2018/19 – Page 4 – Auchinleck Talbot Football Club

Auchinleck Talbot v Rutherglen Glencairn

Auchinleck Talbot v Ayr United

Auchinleck Talbot v Cumnock Juniors

Irvine Meadow v Auchinleck Talbot

Cambuslang Rangers v Auchinleck Talbot

Auchinleck Talbot v Cumnock Juniors

Hurlford United v Auchinleck Talbot

Rutherglen Glencairn

Blantyre Victoria v Auchinleck Talbot

Renfrew v Auchinleck Talbot


May 11, 2024 0 - 1 N/A Benburb v Auchinleck Talbot

Player	Appearances	Goals	Assists	YC	RC
Neill McPherson	45	1	0	3	0
Connor Boyd	45	21	8	4	0
Neil Slooves	43	4	0	3	1
Ruaridh Langan	43	3	4	9	0

MURRAYS MATCH REPORT

After the unbelievable high of last week it was back to reality for Talbot as they continued their defence of the Scottish Junior cup against high-flying Glencairn at Beechwood. And for the 3rd week in succession Talbot emerged triumphant in a cup tie; recording a 4-1 win to book their place in the quarter-finals.

A pre-match deluge meant both sides had to contend with a heavy surface and it was the visitors who settled quickest, knocking the ball around confidently, albeit without offering any goal threat. The first shot of the afternoon came in the 4th minute when a slick Glencairn move ended with Leyden screwing a shot well wide of target from distance.

For all Rutherglen’s accomplished start their defence proved suspect and Talbot won a penalty in the 7th minute in their 1st real attack. Leishman launched the ball down the centre where Samson rose to flick it on. It sped through to Graham Wilson inside the box & he was bundled over from behind as he was poised to shoot for a stonewaller. GORDON POPE coolly sent Whyte the wrong way to put Talbot 1-0 ahead.

Two minutes later Talbot threatened the Glencairn goal again. Pope’s cross was met by Hyslop who headed it down & across only for Whyte to make a good stop. The ball went loose in front of goal but there was nobody to prod it home & the defence recovered to clear.

A minute later play was halted when Gebbie picked up a nasty injury on the right touchline when he collided with the pitch side wall following a challenge from McPherson. Play was held up to allow for treatment but Gebbie had to leave the field via a stretcher with McGregor on in his stead.

Talbot spurned a glorious chance to double their lead in the 17th minute. Stephen Wilson lifted a ball up the right to send Samson scurrying clear & he squared it across the penalty area for the unmarked Graham Wilson but he lifted his shot over the bar from around the penalty spot.

Rutherglen were winning the possession stats but Talbot were looking by far the likelier to score and the next goal threat came on 28 mins when Graham Wilson raced onto a ball down the left. He side-stepped the keeper but forced wide all he could do was drill it low across the goal mouth where unfortunately for Talbot there was no one to tap home.

Talbot came close to grabbing their 2nd of the afternoon in the 35th minute. Pope swung a good cross over that Samson headed back across goal where Graham Wilson threw himself at it but his diving header went just wide of the right post.

There hadn’t been too many alarms at the back for Talbot but they were faced with a free kick just outside the penalty area in the 39th minute when Lyle clipped Esplin. Smith struck it but his shot flew into the wall & behind for a corner. When the corner came over Leyden met it to arrow a header on target but Lyle came to Talbot’s rescue; heading off the line inside the post.

This proved crucial as Talbot went straight up the park to double the lead. Leishman’s goal kick was headed on by Armstrong to Samson & he laid it inside to GRAHAM WILSON who raced through a gaping hole in the defence before burying a shot beyond Whyte.

A few minutes later Talbot turned defence to attack when McPherson out-muscled Simeon deep in Talbot’s half before clipping a ball through the centre to release Samson. He out-paced the defence & drilled a low shot on target which Whyte did well to save. The ball came loose but the defence reacted 1st to clear the rebound.

Talbot were ending the half strongly and nearly added another to their tally when Graham Wilson whipped a cross over from the left to find Samson in front of goal but the defence did enough to put him off & he couldn’t steer it on target.

As the half moved deep into injury time Talbot grabbed a 3rd goal. Hyslop slipped a pass through to find JAMIE GLASGOW in space on the left of the box & he slotted home to send Talbot in 3 goals to the good.

With Talbot in a commanding position the 2nd half got off to a fairly humdrum start.

