BIO: Ali was signed at the beginning of November 2022 from Craigmark Burntonians. The talented youngster can play anywhere in midfield and definitely knows where the goals are. Ali will be another player that manager Tommy Sloan has brought up from the lower leagues and with Tuckers track record no doubt Ali is going to fit in well at Beechwood.
Competition: PDM BUILDBASE WOSL PREMIER
Kilwinning Rangers v Auchinleck Talbot
Talbot hit 6 as they hit top gear to blow away the Buffs at a wet, windswept Kilwinning sports stadium.
The Buffs were intent on creating their own problems in the opening spell, trying and failing to play the ball out from the back whilst Talbot snapped into a high press. In the opening minute Shankland latched onto a poor ball from the back and played it through for Boylan who was just beaten to it by Gordon.
Three minutes in and Armstrong pounced on a poor clearance and headed for the box before brought down – resulting in a Talbot free kick 25 yards out. MICHAEL WARDROPE took it and Gordon could only stand and watch as it sailed over the wall and under the bar to put Talbot into an early lead.
Kilwinning responded positively and put the Bot defence under a period of pressure as they pegged Talbot back and won a string of corners but the Bot defence held out.
With 17 mins on the clock Talbot won a penalty. McPherson flighted a free kick up the right that Graham Wilson headed on and when Park went down under a challenge from the back the ref pointed to the spot. MARK SHANKLAND stepped up and sent the keeper the wrong way to double Talbot’s lead.
The penalty award didn’t go down well with the Buffs bench and before play could resume one of the coaching staff was shown a red card and made the short journey up to the clubhouse.
In the 19th minute Kilwinning won a free kick out on the left which Wood curled into the centre where it came off a defender’s head and dropped just over the crossbar. The resultant corner was whipped into the back post but no one read it and it headed out for a goal kick.
Talbot got in behind the home defence in the 27th minute. Graham Wilson’s bending ball up the left found Wardrope in behind and he fired a good early ball across that just eluded Boylan in front of goal.
Kilwinning were showing signs of frustration and with half an hour gone Marshall opted to go for goal from a free kick all of 40 yards out and unsurprisingly hoofed it miles over.
Two minutes later Talbot were back on the attack when Wardrope slipped a pass through the defence. Boylan was just beaten to it by Gordon and the loose ball came to Shankland who couldn’t get his shot away and had to settle for a corner.
The Buffs picked up a caution in the 36th minute when a defender went through the back of Shankland.
Talbot were looking dangerous on the break and in the 38th minute Boylan skinned Nicoll before racing up the left wing. He cut it back toward Wardrope but he was well challenged inside the area before he could get the shot off.
Five minutes before the interval Boylan received a yellow card following an aerial challenge with the Buffs keeper and a minute later Nicoll was cautioned for flooring Shankland.
In the closing moments of the half Talbot won a free kick outside the box for a trip on Park. Wardrope angled the ball across trying to find Graham Wilson but it was just taken off him by a deflection for a corner and Talbot had to settle for the two goal cushion.
Talbot had no thought of resting on their laurels and made the early running after the re-start. Boylan freed Shankland on the right edge of the area but he was well-tackled as he tried to cut inside.
Stafford then did well, bursting between 2 defenders, to make the bye line and drill it low across goal where Gordon smothered it at the near post.
Kilwinning now made a change with Gavin Millar on for Chris Millar.
The Bot won a free kick just wide of the box in the 50th minute when M Millar caught Boylan as he raced onto a ball over the top. Wardrope took it and swept a great ball beyond the back post where McCracken met it unchallenged but he sent his header into the side-netting.
Leishman wasn’t called upon too often but when he was he proved equal to the task. He made a good stop to his left to turn away a powerful drive from the edge of the area and also recovered in time to block the rebound, though it wouldn’t have counted in any case as the assistant flagged for offside.
Graham Wilson was the next into the book for – receiving a booking for an aerial challenge in the Buffs half.
Talbot now made a change with Boylan going off following a heavy knock to be replaced by Samson.
The game was effectively over as a contest in the 63rd minute when Talbot grabbed their 3rd. Samson hunted down a ball in behind the defence and pressured Gordon into a hurried clearance. He hit it straight out to Graham Wilson who teed it up for MARK SHANKLAND and he took his time before slotting the ball home.
The Buffs now made a triple change with MacIntyre, Marshall and Lamont making way for Lewis, MacCalman and Stuart.
Gordon prevented Talbot from extending their lead in the 66th minute. Samson met Wardrope’s corner from the left and his powerful header was well saved by the keeper.
In the 73rd minute Talbot made a double switch with Taylor and Ballantyne coming on for Shankland and Graham Wilson.
With the Buffs pushing bodies forward they were vulnerable on the break and were nearly caught out with 15 mins remaining. Samson swept a quick ball right to left to find Wardrope racing in on goal but the ball broke off him and ran through to the keeper.
With 12 mins remaining Talbot made a further change with new signing Ali Boyle on for his debut in place of Wardrope and the new face made an early impact as his accurate early pass released KIER SAMSON through the centre to tuck home goal no. 4 in the 81st minute.
A minute later Boyle hit another good early ball but this time Gordon was quickly out his box to beat Samson to it and clear for a shy.
