Talbot showed they won’t surrender their league title without a fight as they battled to a gritty win over Rob Roy at a sun soaked Beechwood.
With 3 points vital to both sides it made for a cagey opening with little in the way of goal mouth action.
When the 1st clear opening came in the 10th minute it came Talbot’s way & the Bot ought to have moved ahead. Young swept the ball back to Pope who slung a cross to the far post where Graham Wilson headed it back across goal. It came straight across the face of goal to Hyslop who angled his shot wide of Brown’s left post from point blank range.
The 1st effort on Leishman’s goal came in the 16th minute & came courtesy of a Talbot player when Hyslop’s attempt at cutting out Mackenzie’s low cross from the left ended up sailing straight at the Talbot goalie.
Two minutes later Talbot threatened twice in rapid succession. The initial move saw Steven Wilson thread the ball through to Graham Wilson to send him free on the right. He swept the ball across goal where Milliken just failed to connect in front of goal. Steven Wilson retrieved the ball on the left to win a corner off Walker. When the corner came over Hyslop climbed to head it back down across goal where Harvey slid in to meet it; just failing to turn it home at the left post.
Rob Roy had the Bot defence at full stretch in the 24th minute. Duff beat Pope in an aerial duel to head it on to Sawyers & send him free. He drove a fierce low ball across goal that McGoldrick did well to clear.
The action then switched to the other end where G Wilson fed the ball out to Young who cut inside past Walker before curling a cross come shot to the far post which the defence did well to clear.
The game’s 1st caution arrived in the 33rd minute. Young whipped a good cross over which Graham Wilson brought under control, however before he could shoot the ball was nicked away by McMenamin who crumpled when challenged by Wilson. He collapsed like a soufflé, only to recover thanks to the miraculous restorative effects of a booking for an opponent.
Talbot nearly made the breakthrough in the 37th minute when Milliken cut in from the left & curled a ball across goal that skimmed just over Graham Wilson’s head in front of goal.
The crucial goal arrived in the 45th minute amidst much controversy. Steven Wilson swept a cross in from the right which came off Walker’s head to GRAHAM WILSON on the left of the area. He cut in past the full back & coolly slotted the ball past Brown to make it 1-0. The Rob Roy team then suffered a collective collapse of discipline as they raged against the referee for over ruling an earlier offside flag from his linesman. Their protests should have resulted in writer’s cramp from the ref but he only booked McMenamin before the half wound to a close.
The 2nd half got off to a flying start with Talbot having a decent chance to put the game to rest within two minutes. Milliken ran onto a good ball over the defence to race clean through onto Brown. As the keeper advanced he knocked it wide of him but Brown dived to his left to block the ball away.
Rob Roy now enjoyed their best spell of the game as they piled pressure on Talbot. Yet, for all their territory their only real chance of this phase came in the 52nd minute from a corner. The ball came over & McMenamin managed to head it goal ward. It fell to Sawyers 15 yards out but his shot was blocked in the 6-yard area. It spun out to Mackenzie who fired a shot inside the near post which Leishman parried.
Having survived an early onslaught on the Bot goal Talbot’s 1st promising counter of the 2nd period was abruptly ended when Green clipped the heels of Graham Wilson resulting in a booking for the Rabs centre half.
Pope delivered the free kick into the 6-yard box where Brown struggled to deal with it; coming out to take the cross but misjudging it & being eventually glad to claw it away at full stretch.
Tucker now made his 1st change with Shankland coming on for Graham Wilson and soon after Rob Roy made their 1st switch with Mackie replacing Johnstone.
Talbot had a chance to double their lead & end the contest in the 64th minute. Pope lifted a tremendous ball up the left to find Shankland who got the better of Green & cut inside the penalty area before drilling a low right foot shot which Brown held low to his right.
Talbot had the ball in the net in the 69th minute when Wilson spread the ball out wide to Shankland who chipped it over Brown’s head into the net but it wouldn’t have counted as Shanks had strayed offside; however play was pulled back for an earlier infringement & Whelan was cautioned for his late challenge on Wilson.
Pope took the set piece & lifted it down the centre where Hyslop ran onto it; only to guide his header just wide of the left post.
McMenamin came to the Rabs rescue in the 74th minute. Shankland laid the ball off to his right toward Hyslop who would’ve been clean through on goal but for a crucial interception from the ex-Nock player.
The Rabs threatened an equaliser with quarter of an hour remaining. They worked it down the right before swinging a cross over which Sawyers headed for goal, only to see it blocked by Lyle. The Rabs players appealed for a penalty for handball but the ref dismissed their claims.
Steven Wilson was cautioned in the 76th minute & Rob Roy made their 2nd change, bringing on Watt for Walker.
Mackenzie added to the crime count shortly after when he was booked for dissent.
Talbot were left a man down in the 79th minute when Hyslop lashed out after believing he was stamped on by Mackie. The referee sent Hyslop the short distance into the clubhouse & booked Mackie for his part in the stramash.
Tucker now made another change with Latta on in place of White.