The first chance didn’t come until the 56th minute when Talbot broke from defence to release Glasgow down the left. He cut inside McGregor & tried to curl one into the far corner but Whyte dived to his left to turn it behind for a corner.

Glencairn’s keeper did well again in the 61st minute. Pope sent Samson in behind down the left & he looked to surprise the keeper with an early low shot for the near post but Whyte managed to turn it away with his right foot.

A minute later Graham Wilson had a chance to add to his tally when he met a ball in from the right 10 yards out but he mis-kicked it.

Tucker now made a triple substitution with McIlroy, Kemp & Shankland coming on for Samson & the Wilson brothers.

Rutherglen were thrown a lifeline in the 65th minute when they pulled a goal back. Leyden jinked inside the box & lifted a cross over where SMITH met it. Leishman did well to save his initial header but it came straight back to the Glencairn striker who bundled it home.

Suddenly Glencairn had some wind in their sails and they gave Talbot a fright in the 69th minute when they almost grabbed a second. The Bot defence were napping at a corner down the left which was rolled back to the unmarked Esplin who drilled a shot just wide of the right post from 20 yards.

This let off galvanised Talbot who tested Whyte down the other end in their next attack. Shankland’s cross proved just too high for McIlroy at the back stick but Glasgow gathered it & powered a drive from a tight angle which Whyte tipped over the bar.

Rutherglen were unable to clear their lines from the resulting corner and when the ball came to Shankland on the left he clipped over a cross cum shot that had Whyte scrambling back to tip over his bar.

In the 74th minute Kemp had a good chance to get on the score sheet. The Glencairn defence were undone by misjudging the bounce of the ball allowing Kemp to race clear down the centre. He carried it to the edge of the box where he drilled a low effort inches wide of the right post.

With 11 minutes remaining Shankland almost scored when his deflected shot shaved the outside of the left post with the keeper helpless.

Talbot completed the scoring in the 81st minute. The Bot won a corner down the right & when Shankland’s delivery came over DWAYNE HYSLOP met it 6 yards out & knocked it home to make it 4-1.

A good win for Talbot against a good football playing side. Up next for Talbot it’s a return to league duties & a welcome break for the Beechwood playing surface as Talbot travel through to Springburn to face Petershill.

Auchinleck Talbot – Leishman, Lyle, Pope, McPherson, White, Armstrong, Hyslop, Stephen Wilson, Samson, Graham Wilson, Glasgow

Subs – McIlroy, Shankland, Kemp, Waite, Hewitt (gk)

Rutherglen Glencairn – Whyte, Gebbie, Millar, Donaldson, Kerr, Fraser, Leyden, Esplin, Smith, Simeon, McKay

Subs – Mitchell, Gormley, McGuire, McGregor, McLellan (gk)

Photographs by Paul Flynn.

Photographs by Paul Flynn.

Auchinleck Talbot – Leishman, Lyle, Pope, McPherson, McCracken, Stephen Wilson, Armstrong, White. Hyslop, Graham Wilson, Glasgow: Subs – Samson, Shankland, McIlroy , Hewitt, Waite, Kemp Ayr – Doohan, Higgens, Rose, Harvie, Geggan, Docherty, Murdoch, Crawford, McDaid, Moore, Moffat. Subs. Smith, McGuffie, Bell. Ferguson, Hilton, McCowan, Hare-Reid. The razzamatazz of televised Scottish Cup football hit Beechwood Park with a bang as Talbot entertained high flying Ayr United in a David and Goliath encounter of epic proportions. This was to be the ultimate Auchinleck fairytale for the Talbot faithful but in reality the Bot deserved the win, which set them up with another trip to Tynecastle to face Hearts.

The match started with what was expected with Ayr dominating possession, but Talbot had started with a five man midfield which seemed to nullify any Ayr attacks. As the game wore on the Bot started to come into the match and were unlucky when Graham Wilson’s turn and strike was rightly called offside much to the dismay of the 1,700 Talbot supporters crammed into a capacity Beechwood Park. The first half seemed to drift away as both clubs made some decent scoring chance the best falling to Moffat who flashed a shot wide of Leishman’s post. Ayr were hit with a blow on 36 minutes when Andy Geggan was taken off injured and replaced by Liam Smith. The second half had a wee bit more bite in it and this was proved by yellow cards to Gareth Armstrong and Andy Murdoch. Talbot made three substitutions in six minutes replacing Graham Wilson, Steven Wilson and Jamie Glasgow with Sean Mcilroy, Mark Shankland and Kier Samson. This was a brave move by the coaching staff introducing three strikers but it paid dividends when Samson was upended outside the box which gave Mark Shankland to pinpoint the unmarked Craig McCracken who headed the ball past Doohan. The remaining game seemed to take an eternity for the Talbot and their fans but when the final whistle went the team that day had recorded the biggest victory in their entire history.