Five minutes from time Talbot made it 5. Samson sped away on the left and quickly switched it to the opposite flank where ROSS TAYLOR cut inside into the box before placing it beyond Gordon.
In the 87th minute Samson appeared set to race through on the end of Taylor’s well-weighted pass but he was halted in his tracks by a dubious offside decision.
In the final minute of normal time the Buffs were reduced to 10 men. Armstrong was caught by a late tackle and at first the referee only produced a yellow before he belatedly realised that he’d already booked him and sent him off – with Kilwinning’s strip design it was difficult to see which number he wore.
Talbot wrapped up the scoring in injury time. Taylor showed neat footwork inside the area to skip away from MacCalman who promptly went through the back of him. The ref pointed to the spot and KIER SAMSON drilled it past Gordon to make the final score 6-0 to Talbot.
Off the top of my head, this must be one of Talbot’s largest winning margins on the road in a league game, certainly for some time and a good 3 points on the board and boost to the goal difference.
Next up, Talbot are back in cup action this Saturday when they host Muirkirk in the West of Scotland.
Kilwinning Rangers – Gordon, Boland, Mark Millar, Nicoll, Marshall, Chris Millar, Wood, MacIntyre, Mackin, Collins, Lamont
Subs – Torrance, Lewis, MacCalman, Stuart, Gavin Millar, McMahon, Henderson
Auchinleck Talbot – Leishman, Stafford, Aiden Wilson, McPherson, McCracken, Armstrong, Wardrope, Park, Graham Wilson, Boylan, Shankland
Subs – Taylor, Samson, Mason, Crawford, Ballantyne, Boyle
Auchinleck Talbot v Glenafton Athletic
Tucker must have fired a rocket or two at half-time as Talbot went from a damp squib of a first half to a different level after the break to run out comfortable winners over Glenafton.
The opening effort came in the 3rd minute when Stevenson hurtled a shot on target from 40 yards that flew straight at Leishman.
Talbot’s first threat came in the 10th minute when Shankland fed the ball to Boylan down the left and he played it low into the centre where Park just failed to reach it and Markey gathered.
Two minutes later a Glens defender was caught on the ball by Boylan who robbed him before sliding it to Shankland in space to his right. He blasted it on target where Markey blocked it with his legs.
With quarter of an hour gone Talbot fell behind, thanks in large part to the assistant ref. A ball in behind down the right found KERR who looked a couple of yards offside but the flag stayed down and he ran on before slotting the ball past Leishman.
Two minutes later Talbot won a free kick in a good area when Wardrope was fouled just outside the area. Shankland took it but his shot hit off the wall and spun behind for the corner.
In the 24th minute Talbot nearly drew level through an own goal. Wardrope played it out left to Aiden Wilson and he in turn fed it up the line to Graham Wilson whose dangerous cross hit off McMullin and went just wide of the right post.
It was Glenafton’s turn to threaten the Bot goal in the 32nd minute. Stevenson won a free kick 35 yards out which Paton played into the area. McPherson managed to head it clear but Glenafton retrieved it outside the area and played it to Stevenson on the right. He got past his man and knocked over a dangerous cross that was heading for Kerr at the back post til McCracken got a slight touch on it to put it behind for the corner.
A defensive blunder gave Talbot their next opening. McMullin’s back pass was too heavy and Markey was at full stretch to prevent it going out for a corner; however he only succeeded in playing the ball straight to Boylan. He passed it to Shankland who swept a cross over to the back post but there were no takers.
In the 40th minute Rowe had his name taken for taking out Park and moments later Shankland was up in arms when he latched onto Wardrope’s through ball and thought he was clean through only for a marginal offside call to go against him.
Shortly before half-time McCracken took a knock when challenging Murphy but was able to run it off and the sides went in with Glens having a slender lead at the break.
Talbot made a change during the break with Samson on in place of Boylan.
The Bot made the perfect start to the 2nd half – drawing level within a minute of the restart. From a shy on the left Graham Wilson played it on to Shankland who hit the bye line and swung over a cross for KIER SAMSON to head home from close range.
In the 49th minute Talbot had a good chance to take the lead. Graham Wilson fired a ball in from the left that saw shouts for handball. Nothing was given and the ball broke to Shankland 12 yards out but he sent his right foot shot wide of the left post.
The Glens then nearly regained the lead in their next attack. The defence stood off Sean McKenzie and he slid a pass in behind to send Kerr through on the keeper but Leishman spread himself to make a big save.
Talbot were soon back on the attack and the Glens defence did well in the 52nd minute to cut out Samson’s cross before it found Shankland in space in front of goal.
Two minutes later Wardrope gathered on the left and swung a good cross over to the far post which just eluded Graham Wilson and Samson.
The Bot’s next chance came from a well-worked counter-attack. Wardrope hit a good early ball to find Samson racing down the left and he switched it to the far side of the area to pick out Shankland racing in on goal but Markey got down to make a good save to deny him but there was nothing he could do seconds later when the ball came out to MICHAEL WARDROPE 25 yards from goal who arrowed a shot across goal and into the far corner to put Talbot ahead after 56 mins.
Within a minute Talbot nearly added to their lead. Armstrong’s pass found Shankland in space inside the box and his angled drive took a slight deflection as it headed wide of the right hand post. Wardrope took the resultant corner and delivered it into a good area but no one could get a touch on it.