The Talbot goal led a charmed life in the 83rd minute. There was an almighty scramble in the Bot goal mouth as the Rabs tried to force the ball home to no avail. It was shoved clear but only as far as Mackenzie on the left of the penalty area but his low drive at goal was also blocked away.
Latta picked up a yellow card in the 85th minute when he was penalised for a shove on Mackenzie. Gallacher took the free kick & struck it well but his shot hit the edge of the wall & was deflected to safety.
With 2 minutes remaining Rob Roy’s manager was sent to the clubhouse for persistent carping from the sidelines.
Rob Roy threw bodies forward in the closing stages but the Bot defence stood up to the onslaught & held out for the win.
This was a vital win for Talbot which sees them join Rob Roy in joint second & close the gap on Glenafton. Next up for Talbot it is derby day as they travel to Townhead to face old rivals Cumnock.
Talbot – Leishman, Lyle, Pope, Harvey, McGoldrick, White, Young, S Wilson, G Wilson, Milliken, Hyslop
Graham Wilson opens the scoring for Talbot, albeit in controversial circumstances. ‘G’ takes advantage of the opposition pausing, thinking he was offside, races into the box and calmly slots the ball past the ‘keeper. 1-0.Graham and some Talbot fans go wild after his goal, although, I bet these two Rob Roy fans wish they were standing somewhere else.‘Pee-wee’ congratulates ‘G’ after seeing him put Talbot into the lead.Steven Wilson holds his hands up in disbelief as he watches Lyle and Pope brilliantly defend and stop Rob Roy from scoring, right on the goal-line.Graham, Dwayne and the Rob Roy defence can only watch, as Hyslop’s early chance goes whizzing past the far post.As Graham Wilson’s heads the ball towards goal, Milliken looks to get to the ‘second ball’.Hyslop tries to meet the ball at the back post but the Rob Roy ‘keeper gets to the ball first.‘G’ tries a cheeky chip from close range but the ‘keeper pulls off a great save in order to thwart him.The ‘Black and Gold’ wall stands tall and McGoldrick keeps his eye on the ball, as he looks to stop this Rob Roy free-kick.As things get heated after Talbot get reduced to ten men, ‘Rabs’ Manager, Stewart Maxwell, gets sent away too.Stephen White sticks close to his opponent.Ross Harvey and Willie Sawyers do battle in this aerial challenge, as others look on.‘Whitey’ tries his best to win back possession for Talbot.Shankland rues another missed opportunity for Talbot. Photographs by Paul Flynn.
Talbot started this quarter-final on fire, getting off to a flying start from which Kilwinning never really recovered.
Prior to kick off it was a rowdy element of the travelling support who’d made all the noise but they were momentarily silenced as Talbot took the lead within the 1st minute.
Lyle was fouled out on the touchline by Boylan & Pope whipped an in swinging free kick into the 6-yard area where GRAHAM WILSON glanced a header home.
The Bot might have doubled their lead in the 5th minute. G Wilson’s chip sent Young clean through on the left. He could have shot but opted instead to square the ball across for Milliken but he was challenged by Kerr as he went to stroke it home.
Talbot kept the pressure on & threatened the Buffs goal again in the 8th minute. Pope slid a free kick through to Young on the left edge of the penalty area. He flighted a cross into the centre which Hyslop headed for goal, but unluckily for him it deflected up off a defender & Strain tipped it over the bar.
The Buffs first chance came in the 10th minute when they won a corner on the left. McCloskey pulled the corner back to the edge of the area to find Swift in space & his low drive was heading on target until blocked in the 6-yard box.
Talbot’s 2nd goal arrived in the 17th minute & it was a fine solo effort. Young’s pass found STEVEN WILSON on the left wing; he still had a lot to do but carried it forward before cutting into the penalty area past Swift & coolly drilled a low shot past Strain to put Talbot 2-0 ahead.
Kilwinning now made a change with Coleman on for Maitland.
Leishman had been a bystander to this point but was called into action in the 23rd minute. A shy from the right found Hogg at the bye line & he turned the ball back into the path of McGuinness. He drilled a low shot on target that Leishman smothered at the 2nd attempt.
A 3rd goal would have killed the tie off & it very nearly arrived in the 24th minute. Milliken swung a cross over from the left that the Buffs central defence made a meal of. Two players went to clear & only succeeded in getting each other’s way & directing a weak clearance straight to Young 15 yards out. He arrowed the ball on target but was denied by a wonder save from Strain low to his right. The ball rebounded up to G Wilson who looked a certainty but Strain scrambled up to block his 1st effort & when it came back to him Wilson rattled a shot off the right post from point blank range.
The Buffs defence were all at sea & Talbot’ next attack saw Young get in behind down the left before firing the ball across the face of goal but unfortunately there were no Bot players to turn it home.