Photographs by Paul Flynn.

Beechwood has not been a happy hunting ground for Cumnock over the years and so it proved again as Talbot powered past their rivals in this West of Scotland tie.
A stiff breeze & continuous rain didn’t make for ideal conditions but it didn’t stop Talbot from taking the game to the Nock from the get go.
Talbot tested the Nock defence in the opening minute when McKenna conceded a sloppy corner. Glasgow whipped it in & Niang could only head it up in the air but when Semple came through a crowd of bodies to punch it, the referee awarded a soft free kick to the defending team.
With 5 minutes gone Talbot won a free kick inches wide of the Nock penalty area. Samson weaved inside Muir who sent him tumbling & received a yellow card for his troubles. Pope took it but it wasn’t his best effort & his floated cross was easily claimed by Semple.
Cumnock weren’t at the races & it was no surprise when Talbot took the lead after 9 minutes. Pope’s deflected cross fell to Samson at the near post & he cheekily back-heeled it across the face of goal where DWAYNE HYSLOP slid it home from close range.
Talbot maintained their grip on the game & the next attack saw Glasgow lay the ball out to Pope who fired in a dangerous cross that Murdoch headed clear.
The Nock defence were looking ropy and Murdoch had to take one for the team in the 17th minute when he picked up a caution for hauling Hyslop to the deck to prevent him running onto Wilson’s ball over the top. Pope took the set piece & angled it beyond the far post to try & find Wilson but Ferry stretched to clear it away.
It was nearly two nil to the Bot after 19 minutes. Glasgow’s corner from the right found McCracken in the 6-yard area near the back post but his header drifted just wide of target.
Frustration was getting the better of Cumnock & Faulds was fortunate only to see yellow when he went right through the back of Glasgow with no attempt to play the ball.
Eventually Cumnock did succeed in crossing the halfway line with their 1st attack coming after 25 minutes. They forced a corner down the right that cleared everyone in the centre & was retrieved by Pope. He sclaffed his clearance straight to Faulds who was bundled over by Glasgow 22 yards out. Faulds drilled the free kick straight into the wall but the ref halted play as his assistant had noticed a clash in the area. Curiously, the referee appeared to signal that McKenna had used his elbow but then only booked him for it & also booked Glasgow for his part. When the set piece was re-taken, Carmichael floated it to the back post where Leishman made an easy catch.
Hyslop conceded a free kick in the 32nd minute when he caught Faulds 30 yards out. Faulds fired his shot at the wall & it spun out for the corner. When the ball came over MURDOCH climbed highest in a congested goal mouth to head home from close range & level the score.
Talbot rallied after this setback and almost regained the lead in the 36th minute when Hyslop met Glasgow’s corner at the near post only for Semple to produce a top class save to turn his header round the right post.
Three minutes later it was Cumnock’s turn to threaten from a set play when they won a corner down the left. Once again it was hung under the bar but this time Leishman got there 1st to punch clear.
Lyle had his name taken in the 40th minute for a late challenge on Ferry.
As the half drew to a close Talbot twice came close to taking the lead. In the 44th min Semple came to the visitors rescue when he kept out McIlroy’s header from Glasgow’s cross & in injury time McCracken rose to meet Glasgow’s corner unopposed but he lifted his header over the bar & the sides went in level.
Talbot started the 2nd half strongly and Glasgow was denied a certain goal within a minute of the re-start when Stephen Wilson’s ball from the right fell to him in front of goal but McKenna did well to throw himself in the way & block his shot to safety.
Two minutes later Armstrong sent Pope through on the left & he fizzed a ball across the face of goal but there was too much on it for anyone in the centre to get a touch.
The Nock fans thought their side had moved ahead in the 51st minute. Carmichael gathered out on the left & whipped a cross onto the head of Patterson who dispatched it beyond Leishman but their celebrations were short-lived as the ref had spotted that the ball was out of play before Carmichael reached it & pulled play back for a shy.
In the 54th minute Lyle released a pass to find Samson on the right. He cut into the penalty area & squared it across goal where Hyslop ran onto it to fire for goal. His shot was blocked in the goalmouth by McIlroy who with his back to goal couldn’t force it home & the chance was lost.
This proved to be the Talbot front two’s last involvement of the afternoon as Tucker made a double switch bringing on Shankland & Graham Wilson for Samson & McIlroy.
The subs didn’t take long to make their mark, Graham Wilson won a free kick 35 yard out just after the hour mark, which Shankland took. With most expecting a shot, Shankland coolly passed it wide of the wall to find Stephen Wilson racing down the right & his shot on target was beaten away by Semple.
Cumnock made their 1st change in the 65th minute with Dinwoodie replacing Murray.
A minute later Ferry had his name taken for the visitors for kicking the ball away at a Bot free kick.
Faulds should have headed for an early bath in the 69th minute. He rashly slid into a challenge on Pope & caught him late but the referee bottled the decision & didn’t produce the 2nd yellow card.
The longer the game went the more pressure Talbot exerted & it finally paid off in the 75th minute. Glasgow cut in off the left & fired a shot toward the far post that was deflected behind off the back of Niang. Glasgow went across to take the corner & his low delivery was met by GRAHAM WILSON who steered it into the bottom corner to restore Talbot’s lead.
Talbot could have killed the game off only a minute later. Stephen Wilson gathered on the right & his ball over the top found Shankland racing through on goal. He slotted it past the advancing Semple but angled his shot just wide of the far post.
Cumnock were then forced into a change when Gracie injured himself whilst fouling McCracken. He had to limp off to be replaced by McMurdo.
It was game over in the 81st minute when Talbot grabbed their third. Cumnock were on the attack but Faulds sloppy pass was easily intercepted by Pope who sent Glasgow racing down the left. He cut the ball back into the box where Pope screwed a shot across goal. His shot landed at MARK SHANKLAND 6 yards out & he blasted home to put Talbot 3-1 ahead.
Two minutes later Talbot were back on the attack when Shankland released Glasgow down the left wing. He fired a low ball across the face of goal that Dinwoodie did well to clear.
The Cumnock defence were posted missing again in the 85th minute when Shankland’s pass sent Stephen Wilson through. His 1st touch took him away from goal but he recovered to slide it back into the path of Lyle whose fierce shot was beaten away by Semple.
Tucker now made his final change with White coming on for Stephen Wilson.
Talbot saw out the remaining minutes comfortably enough to seal the win and book their place in the 3rd round of the West.
Next up for Talbot is another Ayrshire derby but of a different order of magnitude as they face Ayr United next Saturday in front of a sell-out crowd and a live TV audience.