The chances kept coming and Markey produced a good stop in the 59th minute to prevent Talbot extending their lead. Samson raced onto Shankland’s cutback and drilled a powerful shot on target that the keeper managed to block.
In the 62nd minute route one almost paid off for the Bot. Samson challenged for Leishman’s long ball down the centre and the ball broke back to the feet of Park. He dinked a pass through the defence for Samson that had just a fraction too much on it for him to get on the end of it and Markey was able to gather.
A minute later Armstrong chipped a ball down the right that Shankland headed on into the path of Samson whose low drive produced a fine save from Markey who turned it behind. When Wardrope’s corner came over MARK SHANKLAND met it inside the front post to glance a header home to make it 3-1.
Glenafton now made a change with Cameron McKenzie coming on for Stevenson and Talbot made their 2nd change soon after with Taylor on for Shankland.
In the 69th minute Taylor cut in off the left and fired a shot at goal that was blocked into the path of Wardrope on the right. His cross took a deflection as it dropped just over the bar to land on the roof of the net.
The Glens now made a further change with Kerr making way for Blyth.
With quarter of an hour remaining McPherson did well, out-muscling Cameron McKenzie before lifting a ball over the defence that Markey had to race out his area to head clear to prevent Taylor getting on the end of it.
A minute later Glenafton had a chance to pull one back when Sean McKenzie’s cutback from the right found Blyth in space inside the area but he lashed his shot over the bar.
Talbot now made a double switch with Park and Graham Wilson making way for Ballantyne & Crawford.
With 10 minutes remaining McKee swung a good cross beyond the back post where Cameron McKenzie headed it back down and across. Paton was first to it but his shot for goal was blocked by McCracken.
Six minutes from time Armstrong picked up a yellow card for a challenge on Blyth.
A minute later Talbot were in behind the Glens defence when Armstrong’s header found its way through to Samson who hit it first time sending it wide of the right hand post.
Two minutes from time Talbot had a strong penalty appeal dismissed. A ball was flighted in behind the defence for Samson to chase. Pettigrew just got there first but then stumbled and appeared to handle the ball on the deck but the referee waved play on.
Deep into injury time Talbot almost added a fourth. Ballantyne’s ball in from the left broke to Taylor in space on the left of the area and he tried to pass it into the far corner only for Markey to dive to his left to make the stop.
A good win for Talbot who similarly to last week could have won by a bigger margin. Next up Talbot are on their travels as they head through to Kilwinning on Wednesday night to face the Buffs.
Auchinleck Talbot – Leishman, Stafford, Aiden Wilson, McPherson, McCracken, Armstrong, Wardrope, Park, Graham Wilson, Boylan, Shankland
Subs – Taylor, Samson, Mason, Crawford, Ballantyne, White
Glenafton Athletic – Markey, El-Zubaidi, McMullin, Pettigrew, Rowe, Paton, McKee, S McKenzie, Kerr, Stevenson, Murphy
Subs – Caldwell, Blyth, Nisbet, Martin, Okane, C McKenzie
Auchinleck Talbot v Kirkintilloch Rob Roy
Pollok v Auchinleck Talbot
MURRAYS REPORT
Last time Talbot played at Newlandsfield the game was played out in torrential rain and finished all square and so it proved again in yesterday’s encounter.
Talbot had the first chance of the afternoon when Park fed it out to Samson on the right touchline and his ball into the area was met by Boylan who fired wide of target.
Two minutes later Pollok came close down the other end. Buchanan won a corner down the left and when it came over the Bot defence could only clear it out to the opposite wing where Christie swung a cross into the back post that was headed just wide of the right hand post.
With quarter of an hour on the clock Talbot opened up the home defence when Mason’s clever lay off sent Boylan free on the left and he charged down the wing before slinging a low ball across goal that Lumsden cut out just inside his near post.
Two minutes later the Lok keeper could do nothing about Wardrope’s ferocious drive from 25 yards that had the keeper beaten but cannoned back off the crossbar.
Talbot were giving as good as they were getting and looking fairly comfortable right up until the 23rd minute when the home side took the lead out of the blue. Pollok won a corner down the left which Mullen swung into the centre. Stafford managed to head it away but it was gathered by Christie on the right and he pulled it back toward Esplin at the edge of the area. He pulled his shot under pressure but as luck would have it the ball bounced off a Lok player and fell perfectly for LYON to steer it home from 6 yards out at the back post.
As the weather worsened the game went into a bit of a lull but Talbot did have a couple of half chances just after the half hour mark. Firstly Wardrope found Boylan on the left and his ball down the line sent Mason racing down the left wing but his final ball across goal had too much pace on it.
Soon after Mason had a chance on the right of the Lok box but he opted to take a touch rather than hit it first time and was closed down. The ball broke outside the area where Talbot thought they’d won a foul for holding but the ref waved play on and as Pollok broke Park was penalised for a challenge and received a booking.
In the 39th minute Crawford took one for the team when he received a caution when he abruptly halted a Lok break down the left wing. Mullen took the resultant free kick but his ball into the centre was easily claimed by Leishman.
A few minutes before the interval Buchanan squared the ball in from the left for Christie but his low drive lacked the power to test Leishman and the sides went in at the break with Lok a goal to the good.