Having survived by the skin of their teeth the Buffs threatened to pull a goal back in the 38th minute. Pope conceded a free kick wide on the right which McGuinness slung towards the back post. Leishman climbed highest in a crowd of players to tip it over the bar. The resultant corner was cleared but Kilwinning kept up the pressure & when a deep cross came over from the left it found Hogg who cushioned a header back across goal. It came to Kerr with his back to goal & he wheeled round & fired a shot just past the right post.
Kilwinning finished the half on the front foot but without looking like threatening Leishman’s goal & the Bot went in 2-0 ahead at the interval.
The 2nd half was barely a minute old when Milliken picked up a caution for persistent fouling.
The Buffs defence looked susceptible at set pieces & they were nearly undone again in the 49th minute when Pope lifted a free kick into the area. Harvey climbed to head it for goal & Hyslop threw himself at it but could only direct his header wide of target.
Kilwinning made their 2nd change after 51 minutes with ex-Bot player Cashmore coming on for Hogg.
A minute later Frye received his customary caution for a foul as Talbot tried to break up field.
The Buffs were forced into a further change in the 54th minute when Kerr went down inside his own half & had to limp off to be replaced by Fleeting.
Tucker made his 1st change soon after with Shankland coming on for Graham Wilson.
Strain prevented Talbot extending their lead in the 64th minute. Milliken switched play out to the right to find Hyslop in space inside the area. His cross was a tad over hit but Milliken did well to retrieve it & whipped the ball over to the back post where Hyslop’s header looked to be heading into the roof of the net until Strain touched it over the bar.
Two minutes later Talbot had another good chance. Milliken pounced on a mistake inside the Buffs half & threaded the ball through to Young inside the area. He chose not to shoot & angled it across the face of goal toward Shankland who fired it into the side netting from a tight angle.
Talbot nearly added a 3rd in the 71st minute. Shankland lifted a corner to the far post where Harvey powered a header on target which Strain tipped over the crossbar.
Two minutes later Shankland’s ball sent Milliken racing free on the left. He surged into the area & fired a shot on goal that Strain blocked inside the near post.
Tucker now made a further change with Latta on in place of White.
Lyle picked up a caution in the 77th minute for a foul on Cashmore.
The closing stages saw Talbot comfortably see the game out with the Buffs unable to breach Talbot’s defence. Frustration got the better of Cashmore in injury time as he clipped Milliken late to receive a yellow card.
This was a thoroughly deserved win for Talbot who could easily have racked up a few more goals whilst never looking like conceding at the other end. Next up for Talbot is a crucial league clash as with Rob Roy as the Bot look to cut the gap at the top.
Talbot – Leishman, Lyle, Pope, Harvey, McGoldrick, White, Young, S Wilson, G Wilson, Milliken, Hyslop
Talbot made it 6 wins in a row, leaving it late before securing a hard fought victory over Pollok at Beechwood.
The game started off at a good pace with both sides competing ferociously but gradually it was Talbot who began to emerge on top.
The first clear chance came Talbot’s way in the 14th minute. Mackenzie floored White 30 yards from goal & Hyslop curled the free kick over the wall & on target only for Longmuir to dive full length to touch it round the right post.
Wilson was next to have a go for Talbot. He gathered on the right before cutting in field & lashing a shot just over the bar from 20 yards.
In the 24th minute Talbot won a free kick in a dangerous area when McCracken was tripped out on the right. Pope delivered an in swinger across the area but no Bot player could get a touch & it carried through to Longmuir.
Pollok had been posted missing in the final third but they almost snatched the lead on the half hour mark. They put together a slick move down the left with Sideserf feeding the ball inside the area to find D Winters. He flicked it inside for R Winters but Harvey intercepted & the ball was finally scrambled clear.
Mackenzie became the 1st name in the ref’s notebook when he was cautioned for flattening Milliken.
Two minutes later Longmuir was called into action again. Hyslop rose to meet Pope’s cross & he guided a header back across & down where Longmuir clutched it by his right post.
Longmuir was having a good game & he produced a top class save to deny Talbot the lead in the 36th minute. Milliken nodded the ball down into the path of Wilson who ran on to it & looked to pass it into the corner of the net; only for Longmuir to tip it past the right post.
The opening goal came two minutes later & there was nothing Longmuir could do to prevent it. Milliken sent the ball across to G WILSON in space just outside the area. His shot took a major deflection off Gallacher to wrong foot the keeper & put the Bot 1-0 ahead.
Within a minute Talbot came close to doubling their lead. McCracken was fouled just outside the area & this time G Wilson took the set piece. He whipped it over the wall & on target where Longmuir again produced a quality save, turning it past the left post.
Pollok finished the 1st half strongly, pushing men forward but all they had to show for it were a few crosses slung into the box & one unsuccessful penalty appeal when R Winters collapsed in the area.
Talbot had made most of the running in the 1st half but it was Pollok who came out all guns blazing at the start of the 2nd, and the Bot were pushed back deep into their own half.
D Winters passed up a half chance to draw Lok level in the 47th minute. Leishman palmed away Rowan’s high cross but it came straight out to D Winters at the edge of the area where he drilled a low shot just wide of the right post.