Auchinleck Talbot – Leishman, Lyle, Pope, McPherson, McCracken, Armstrong, Hyslop, Stephen Wilson, McIlroy, Samson, Glasgow

Subs – Graham Wilson, Shankland, Kemp, Waite, White

Cumnock Juniors – Semple, Muir, Ferry, McKenna, Murdoch, Murray, Faulds, Niang, Patterson, Gracie, Carmichael

Subs – Crawford, Dinwoodie, Reid, Dignan, McMurdo

Photographs by Paul Flynn.

MURRAYS MATCH REPORT
The Bot made the perfect start, taking an early lead after only 6 minutes when Glasgow arrowed a cross toward the back post where GARETH ARMSTRONG steered a header past the keeper put Talbot 1-0 ahead.
Talbot missed a golden chance to double their lead in the 8th minute when McIlroy found himself with only Newman to beat but he tried to pass the ball beyond the keeper, who made a good stop with his foot.
Newman was called into action again in the 17th minute when Glasgow tried his luck but his drive went straight at the keeper.
Newman made his second top save of the afternoon on the 26th minute when a net bound Glasgow shot was brilliantly turned round the post

Talbot were made to pay for not taking their chances when Meadow levelled in the 31st minute when Miller went down in the box when challenged by Pope. CARSON took the spot kick and although Leishman went the right way it had enough power and direction to beat him to level the score.
In the 34th minute Talbot had a chance to regain the lead when Armstrong lobbed the ball to the back post where McCracken headed it back across goal but McIlroy and Hyslop got in each other’s way and Gow was able to head it clear off the goal line.
With the half drawing to a close Talbot nearly restored their lead, when Glasgow cannoned a shot off the base of the right hand post.