Talbot came out positively at the start of the 2nd half, Samson winning a free kick for Burns challenge from the back and then Samson won a corner down the right when his cross was put behind by Sideserf. When the corner came over though Pollok headed it clear and broke quickly downfield through Christie who surged forward before sliding it right to McCann who saw his shot blocked by Leishman.
The Bot came close to a leveller in the 50th minute. Pollok only half cleared a ball and it came to Wilson who headed it over the defence to find Samson in the box. With his back to goal all he could do was glance it on with his head and it flew just wide of Lumsden’s left post.
Talbot kept the pressure up and Crawford’s ball across goal in the 54th minute only needed a touch but there was no one at the back post to turn it home.
In the 56th minute Wardrope became the 3rd Talbot player booked when he received a yellow card for a challenge on Lyon. Mullen again took the Lok set piece and curled the free kick into the centre where McPherson headed it clear.
Tucker made his first change in the 66th minute with Shankland coming on for Boylan.
A minute later Talbot drew level aided by some indecisive defending. There appeared little danger as the ball bounced 30 yards out but a Lok player tried to head it back toward his own goal and the ball broke off Mason into the path of KIER SAMSON in space and he drilled a low right foot shot across the keeper and inside the right post to make it 1-1.
Mason picked up a very tame booking in the 69th minute – not helped by Sideserf’s histrionics who went down as though poleaxed when barely touched only to make a lazarus like recovery.
In the 70th minute the Bot won a free kick wide on the left when Shankland was caught out by the touchline. Shankland swept the free kick into the centre where Park glanced a header just wide of the left hand post.
Two minutes later Burns became the first Lok player cautioned after he wrestled Samson to the ground to prevent him running onto Leishman’s throw out.
The referee wasn’t winning many friends on either side and he enraged the Bot support in the 74th minute. Once again Burns looked to be guilty of wrestling Samson back for what would’ve been a 2nd yellow card but the ref decided it was Samson who was holding and gave Pollok the free kick.
With quarter of an hour remaining Wilson played it into the feet of Shankland on the left of the penalty area. His shot across goal took a deflection with Talbot appealing for the corner but the officials awarded a goal kick.
Pollok now made a change with Docherty coming on for Buchanan.
Crawford was having a good 2nd half and in the 77th minute he again burst down the right and swung a good cross into the centre that Mullen did well to head clear.
In the 79th minute Burns won Pollok a corner down the left. Mullen delivered a dangerous ball in that McPherson managed to head clear. It came out to Esplin and he returned it to Mullen who squared it across the face of goal. The ball broke to Christie on the right of the area and he went down looking for a penalty only for the referee to book him for simulation.
Pollok now made a further change with Menzies replacing Burns.
With 9 minutes remaining Lyon did well near the bye line to turn Park and fire a ball across goal but Leishman smothered it at his near post.
The Bot then had a chance down the other end. Shankland squared the ball across to Wardrope who was caught by Esplin 20 yards from goal resulting in a booking for the Lok midfielder and a free kick to Talbot. Shankland took it but fired it low into the wall and when it broke back to him he lashed a shot well off target.
As the game entered its closing stages Talbot made a further change with Taylor coming on for Wardrope.
In the 89th minute Talbot came close to snatching it when Mason’s shot from outside the box was blocked and it spun right into the path of Crawford who hit it first time and sent a low drive just wide of target.
Deep into injury time Talbot had one last effort. Taylor burst forward down the right and checked inside on his left foot and fired a low shot on target that Lumsden made a complete meal of but eventually managed to hold at the 3rd time of asking.
A hard fought game and a draw was probably about the right result. Talbot’s next competitive fixture sees the visit of Rob Roy to Beechwood next Saturday but before that there is Andy Leishman’s testimonial at Beechwood later today where many well kent faces from the past will be lining up to face a Kilmarnock legends team.
Pollok – Lumsden, Mullen, Sideserf, Brownlie, Rumsby, Esplin, Christie, Lyon, S McCann, Buchanan, Burns
Subs – Menzies, Simmanon, Docherty, Dykes, Kroi, G McCann, Longmuir
Auchinleck Talbot – Leishman, Stafford, A Wilson, McPherson, Crawford, Armstrong, Park, Wardrope, Boylan, Samson, Mason
Subs – Shankland, Taylor, Ballantyne, Lennox, McCracken, Heaney, Hewitt
Nathan Lennox
Petershill v Auchinleck Talbot
There was nothing to separate the sides as Talbot and Petershill settled for a point a piece after drawing 1-1 at Petershill Park.
The home side made a bright start and had a half chance in the opening minute. McKenna fed it back to Scott and his first time ball into the centre was met by Shelvey who lifted it over the bar.
Talbot had a chance to test the Peasies defence in the 3rd minute when Samson won a free kick out on the left. Glasgow aimed it beyond the far post where McCracken met it unopposed but he steered his header back across goal rather than on target and Graham Wilson was penalised in the 6- yard area.
The Bot had a let off in the 7th minute when McKenna got on the end of a cross from the left and glanced a header off the face of the bar.
Hewitt received a caution in the 10th minute for a shirt tug on Samson after Kier had spun away from him.