D Winters missed a real sitter in the 54th minute. Evans cross into the box came off the head of Harvey & landed right at his feet 10 yards out but he poked a tame effort straight at Leishman.
In the 57th minute McGoldrick was cautioned for a foul on R Winters just outside the penalty area. R Winters took it himself & whipped a cross into the centre which McGoldrick headed clear.
McCabe came close for the visitors in the 59th minute. He climbed at the back post to meet Sideserf’s cross & sent his header just wide of the Leishman’s left post.
Talbot hadn’t got going in the 2nd half up to this point but did threaten in the 62nd minute. Wilson laid the ball back to Milliken who struck it sweetly but Longmuir proved equal to it; turning it wide of the right post.
R Winters had spent more time on the Beechwood surface than the ground staff & was finally booked for persistent diving in the 63rd minute. The resultant free kick was flighted into the Lok penalty area & Hyslop headed it back across goal where Latta & Evans both went for it with the ball ricocheting off Latta & behind for a goal kick.
Evans was cautioned in the 66th minute for a late tackle on Wilson.
Tucker made a change in the 68th minute with Shankland coming on in place of Milliken.
Pollok won a corner on the left in the 71st minute when D Winters shot was deflected wide. It was delivered into the near post where GALLACHER glanced a header across goal & in at the far post to level the match.
Latta had an opportunity to restore Talbot’s lead in the 76th minute. The ball broke off Shankland & fell for him in front of goal but he fired his shot straight at the keeper from 15 yards.
As the game moved into the last 10 minutes it was Talbot who looked the more likely. The Bot won a free kick just outside the Lok penalty area when Evans fouled Shankland. Before the free kick was taken Tucker made a further change with Thomson replacing McCracken. Shankland took the free kick & powered a shot at goal that flew just over the bar.
Pollok now made a double switch with D Winters & Mackenzie making way for Hepburn & McAleenan.
In the 87th minute Talbot won a free kick out on the right when Lyle was wrestled to the ground. Lyle lifted the ball into the area where Hyslop headed it on. Wilson also helped it on & HARVEY reacted first in a crowded 6-yard area to volley it home from close range to put Talbot 2-1 ahead.
Talbot saw the closing stages out comfortably & frustration got the better of Evans who ended up in the book for a late tackle on White.
Talbot showed character to come back after Pollok’s leveller & this win closes the gap on 2nd placed Rob Roy. Next up for Talbot is the Scottish cup quarter-final where they host Kilwinning Rangers.Talbot – Leishman, Lyle, Pope, Harvey, McGoldrick, White, McCracken, Hyslop, G Wilson, Milliken, Latta
From outside the box, Graham Wilson, fires a long range effort towards goal and with the help of a deflection, finds the back of the net. 1-0.And from this angle, we can see just how big the deflection was for the opening goal.It’s all high fives for Talbot, as Wullie Lyle congratulates ‘G’ for his goal.From a corner, Paul Gallagher sends a glancing backwards header over Andy Leishman and into the far corner of the net. 1-1.Gallagher punches the air with delight after scoring the equaliser for the ‘Lok.Both Pope and Harvey react the quickest to get to the ‘second ball’ from ‘Pee-wee’s’ header but it is Ross that manages to poke the ball past the ‘keeper, into the back of the net and send the Black ‘n’ Gold Army into wild celebrations! 2-1.And the goal-line technology says……GGGOOOAAALLL!!!!There’s really nothing quite like the feeling of a late Talbot winner at Beechwood Park.Milliken tries to go for the spectacular but is unsuccessful in pulling it off.Jordan Longmuir makes sure he had it covered but Talbot still came agonisingly close to scoring.Hyslop can only watch, as ‘G’ just misses out on getting his head onto this Talbot cross.Longmuir bravely gathers the ball at the feet of Milliken.The healthy crowd watch the match unfold, as ‘Pee-wee’ fires in a free-kick.Graham Wilson can only look to the heavens after he misses a great chance.Martin McGoldrick fires a pass up the wing for Kier Milliken to chase.McCracken keeps the attack going, as Lyle demonstrates his, ‘it wisnae me ref,’ face.Mark Shankland is on the end of a hefty tackle in this challenge.James Latta tries his best to get his message across.Craig McCracken keeps a close eye on the ball, as he tries to win the ball back for Talbot.‘Whitey’ points the way to a ‘Black and Gold’ victory. Photographs by Paul Flynn
Robert Kerr tries his best but is unable to stop Craig McCracken’s long range effort from hitting the back of the net. 0-1.Lyle and Harvey try to block this first-half effort form Kilbirnie.McCracken manages to find space in the Kilbirnie box but is unable to find the target.Milliken runs past Robert Kerr but then fails to finish off his brilliant run with a goal.Graham Wilson finds ‘acres’ of space and all the time in the world to place his header but unfortunately, sends the ball inches over the bar.And from this angle, you see just how close ‘G’ came to scoring.Keir Milliken evades the tackle and chases the ball up the wing.Steven Wilson looks on, as Wullie Lyle heads the ball back up the park.The Blastie’s fans closely watch the action unfold, as ‘Mulky’ sends the ball forward for ‘Butch’ to chase.Shankland tries to win the ball back for Talbot.‘Pee-wee’ stands his ground in front of this Kilbirnie pass.Graham Wilson goes on a great run, as Kilbirnie try to stop him.Bryan Young tries to ‘gee-up’ ‘G’ for the next Talbot attack.