In added time McPherson lost his footing and gifted the ball to Sharpe but he took a heavy first touch and Leishman was able to race outside his area and clear the danger.

Talbot had an opportunity early in the second half to regain the initiative but McIlroy directed a tame shot at Newman.

After this, the game went into a bit of a lull with both sides struggling to make any headway, however he Bot squandered another good chance when Glasgow looked set to score but he steered his shot wide of Newman’s left post.
The winning goal arrived in the 72nd minute when sheer trickery by Glasgow saw him hit the bye line and whip a cross into the near post where DWAYNE HYSLOP headed home from close range.

Talbot were looking about as comfortable as you can on a single goal lead but McPherson had to look sharp to clear a dangerous attack.
Shankland nearly scored with a free kick after Samson was fouled, but it flew inches wide of the left post with the keeper beaten.
Talbot kept possession and saw out the closing stages without any problems to secure the win.
Irvine Meadow – Newman, Latta, Pearson, Gow, Devlin, Miller, Carson, McLaughlin, Sharpe, Spence, Carnwath: Subs – Paterson, Connolly, Smith
Auchinleck Talbot – Leishman, Lyle, Pope, McPherson, McCracken, Stephen Wilson, Armstrong, Hyslop, Graham Wilson, McIlroy, Glasgow: Subs – Samson, Shankland, White, Waite

Christmas came early for the Bot fans as Talbot staged a stunning fight back to claim all 3 points in a seven goal thriller against Cumnock. The paying customers certainly got their money’s worth as both sides went at it hammer & tongs with added gamesmanship to add spice to the occasion.

Talbot made the early running & were denied the lead in the 7th minute when Semple produced a top drawer save at his right post to keep out McDowall’s header.

Two minutes later Talbot came close via a fluke. Leishman lifted a free kick up the left to find Graham Wilson who squared it across the edge of the box toward Kemp. In attempting to clear Murray battered the ball off Kemp & it deflected wide of the right post.

Talbot were forced into an early change when McDowall limped off after 12 minutes to be replaced by Glasgow.

Fifteen minutes in, Talbot won a corner on the right when Pope angled a free kick in toward the back post that Ferry put behind. Cumnock looked vulnerable at corners & Talbot nearly punished them when Hyslop met Stephen Wilson’s cross but he directed his header just wide of the left post.

Lundie, guilty of 3 identical late tackles in as many minutes, finally prompted the ref into action in the 19th minute when he booked him. Soon after, he ought to have been walking to the clubhouse when he deliberately batted away Graham Wilson’s ball across goal but the referee dismissed Talbot’s penalty appeal.

Stephen Wilson had his name taken in the 24th minute when he caught Ferry as he went to shoot. This sparked a melee of Nock players charging toward the ref, led by Semple, in an attempt to get Wilson sent off. Their pressure partly paid off when the ref produced an unmerited yellow card before Ferry made a Lazarus style recovery.

Cumnock had offered nothing going forward but did have an effort on target on the 27th minute, albeit it came via Lyle who sliced the ball at his own goal whilst trying to clear Semple’s long ball down the centre but fortunately it went straight at Leishman.

A minute later though and Cumnock took the lead. There appeared to be no danger as Faulds chased after a long ball down the right. McPherson was in front of him & shepherded the ball back to Leishman but the Bot keeper made a howler, dropping the ball as he came to gather & FAULDS swept it into the empty net.

Talbot pushed men forward in an attempt to get back on level terms & had a great chance to do so in the 35th minute. Kemp won the ball out on the right before feeding it in to Graham Wilson who switched play out to Glasgow on the opposite wing. He pinged a great ball across goal which Kemp raced onto but he steered his volley wide of the left post from close range.

Things went from bad to worse a minute later when Talbot conceded another soft goal. Semple hoofed the ball up field where the Bot defence failed to cut it out. The ball was gathered on the left of the area by Degnam who squared it for PATTERSON to stroke home and put the visitors 2-0 ahead.

Talbot needed to reduce the deficit and clawed a goal back in the 40th minute. Murray conceded a corner on the right & when the ball came in McCracken glanced a header toward goal that was flicked into the net off the head of GRAHAM WILSON.