Talbot came close to the opener in the 13th minute. Glasgow turned his marker and sped down the left before feeding the ball into the feet of Samson on the left of the area. He pulled it back across goal where Taylor ran onto it but he bundled his shot wide of the right post.
A minute later Taylor came close again – bursting into the box down the right but the defender did enough to pressure him and McNeil came out to dive at his feet and turn it behind for the corner.
In the 22nd minute Leitch received a yellow card for hauling down Samson.
Petershill caught Talbot on the hop in the 23rd minute when they countered down the left. The ball was switched inside to find Scott but he pulled his shot wide of Leishman’s left hand post.
McGregor came to the home side’s rescue in Talbot’s next attack. Taylor sped down the right and whipped over a cross that looked destined for Graham Wilson’s head at the far post but McGregor got his head to it to take it away from him.
Down the other end Talbot had a near miss in the 29th minute. The Peasies won a corner on the right and when it came over Leitch got a free header 12 yards out but sent it just over the crossbar.
The home side threatened again in the 32nd minute when McKenna ran into space down the left before delivering a good low ball into the centre which was cut out before eventually being cleared.
In the 34th minute Graham Wilson’s clever flick sent Glasgow racing clear on the left. He cut into the box and tried to place it low to McNeil’s left but the keeper got down to make a good stop and Leitch knocked the loose ball behind for a corner.
Just when it looked like the half was meandering its way to a close Talbot took the lead out of the blue in the 42nd minute. A shy from the right found CHRIS STAFFORD and he cut inside and with a burst of speed cut between two defenders before taking it wide of McNeil and slotting home from a tight angle.
Unfortunately, Talbot were barely in front before Petershill levelled in the final minute of the half. Ferns played a good ball across goal from the left which MCKENNA met in the centre and although he didn’t make the cleanest of contacts it was enough to steer it in off the base of the left post to send the teams in level at the break.
Talbot started the 2nd half positively and tested the keeper 2 minutes after the re-start. Graham Wilson played Glasgow in and McNeil got down to block his low right footed shot from the left of the area. The rebound came to Taylor in the air and he sent his header over the bar.
Healy had his name taken in the 48th minute for a foul just inside the Talbot half.
Talbot were forced into an early change in the 52nd minute when McCracken picked up a knock and had to leave the field to be replaced by Ballantyne.
In the 57th minute Ferns curled a dangerous ball over from the right that only needed a touch but there were no takers and Leishman was able to gather.
Play then switched to the other end where Taylor pinged the ball into the feet of Samson inside the area and he was able to spin his man and get a shot off on target but McNeil made a good stop.
Tucker made Talbot’s 2nd change of the afternoon in the 63rd minute when Wardrope came on in place of Taylor.
Talbot’s next chance came after Peasies failed to clear their lines from a corner. Armstrong’s shot from the edge of the area was blocked but it came back to Healy and he drilled a low effort on target that McNeil smothered.
Petershill then picked up two bookings in quick succession – firstly Owens and then moments later Cappie for a high challenge on Aiden Wilson.
In the 70th minute Petershill won a corner down the left when McKenna’s cross was deflected behind. Ferns hit the perfect in swinger to the back post which Graham Wilson had to head clear from the goal mouth. It came out to Gracie on the right edge and he fired a low drive on target but straight at Leishman.
Talbot came close to regaining the lead in the 74th minute. Wardrope gathered just outside the area and cut inside onto his left before steering a shot at goal that crashed off the crossbar.
Petershill now made a change with Branks on for Shelvey.
With 10 minutes remaining Talbot made a double switch with Graham Wilson and Glasgow making way for Mason and Boylan.
As the game moved into the closing stages it was Talbot on the front foot and the Bot had two late chances to claim all three points. In the 86th minute Wardrope fired a great ball across goal from the right but Boylan couldn’t connect it with at the back post.
Two minutes later Mason skipped past his man down the left and chipped it into the centre where Wardrope touched it off into the path of Boylan but he was falling back as he hit it and lashed it over the bar.
Petershill were content to run the clock down and made two late subs with McDonald on for McKenna and Brodie replacing Ferns at the last kick.
Over the piece a draw was about right with neither side having any serious complaints. Next up for Talbot it’s a return visit to Petershill Park though this time to face Rossvale in the Scottish Junior cup but as of the time of writing it’s still unclear when it’s due to take place as Petershill are at home next Saturday.
Petershill – McNeil, Gracie, Scott, McGregor, Hewitt, Leitch, Cappie, Owens, Shelvey, Ferns, McKenna
Subs – McCabe, Brodie, McLaughlan, Branks, Crumlish, McDonald, Lachlan
Auchinleck Talbot – Leishman, Stafford, Aiden Wilson, McPherson, McCracken, Armstrong, Healy, Taylor, Samson, Graham Wilson, Glasgow
Subs – Boylan, Mason, Wardrope, Crawford, Ballantyne, Park
Cambuslang Rangers v Auchinleck Talbot
MURRAYS REPORT
It was a far better day to be watching than playing as the spectators soaked up the sunshine whilst the two teams struggled to cope with the heat and bumpy surface with Talbot doing just enough to secure the win.
The home side made the brighter start and won a series of well-taken corners in the opening spell which the Talbot defence withstood.
For all Cambuslang’s early pressure the first close call of the match came in the 12th minute when Talbot swiftly countered downfield. Samson raced away on the right before sliding the ball across to find Graham Wilson inside the area. He touched it off to Taylor whose low drive slipped inches wide of the left hand post.