Talbot finally managed to beat their bogey side & in keeping with previous encounters it was a dour battle settled by a solitary goal.
The 1st chance of the match came Talbot’s way. Graham Wilson lifted the ball down the left to send Milliken racing in behind the defence. He knocked it past the advancing Hughes but couldn’t gather it & the ball went behind for a goal kick.
Kilbirnie then took over in midfield, and created two chances in quick succession when firstly Forde tested Leishman from 20 yards out & then Johnstone cut in from the left wing before firing a low shot which Leishman also held.
Chances were few & far between though Talbot did put together a good move in the 16th minute. Pope released G Wilson down the left & he squared it across the 6-yard line where Milliken was challenged just as he was about to hit it.
Kilbirnie were enjoying the bulk of the pressure & Talbot had a lucky escape in the 22nd minute. Kilbirnie won a free kick on the right touchline which was fired across to the far edge of the area to Forde. He played it back across the area where Green missed a sitter; mishitting wide from straight in front of goal.
Thus far Hughes had been a virtual spectator with Talbot creating little in the final third & the Blasties keeper could do little but watch as Talbot took the lead out of the blue in the 34th minute. A shy from the right came in to MCCRACKEN & he lashed an unstoppable shot inside the right post to put Talbot 1-0 ahead.
Kilbirnie huffed & puffed but couldn’t make any headway against a resolute Talbot defence & the half meandered to a finish with neither side looking like scoring.
Kilbirnie made a change at the interval with Haxton on at left-back in place of Gray.
Talbot had an early chance to double their lead. Staunton conceded a free kick out on the left. Pope delivered it into the centre where McCracken rose to meet it but placed his header over the bar from 8 yards out.
Just as in the 1st half clear cut chances were in short supply. Kilbirnie did threaten in the 58th minute when Ronald fizzed a free kick into the area from the left touchline. Forde controlled it but Harvey got across to tackle him before he could get his shot away.
Rafferty was cautioned in the 59th minute for a scything challenge on Steven Wilson. Young took the resultant free kick & lifted it into the box where Hyslop glanced a header just wide of the right post.
Kilbirnie were being stymied by the Bot defence & unable to test Leishman in the 2nd half. Their 1st effort of the half didn’t come until the 68th minute when they won a free kick 35 yards out. Rafferty took it & whist it was a good effort his shot was always flying high & wide of target.
Talbot now made their 1st change with White on for McCracken.
Young had a half chance to double Talbot’s lead in the 70th minute. G Wilson slid the ball through to find him inside the area & he cut inside to create space but fired wildly over the bar from 15 yards.
Haxton became the 2nd Blasties player in the book when cautioned for a late challenge on G Wilson.
It should have been game over in the 76th minute. Young & Milliken worked a neat one-two down the left to send Milliken free. He whipped the perfect cross over to the back post where Graham Wilson placed a free header over the bar from close range.
Both sides now made a further change with Shankland replacing G Wilson & the home side bringing on Anderson for Harkins.
Talbot’s failure to add to their lead ensured a nervy ending as the home side pushed forward to salvage a point. They won a free kick in a dangerous area in the 85th minute when Talbot were caught cold by a short corner. It was worked to Haxton who was impeded just outside the penalty area with Lyle picking up a caution for dissent. Forde whipped it across the 6-yard area where Hyslop headed it clear. Talbot had the opportunity to catch Ladeside on the counter but a poor final ball from Milliken saw the chance go a begging.
With 2 mins remaining Shankland sent Milliken through on the left. He succeeded in taking it wide of Hughes but ran out of space & couldn’t prevent it drifting behind for a goal kick.
Tucker now made a final change with Stevenson on for Milliken.
As the game moved into injury time the home side were reduced to 10 men when Haxton picked up his 2nd caution.
Somehow the referee managed to find almost 5 minutes of added time but Kilbirnie couldn’t get past the Bot defence & Talbot stood firm to claim all 3 points.
Not one of Talbot’s better perfomances but another clean sheet & 3 points gained. Next up for Talbot is Pollok’s visit to Beechwood in the league.
Talbot breezed past Luncarty to make it through to the last 8 of the Scottish cup; one of three Ayrshire sides in the quarter-finals.
Right from the off it was Talbot who dominated proceedings. The 1st effort at goal coming in the 3rd minute when Shankland laid the ball off for McCracken & he rocketed a powerful shot on target that flew straight at Bruce.
Soon after, the home defence were tested again when Pope fired a dangerous cross into the near post, with D Kelly clearing under pressure from G Wilson.
