for the second goal. At the back, Gretna’s captain produced a leader’s performance, winning headers and stepping out to intercept passes. For Pollok, their left-sided midfielder was the most creative outlet, but he was often isolated.

Season Impact

The three points and clean sheet strengthen Gretna’s position in the Lowland League standings and give them momentum in a competitive early-season schedule. For Pollok, the defeat is a reminder that they must turn possession into end product if they are to challenge at the top end of the table. Gretna’s next fixture now becomes an opportunity to build a run, while Pollok will look to respond quickly.