The Bot had a let off in the 18th minute. Cambuslang won a corner out on the left and as the in swinger came over Faulds rose to meet it and head it back across goal but his header came off the top of the crossbar.
Reid was lucky not to have his name taken in the 28th minute for a blatant trip on Taylor with the ref contenting himself with awarding the free kick.
Thirty five minutes Cox did find himself in the book when he also up-ended Taylor as he burst forward and that was about it for a first half of very few chances.
The Bot made a decent start to the 2nd half and the Lang keeper had to scramble backwards in the 47th minute to tip a Samson cross over his own crossbar. When the corner came in it was only cleared as far as Taylor who skipped past him on the right before playing it into the near post where Wilson gathered at the 2nd attempt.
Talbot had a half chance in the 50th minute. Taylor cut in off the left and swept a deep cross to the far post. Boylan challenged for it and the ball broke loose with Boylan reacting first to it but he snatched his shot wide.
The travelling support had a scare a minute later. A Talbot shy was thrown back into the box and the bounce of the ball nearly beat Leishman who recovered well to clear the ball out for the shy.
Cambuslang caused the Bot defence problems in the 55th minute when Cox latched onto a ball up the left. He hooked it across the face of goal and Aiden Wilson had to turn it behind for the corner.
On the hour mark Talbot nearly made the breakthrough when Taylor dived to meet Graham Wilson’s cross from the left but his header flew wide of the right hand post.
Two minutes later and Talbot were nearly in again. Samson flicked it on into the path of Graham Wilson and the keeper did well to come out and make the stop.
Talbot made their first change in the 66th minute with Glasgow on in place of Boylan.
The referee then produced 3 yellow cards in as many minutes. Firstly cautioning McCracken for dissent, then Grenfell for a late challenge on McPherson before booking Glasgow though I couldn’t see what for.
With quarter of an hour remaining the home side threatened the Bot goal when Stewart found himself in space down the left. He swung a dangerous cross over to the far post where Aiden Wilson prevented Anson from nodding it home.
Cambuslang now made a change with Nelson on for Grenfell. The sub’s first touch was a foul on Taylor as he bundled him over 18 yards out and a few yards wide of the penalty area. Glasgow took it and delivered the ball beyond the far post where KIER SAMSON met it to head it back across goal and put Talbot 1-0 ahead in the 78th minute.
The home side looked for an early response and Park had to look lively in the 80th minute to get across to cut out a ball in from the left and send it behind for the corner. When the corner came over Leishman gathered then immediately hurled the ball out to find Glasgow breaking down the left. He hit an early ball across towards Taylor but Wilson read the danger and raced out his box to beat Taylor to it and thump the ball out the park.
With 8 minutes remaining Talbot made their 2nd change with Crawford coming on for Taylor and with 5 minutes to go Cambuslang brought on McLarty for McLean.
The Bot nearly killed the game off in the 86th minute. Glasgow’s ball in from the left found Graham Wilson inside the area and he tried to take it round the keeper. The goalie managed to block it but the ball ran out to Crawford on the right of the area and his low drive was cleared off the goal line by Faulds.
Cambuslang had a glimpse at goal with 2 minutes remaining. A long shy from the right was hurled into the centre where 2 Bot players went for the same ball. It broke out to McLarty 15 yards from goal but he hooked his shot well over the bar.
As the game moved into added time Talbot made a further change with Ballantyne coming on for Graham Wilson.
The Bot saw the game out to secure a valuable away win. The side now have an idle Saturday due to a bye in the South Challenge Cup before facing Coldstream at Beechwood in the senior cup in a fortnight’s time.
Cambuslang Rangers – Wilson, Reid, McLean, Faulds, Grenfell, Cox, Stewart, Richford, Anson, McLaughlin, Stevenson
Subs – McLarty, Nelson
Auchinleck Talbot – Leishman, Stafford, Aiden Wilson, McPherson, McCracken, Healy, Park, Taylor, Graham Wilson, Samson, Boylan
Subs – Glasgow, Mason, Ballantyne, Crawford, Heany
Auchinleck Talbot v Darvel
MURRAY’S REPORT
A bad day at the office for Talbot who slumped to a 3-0 defeat with the damage being done in the last 5 minutes of the 1st half.
The game started positively flowing from end to end with both sides having early chances. Darvel had an opportunity in the opening minute when they won a free kick out on the left touchline. It was swept into the centre where Ferguson steered a free header over the bar.
In the 3rd minute Talbot had a good chance to take the lead. Graham Wilson did well in the build-up holding the ball up before sliding a pass left to send Samson through on goal but Truesdale produced a fine stop – saving with his outstretched leg to deny Samson.
Two minutes later and Samson had a golden chance for the opener. Graham Wilson touched the ball on into his path to send him clear through the centre and in on goal but he took a slightly heavy 1st touch and Truesdale was quickly off his line to make the block.
It was then Darvel’s turn to threaten when a shy from the right found Mackenzie in the area and he spun McPherson before firing a shot across goal and wide of the far post.
Stafford had his name taken in the 9th minute when he obstructed Stirling as he burst forward. McShane took the resultant free kick but sent it well wide of target.