For all Talbot’s territorial dominance Luncarty were proving to be difficult to break down with eleven men behind the ball anytime Talbot ventured over the halfway line.
The 1st caution of the match came in the 19th minute when Talbot’s Harvey was penalised for a late tackle.
Talbot ought to have taken the lead in the 24th minute. Lyle released Young down the right & Hyslop met his cross inside the near post but glanced a free header wide of the far post.
The Bot’s next effort at goal came from Lyle. Young slipped the ball to him inside the area & he turned before firing a left foot shot straight at Bruce from 15 yards.
With half an hour gone a 2nd Talbot player found himself in the ref’s notebook when Shankland was cautioned for dissent & a few minutes later S Wilson added to the crime count when booked for a shirt tug.
Talbot won a free kick in a promising area when McCracken was up ended just outside the box. Shankland took the set piece but suffice to say it wasn’t his finest effort as he floated a tame effort over the wall that Bruce easily saved.
The opening goal came in the 35th minute. Shankland whipped a great ball over from the left that G Wilson fired on target, forcing a fine instinctive save from Bruce. The ball came back out to Wilson who laid it back to YOUNG & he slotted it away into the bottom corner.
Three minutes later Talbot came close to adding a second goal. Pope lifted a tremendous diagonal ball over the defence which Hyslop threw himself at but he just failed to connect.
The game continued to be one-way traffic but for all their possession Talbot couldn’t find a way through & went in at half-time with a slender 1-0 lead.
Talbot started the 2nd half strongly & threatened within a minute. Young held the ball up before finding Pope on the left & his 1st time ball into the centre broke off G Wilson & fell kindly for the keeper.
Luncarty hadn’t offered any threat but they did put together a nice move in the 50th minute, although it was let down by the final effort as McAllister ballooned his shot over the bar.
A minute later Dobie became the 1st Luncarty player cautioned when he was penalised for a body check on Hyslop.
It should’ve been game over in the 56th minute. G Wilson played a good ball out left to find Young in space. Shankland met his cross in the centre but managed to glance his header wide when it looked easier to hit the target.
Luncarty’s Reid now had his name taken for a late challenge on S Wilson.
The crucial 2nd goal arrived in the 58th minute. McCracken fed the ball through to G WILSON on the right side of the area & he drilled a low shot into the opposite corner to put Talbot 2-0 ahead.
Luncarty reacted to this with a double substitution with Walker & Whytock making way for Gray & McLaren.
Talbot came close again in the 62nd minute. Young touched a free kick off to the side for Pope to hit & his shot flew just over the bar from 30 yards.
Talbot’s 3rd goal arrived in the 65th minute & had more than a touch of fortune about it. McCracken fired a shot from the edge of the area that took a major deflection off WALKER before spinning in under the bar for an own goal.
With the tie safely won Tucker made a triple substitution after 74 mins with Young, Shankland & Steven Wilson being replaced by White, Stevenson & Pooler.
Bruce prevented Talbot from adding to their lead in the 78th minute. Pooler cut into the area & pulled the ball back for Wilson. He was challenged but the ball came out to Lyle & his effort was flying into the roof of the net til Bruce tipped it over the bar.
The final goal came in the 81st minute. Pooler flicked the ball into the path of Stevenson who sped through the centre before releasing it to his left to find G WILSON. He carried on into the box before drilling a low shot across the keeper to make it 4-0.
Luncarty’s keeper had picked up a knock & after a short delay was replaced Stewart.
Talbot twice came close to adding to their tally in the closing stages. Firstly, White hit a daisy cutter from 20 yards that flew just past the right post & then Stevenson latched onto a weak headed clearance before firing a shot just over the bar.
This was a comfortable win for Talbot who dominated from first to last to send the fans home happy. Next for Talbot is a sterner challenge as they head up to Bellsdale to face Beith in the league.
Talbot – Leishman, Lyle, Pope, Harvey, McGoldrick, McCracken, Young, Hyslop, G Wilson, Shankland, S Wilson
Auchinleck Talbot’s mascot for the day, Leighton McBlain, stand’s proudly with both captains and the match official.Talbot open the scoring, as ‘Butch’ finds a path through a congested Luncarty box and fires the ball into the back of the net. 1-0.Luncarty ‘keeper, Duncan Bruce, lies down deflated after not being able to prevent Talbot from opening the scoring.Graham Wilson races into the box and bears down on the ‘keeper and……smashes the ball home to put Talbot two ahead. 2-0.The face of a player that just LOVES scoring for Talbot!From outside the box, McCracken’s strike takes a huge deflection, loops over everybody and dips into the back of the net. 3-0.A celebratory smile from McCracken after his ‘wonder’ strike.‘G’ races down the wing, enters the Luncarty box and……rounds off the scoring by slotting the ball into the back of the net. 4-0.Shankland finds space in the box for a free header but fails to find the net.And from this other angle, we see just what a good chance this was for Talbot.‘Pee-wee’ manages to head the ball over the Luncarty ‘keeper but unfortunately, sends the ball wide of the far post.Hyslop’s face shows just how close he came to scoring.The orders get roared out by Duncan Bruce.Ross Harvey looks on, as Stephen White stands his ground to try and retain possession.McGoldrick wins this aerial battle for Talbot.Graham Wilson tries to win back the ball from Luncarty.‘Whitey’ goes on a beautiful ‘mazey’ run, as he skips past the Luncarty players.Talbot captain, Wullie Lyle, races up the wing and gets an attack motoring.As a healthy crowd watch the action unfold, Mark Shankland, fires a free-kick towards goal. Photographs by Paul Flynn.
