TALBOT BLOWN AWAY

Report: Jim McAuley, Photo’s: Craig McGhee, Media: Lee Conn.

The Barrfields hoodoo continues as once again Talbot came up short against a slick moving Largs side who proved that they are a club who will have a big say on where the league title goes this season, proving once again that coming to Largs is going to be a struggle for most teams.

As for Talbot they never got to terms with the strong wind that blighted the opening 45 minutes which by that time they were 3-0 down and looked like a rattled side. Things were not helped when they went down to ten men and although pulling a goal back they were always second best in this tie.

With Ross Smith having to steady the ball with his hand to get the game started most spectators at the match knew from the kick-off that this was going to be a lottery as the wind whipped down the pitch making Talbot’s task a double jeopardy as they had to cope with a lively Largs side and the conditions that were certainly hampering any decent football.

Talbot had a bright start and should have done better when on the 6th minute Smith cut into the box but his pass to Boyd was poor and was easily mopped up by the home defence. Two minutes later Largs were ahead when a throw in saw the ball blocked by Abed but it spun into the air and with wind assistance blew away from McPherson and was tapped into the path of Sewell who slid the ball past Armour.

Largs were dealt a blow when David McGrath picked up a knock and was replaced by Chris McGeown. On the 17th minute Talbot were two behind when a cross right along the Talbot defence was headed by Schoneville into the path of Sewell who took a touch before hammering the ball off the post where Davidson was the quickest to react and he bundled the ball into the over the line

Talbot were nearly three down as Armour’s clearance up the pitch blew back at least 20 yards on top of his defence where Martin nipped in to square the ball to Davidson who forced the keeper into a superb save, but the ball dropped to Sewell who thundered his shot off the bar. Talbot did fashion a chance on the half hour mark when Wardrope flashed a free kick into the box which was headed into the keepers arms by McPherson, and minutes later Wardrope curled a free kick over Wilton’s bar.

Talbot’s woes continued on 36 minutes when Armour got a fist to a corner kick but the ball was headed back into the fray by Divine and no doubt the wind gave it a bit of assistance as it blew into the top corner of the net. There was little else of note in the second half and both teams retired with the home side 3-0 leaders.

The second half saw Talbot on the attack and they should have been a goal back when Boyd slipped the ball into Wardrope who trickled a shot into Wilton’s arms. Smith picked up a booking in the 50th minute for a challenge on McMaster much to the displeasure of the Talbot fans in line with the incident. Minutes later he received his second yellow for challenging Wilton who was clearing the ball from his hands.

With Talbot down to ten men and the wind now abating they were flung a lifeline when a long throw by Schoneville was dropped by Wilton and LANGAN hooked the ball into the empty net.

With the wind now dropped to a mere breeze making the football less farcical and a bit more entertaining. Largs had a decent chance when Sewell whipped a great ball onto the head of Davidson who put the ball just wide. At the other end Wardrope tried his luck from 25 yards out but it was a tame effort.

With sixteen minutes on the clock Talbot replaced Langan and Sime for Nimmo and McAvoy who joined Boyd to three up front. Things didn’t actually go to plan at first as Slooves had to take a card after pole axing Sewell on the half way line, but the switch seemed to pay dividends as the home side seemed to lose a bit of composure.

Talbot had an absolute sitter well saved by Wilton who’s legs denied McAvoy.

In the 83rd minute Largs introduced Stracey, McCreath and Bradley to the fray, replacing Devine, Brady and McMaster and with Talbot flinging everything at the home defence they were leaving themselves exposed. Stracey should have added to the score when he found himself with only Armour to beat, and with minutes remaining the thorn in Talbot’s side Willie Sewell danced his way through the Talbot defence but shot well past the post with only Armour in his way.

With the final whistle a welcome sound to the Talbot supporters ears, they must be asking questions about another poor performance. Granted the wind had a lot to do with Largs three goals, but it was a tough watch throughout the rest of the game.

LARGS: Wilton, McLeod. McMaster, Brady, Hughes, Faulds, McGrath, Devine, Davidson, Martin, Sewell. SUBS: Stracey, Ojungu, Cumming, McCreath, McGeown, Bradley, Johnstone.

TALBOT: Armour, Abed, Schoneville, McPherson, Slooves, Boyle, Wardrope, Langan, Boyd. Smith, Sime. SUBS: McAvoy, Nimmo, Walker, Kerr, Clark, Cameron, Miller.