Talbot conceded a soft corner in the 16th minute and nearly paid for it when the corner in ricocheted into the path of Mackenzie but he fired a half volley over the bar from 8 yards.
The Bot’s next attack saw Graham Wilson show good close control before releasing Samson down the left and he saw his shot blocked behind for the corner. When the corner came over deep beyond the far post McCracken glanced a header wide of target.
In the 34th minute Samson fashioned a chance out of nothing when his persistence saw him close down & dispossess Eadie. He raced into the area and cut it back to Park but he went for the wrong option trying to square it into the centre rather than shooting and the chance was lost.
Three minutes later Graham Wilson angled a good 1st time ball over beyond the far post where Taylor met it and volleyed wide of the left post.
The game began to slip away from Talbot in the 40th minute when Armstrong lunged into a tackle on Mackenzie. The referee produced a straight red and things went from bad to worse for Talbot as they conceded the opener a minute later. Darvel won a corner on the right and when it came over a Darvel player headed it on in the crowded 6-yard box and MEGGETT prodded it home from close range to give Darvel the lead.
It was all over bar the shouting deep into 1st half injury time when Darvel doubled their lead. The ball was switched left to right to find Meechan in space and he had time to look up and drill it across the face of goal where MACKENZIE turned it home at the near post to send Darvel in 2 ahead at the interval.
Tucker made a switch during the break with Wardrope on in place of Park.
The 2nd half was a bit of a non-event with Darvel content to keep possession for the most part. Taylor picked up a caution in the 55th minute for clipping the heels of Stirling and he was joined in the book a minute later by Meggett who was penalised for kicking the ball away after shoving over Samson.
Darvel nearly added to their lead in the 57th minute. Ferguson beat Leishman to a ball down the left and slid it for goal from a tight angle but Aiden Wilson got back to clear.
Talbot were offered a glimmer of hope in the 64th minute. Taylor met Aiden Wilson’s hanging cross only to be bundled over inside the box. The ref pointed to the spot but when it’s not your day it’s not your day and Graham Wilson’s tame spot kick was easily saved by Truesdale.
Two minutes later and Darvel completed the scoring. STIRLING gathered the ball 30 yards out and surged forward into the area before firing a shot in off the underside of the bar.
With the game gone Talbot made a slew of changes bringing on Glasgow and Boylan for Taylor and Samson and late on making a further double change with Ballantyne and Crawford getting a run out in place of Stafford and McPherson.
A disappointing afternoon but Talbot will look to dust themselves down and get back to winning ways next Saturday when they travel through to Somervell Park to face newly promoted Cambuslang Rangers.
Auchinleck Talbot – Leishman, Stafford, Aiden Wilson, McPherson, McCracken, Armstrong, Park, Healy, Graham Wilson, Samson, Taylor
Subs – Glasgow, Boylan, Wardrope, Crawford, Ballantyne, Heaney
Darvel – Truesdale, Eadie, Allan, Meggett, McShane, Stirling, Mackenzie, Meechan, Ferguson, Robertson, Caldwell
Subs – Ferguson, Miller, C Truesdale, Moore
Troon v Auchinleck Talbot
PHOTOGRAPHS BY PAUL FLYNN.
MATCH REPORT FROM MURRAY.
Talbot fans enjoyed their trip to the seaside with sunny skies and all 3 points after a hard fought away win.
Troon had an early chance within a minute when Talbot were caught daydreaming at a throw in. The shy was taken quickly and thrown to Montgomerie who prodded a shot across the face of goal and wide of the right post.
The home side were making the early running and had another chance in the 5th minute. A long diagonal ball picked out Jamieson bursting into the area down the left. He tried to take it wide of Leishman but Andy did enough to stop him and McPherson got back to clear.
Talbot’s first glimpse at goal came in the 8th minute when they forced a corner down the left. Wardrope swept it deep beyond the far post where McCracken headed it into the side-netting.
A few minutes later Taylor had a go from distance – lashing a shot over the bar from 25 yards after being set up by McCracken.
The Bot were having a good spell and Samson timed his run to perfection to race clear down the left and cut into the area but his ball across goal for Wilson was cut out by Burgess at his near post.
Slack play midway inside the Bot half gifted the ball to Troon and ended with Ben Black having an effort at goal from the edge of the area but his low drive was easily held by Leishman.
Talbot came close to taking the lead in the 23rd minute. McCracken lifted it down the centre where Samson laid the ball off into the path of Taylor who burst into the area only to see the advancing Burgess parry his shot away.
Two minutes later it was Leishman to the rescue for Talbot. Gilroy latched onto a ball over the top and broke into the area. McPherson got back but Gilroy was able to swivel and get his shot away with Leishman diving low to his left to turn it past the post. Troon then had another opportunity from the resultant corner which Josh Black met at the back post but he sent his header over the bar.
The home side were made to regret this missed opportunity as Talbot went straight down the field and took the lead. Samson bested Sherrie on the left and raced for the bye line before pulling it back across the area where ROSS TAYLOR ran onto it to bury a shot beyond Burgess.
The goal rocked Troon and Talbot had a half chance to double their lead soon after when Wilson & Samson combined to create an opening for Wardrope who fired straight at Burgess from 20 yards.