After winning a penalty for Talbot, Mark Shankland steps up and slots the ball home from the spot. 1-0.
Talbot 1 Whitletts 0 (H-T 1-0)
A much changed Talbot line up did just enough to see off the spirited challenge of Whitletts in this West of Scotland tie at a bitterly cold Beechwood.
Talbot started the game positively & should have been ahead inside 5 minutes when Pooler squared it across the area for Shankland to run onto but he scuffed his shot well wide from 15 yards.
A minute later Talbot had the Whitletts defence at full stretch. Hyslop released Stevenson down the right & his low ball across the face was heading straight to Shankland until Anderson stuck out a leg to intercept it.
Talbot made all the early running & Doribo came to the visitors rescue in the 17th minute with a crucial save. Shankland whipped a good cross into the centre which Hyslop glanced on target & the keeper did really well to react to block his effort.
‘Pee-wee’ can only look on in horror, as he watches his diving header go horribly wide of the goal.
Two minutes later Hyslop missed a sitter to put Talbot ahead. He stooped to meet Stevenson’s lofted cross from the right but somehow steered his free header well wide of goal from 4 yards out.
Whitletts hadn’t lacked effort but had lacked any chances although they could have taken the lead in the 23rd minute. A neat ball was knocked over the top of the Bot defence to release Balfour clean through on goal. Luckily for Talbot he lost his footing & although he scrambled back to his feet took a heavy touch & faced with an onrushing Leishman opted to throw himself to the ground looking for a penalty & was booked for his troubles.
A minute later Talbot had the ball in the back of the net but it was rightly ruled out for offside. Pope drilled a low shot on target that Doribo spilled. Shankland turned it home from close range but he was standing in an offside position.
From just outside the box, ‘Shankers’ tries a cheeky chip at goal.
The game’s only goal came on the half hour mark. Hyslop headed the ball on for Shankland who raced clear of the defence. He tried to round Doribo who sent him crashing; resulting in a booking for the keeper & a penalty to Talbot. SHANKLAND made no mistake from the spot sending the keeper the wrong way.
Whitletts were almost gifted a way back into the game in the 34th minute. McPherson miscontrolled a high ball that broke to Cameron in midfield. He chipped a diagonal ball in behind the defence to find Balfour in space but he volleyed a tame effort straight at Leishman.
From deep inside his own half, Danny Boyle tries to muscle his way out of danger.
White doesn’t score many but he came close to doubling Talbot’s lead in the 38th minute. Pooler laid the ball back into his path & he drilled a low shot just wide of Doribo’s right post from 25 yards.
Talbot continued to dominate the remainder of the half & almost doubled their lead two minutes before the interval. Pooler headed the ball into the path of Shankland & his strike partner returned the ball to him on the far corner of the 6-yard box. Pooler fired a shot on target but Doribo made a good save at his near post.
Unfortunately for the paying spectators that was pretty much as it as a spectacle in what proved to be a game of one half.
Another Talbot attack gets underway, as Dylan Pooler races up the wing.
For whatever reason Talbot just didn’t show up for the 2nd half & Vics lacked the wit to take advantage.
The referee had more to write in the 2nd half than reporters as he was kept busy with substitutions & cautions. He first had to reach for his notebook to book Black for a professional foul on Pooler & then had to mark down two changes for Whitletts as they brought on Cunningham & Boyle then a triple sub for Talbot as G Wilson, Milliken & Thomson came on as late replacements for Talbot, and a late booking for Talbot’s Boyle.
If ever a game looked like one goal would win it this was the one but Whitletts did have a good chance to equalise 9 minutes from time. Sloan outpaced Pope on the right & fired a ball across the area. Stevenson ought to have cut it out but it somehow eluded him & came through to Boyle who fired a shot straight at Leishman from 15 yards.
Talbot ended the game on the attack, spending the closing stages in the Whitletts half without remotely looking like threatening Doribo’s goal, and the final whistle came as a relief to the chittering support.