A minute later Talbot won a free kick wide of the Troon penalty area after McCloskey clipped Taylor’s heels. Wardrope swung a dangerous ball to the back post which Sherrie headed clear but only as far as Armstrong 15 yards out but he didn’t catch it right and the ball bobbled through to the keeper.
The Bot had a good chance to double their advantage in the 31st minute. Taylor clipped a good ball through to find Samson racing into the area down the right. He fired it over the advancing Burgess but his shot cleared the crossbar.
The match was all square after 34 minutes with Troon grabbing a spectacular equaliser. Morrison sent a high hanging cross over from the right touchline which GILROY met 1st time on the volley sending it back across goal and beyond the helpless Leishman.
Talbot tried to find an immediate response and Burgess was called into action in the 36th minute when he produced a good save to keep out Graham Wilson’s header on target.
The Bot ended the half on the front foot. In the 43rd minute Wardrope knocked it wide to find Armstrong and he pinged it to the left wing to find Samson whose cross was headed just over by Wilson.
A minute later Talbot won a free kick wide on the left following a foul on Aiden Wilson. Wardrope lifted it into the area where Sherrie headed it clear but only as far as Healy who hit it 1st time from 20 yards bringing out a good save from Burgess.
As the half moved into added time Talbot had one last chance when Samson laid the ball off to the overlapping Wardrope who burst into the area but saw his shot blocked by Burgess and the half ended all square.
Tucker made a change at the interval with Glasgow coming on in place of Wardrope.
It was Talbot’s turn to be first out the blocks in the 2nd half and the Bot nearly regained the lead within a minute of the restart. Graham Wilson’s ball found Samson running in behind the defence and he prodded it past the keeper only to see it come back off the left post before being cleared.
McCloskey received a caution in the 47th minute for a trip on Taylor resulting in a Bot free kick just outside the area. Graham Wilson shaped up to hit but instead squared the ball across to Stafford whose powerful drive was blocked en route.
The Bot were back on the attack in the 51st minute when Glasgow skipped past several challenges down the left before slinging a ball across goal that just eluded Samson in the centre. Taylor retrieved it & fed it back to Healy whose dangerous cross to the back post was headed behind by Morrison.
Both keepers were then called into action – firstly Leishman moved smartly off his line to read a ball over the top and clear the danger then down the other end Burgess had to deal with Healy’s free kick from the left touchline which was curled to the back post. The keeper came to claim it, dropped it, but no Bot player was on hand to take advantage and the defence cleared.
Armstrong had his name taken in the 54th minute for a foul on Gallagher and minutes later Troon were forced into a change when Josh Black was unable to continue after taking a knock and he was replaced by ex-Bot player Steven Wilson.
Talbot came within a whisker of retaking the lead in the 59th minute. Samson’s shot at goal was blocked for a corner on the left and when Glasgow delivered it to the far post Graham Wilson thought he’d scored but Burgess was able to claw his header off the line and the officials dismissed Talbot’s claims that the ball had went over the line.
The goal wasn’t long delayed though and Talbot moved back in front in the 62nd minute. Taylor played a good ball down the right to release Samson and he drilled it low across the face of goal where GRAHAM WILSON was on hand to turn it home.
Troon now made a further change with Fulton on for Ben Black.
In the 72nd minute Talbot made their 2nd sub of the afternoon with Ally Park coming on in place of Armstrong and Park was soon involved playing a one-two with Taylor before Taylor drilled a shot just wide of the right hand post.
Troon hadn’t really turned up for the 2nd half but they had a chance to draw level in the 76th minute. The ball fell to Gilroy in space on the left of the area but he snatched at it and mishit it across the face of goal. It came to Wilson whose shot was blocked behind for the corner.
Troon then had another chance a minute later. Morrison’s cross was cut out by Aiden Wilson at the expense of a corner. When the corner came over Sherrie met it but mistimed it and sent a free header well wide of goal.
With 10 minutes remaining Taylor’s pass sent Glasgow clear on the left and he whipped over a great ball but there was no one in the centre to turn it home.
In the 82nd minute Park conceded a free kick out on the right near the corner flag. Gallagher lifted it into the centre where it was headed clear. The ball came to Gilroy but his shot was blocked in the crowded area.
Both sides now made a further change with Boylan on for Graham Wilson and Boyd replacing Montgomerie.
With the clock running down Talbot made a late change with the tiring Samson making way for Ballantyne.
In the closing minute there was action at both ends of the field. Firstly Troon had a half chance to snatch a late equaliser when a cross from the right found Wilson in space but he mishit his effort then down the other end Glasgow was hauled back by Sherrie just outside the area resulting in a free kick. Healy took it and curled a shot inches over the bar.
Soon after the final whistle sounded and Talbot had secured their 1st win of the new season. Next week it’s back to Beechwood where Talbot will face Darvel.
Troon FC – Burgess, McCloskey, Sherrie, Ben Black, Montgomerie, Gilroy, Smith, Morrison, Josh Black, Jamieson, Gallagher
Subs – Wilson, Fulton, Boyd, Vernon, Fisher
Auchinleck Talbot – Leishman, Stafford, Aiden Wilson, McPherson, McCracken, Armstrong, Healy, Taylor, Graham Wilson, Samson, Wardrope
Subs – Glasgow, Boylan, Park, Ballantyne, Heaney