Next up for Talbot is another cup tie at Beechwood – this time the Bot will be hosting Luncarty in the last 16 of the Scottish.Auchinleck Talbot – Leishman, Harvey, Pope, McPherson, Boyle, Latta, Stevenson, White, Pooler, Shankland, HyslopSubs – Thomson, McCracken, G Wilson, S Wilson, Milliken
While going on the attack, Latta tries his best to evade a Whitletts’ tackle.Whitletts try to set up their defensive wall, as Talbot prepare to take a free-kick.The other players look on, as Shankland skilfully controls the ball.Stevenson manages to escape this tackle and keep the attack motoring.All eyes on the ball, as Kier Milliken tries to keep possession.Pope points to where he thinks the ball is going, as Stephen White tries to gain the advantage.Pooler chases the ball into the opposition’s box.Ross Harvey makes sure the danger is cleared.James Latta makes his case be known, as he thinks he’s been fouled. Photographs by Paul Flynn.
Talbot could & should have won this league encounter by a more convincing margin but did enough to secure all 3 points against a hard working Largs side.
The Bot got off to the perfect start when they took the lead after 4 minutes. Milliken slipped the ball through to YOUNG and he raced free on the left before hammering a shot into the top corner of the net.
One of Largs more effective tactics was the use of Fisher’s long throw & it almost brought them level in the 6th minute. The Bot defence managed to head his shy clear but it only came out to Love at the edge of the area & he touched it off to McMaster whose low drive sped just wide of the left post.
Talbot’s next attack saw Graham Wilson feed the ball to Milliken on the left of the area. His backheel flick left his marker for dead but Lundy was sharply off his line to beat him to the ball.
Young then came close with a speculative effort. He gathered out on the right wing & spotting Lundy off his line went for goal only to see his effort fly over the bar.
Hesitant defending almost cost Talbot a cheap goal in the 11th minute. Lundy punted it down the centre & McGoldrick attempted to head it back to Leishman; however he didn’t get enough on it & Love raced onto it but could only lob his shot over the bar.
Talbot doubled their lead in the 17th minute. Young whipped a corner over from the left beyond the back post. Hyslop headed it back across goal where Boyle met it & his header looked a goal all the way until Lundy produced a fantastic reflex save to turn it over the bar. The Largs defence hadn’t learnt any lessons from the 1st corner & once again Young hit it deep beyond the far post. Hyslop knocked it back across the face of goal where HARVEY bundled it home from close range.
Having gained control, Talbot went to sleep & immediately conceded a cheap goal down the other end. Fisher took a short corner to Thomson & he knocked a cross into the near post where LOVE guided home a free header.
Largs were forced into an early change when Gilbride limped off to be replaced by Walton.
Graham Wilson came close to restoring Talbot’s two goal cushion on the half hour mark. Boyle carried it forward before sliding the ball into his feet & he turned sharply before firing just wide of the right post from 30 yards out.
The remainder of the half was a bit flat & the only incident of note was Tennant picking up a caution just before half time for a professional foul on Milliken.
Neither side made any changes at the interval with Talbot now shooting toward the Coal Road end.
McMaster picked up an early caution when he tripped Graham Wilson as he raced across the pitch.
The 1st effort at goal in the 2nd half came Talbot’s way when Hylsop set up Graham Wilson at the edge of the area & his shot took a big deflection; spinning wide of the right post. When Young’s corner came over Lundy punched it clear but only as far as Stephen Wilson who controlled it on his chest before firing a half volley just over the crossbar.
Jamieson became the 3rd Largs player booked when cautioned in the 62nd minute for chopping down Graham Wilson. Young took the free kick & delivered it into the centre where McCracken guided a header inches wide of the left post.
Tucker made a change in the 64th minute with Shankland on in place of Milliken.
Shankland was involved in the 72nd minute when he got free on the left & cut it back for Young. Butch came within a whisker of grabbing his 2nd goal but his shot came back off the inside of the left post before being scrambled clear.
McGoldrick picked up Talbot’s 1st caution in the 73rd minute for a foul on Marks.
Talbot nearly put the game to bed in the 77th minute. Shankland cut inside from the left & fired a low ball across the face of goal. Hyslop flicked it for goal but Lundy made a good block & Graham Wilson couldn’t turn it home at the far post.
The referee came to Largs rescue a minute later when he denied Talbot a stonewall penalty. Shankland lifted a ball in behind the Largs defence which Graham Wilson ran onto. He cut inside Walton who sent him tumbling just as he was about to hit it but to the disbelief of the Bot support, the ref booked Wilson for diving.
Largs had offered little in the 2nd half but they caused the home fans a nervous moment in the 85th minute. Love picked it up on the left & swept a dangerous cross to the far post where McMaster just failed to connect with it.
Talbot finished the game in the ascendancy but without troubling the Largs goal. McCracken had two opportunities from the edge of the area but on both occasions fired well over the bar.
Talbot’s inability to take their chances, and a bizarre refereeing decision, made this a tighter affair than needs be but in truth Talbot were well worth the win & managed to climb the table & take advantage of Rob Roy & Glenafton’s idle Saturday. Next up for Talbot is a home cup tie as Whitletts Vics visit Beechwood in the West of Scotland cup.
Talbot – Leishman, Harvey, Lyle, McGoldrick, Boyle, McCracken, Hyslop, S Wilson, Milliken, G Wilson, Young
Subs – Shankland, White, Stevenson, McPherson, Pope