The goal galvanised Talbot who spent the closing 5 minutes of the half laying siege to the Nock goal.

Lundie did well in the 42nd minute when he managed to cut out Armstrong’s dangerous cross.

A minute later Armstrong again got free on the right & whipped over a quality delivery. The ball broke to Kemp on the right of the area & he hammered a low drive on goal that Semple did well to block. The ball came out to Stephen Wilson who was up-ended as he raced into the box by Dinwoodie and the ref pointed to the spot. There was a lengthy delay before the penalty could be taken due largely to Semple who received a caution for dissent. Stephen Wilson took the spot kick but Semple guessed the right way & dived to his right to keep it out and so Talbot went in a goal down at the interval.

Talbot would have hoped to have started where they left off at the start of the 2nd but made the worst possible start; conceding a penalty in the 49th minute. Faulds was sent sprawling by a clumsy challenge from Armstrong & Patterson kept his cool from the spot, placing it down the centre to put Cumnock 3-1 ahead.

Talbot weren’t making much progress and Tucker made a switch in the 54th minute bringing on McIlroy for Kemp.

Cumnock looked comfortable in their lead and might have extended it in the 66th minute. The ball was played out to Patterson on the left & when he volleyed it back across goal Degnam ran onto it for a free header but couldn’t get above it & drifted his header well over the bar.

A minute later Talbot almost pulled one back. McIlroy helped on Leishman’s long ball and it came to Glasgow in front of goal. He lost his footing but recovered in time to prod the ball past Semple only for Murray to pop up on the goal line to make the clearance.

Cumnock now made their one and only change with player-manager Burns coming on in place of Dinwoodie.

Talbot had a penalty appeal waved away in their next attack. Pope’s cross to the far post was headed back across the area by Armstrong where Stephen Wilson appeared to be nudged in the back but the ref waved play on.

It was game on in the 69th minute when Talbot pulled one back. Armstrong raced onto McPherson’s ball down the right & cut it back toward the near post where Stephen Wilson’s effort at goal was blocked by Lundie. The rebound came straight to SEAN MCILROY who blasted it into the roof of the net.

Hyslop picked up a ridiculous caution in the 75th minute when he beat Faulds fair & square in an aerial challenge and he was joined in the book a few minutes later by Patterson for yapping at the ref.

Cumnock were either tiring rapidly or trying to run the clock down, the choice is yours, as they took turns at going down with cramp.

In the 83rd minute Talbot won a corner down the right when Graham Wilson’s cut back toward McIlroy was knocked behind by Lundie. When the corner came over CRAIG MCCRACKEN met it on the volley and rifled it into the roof of the net for a finish a centre-forward would’ve been proud of.

Cumnock were now all over the place and Talbot nearly snatched the lead in the 85th minute. Once again Cumnock failed to cope with a corner into the box & the ball came across the face of goal to McIlroy who saw his shot from close range headed off the line at the right post.

The visitors weren’t totally done for though and gave Talbot a scare in the 86th minute when they caught Talbot on the counter. Faulds was played in down the right & he drilled a low ball across the 6-yard line where Patterson just failed to connect.

Two minutes from time and Talbot completed their come back. Armstrong played the ball out to Stephen Wilson on the right & he slung a cross into the box. The ball bounced off Reid & came to GRAHAM WILSON with his back to goal who swivelled round & steered a left foot volley past the keeper into the far corner. This sparked wild celebrations from the Bot players & fans & a booking for Graham Wilson for taking off his shirt which was a small price to pay.

Talbot had to claim the points the hard way but that only makes the victory all the sweeter and as an added bonus results elsewhere in the league went Talbot’s way. Next up for Talbot is an away day as they travel to face Cambuslang Rangers in the league.

Auchinleck Talbot – Leishman, Lyle, Pope, McPherson, McCracken, Armstrong, Hyslop, McDowall, Graham Wilson, Kemp, Stephen Wilson

Subs – McIlroy, Samson, White, Shankland, Glasgow

Cumnock Juniors – Semple, Reid, Ferry, Lundie, Murray, McKenna, Montgomery, Dinwoodie, Patterson, Faulds, Degnam

Subs – Hunter, Muir, Anson, Brotherston, Burns

Photographs by Paul Flynn.

On paper this replay of last year’s cup final looked too close to call but Talbot simply blew the hosts away; cruising to a 5-0 win over Hurlford that in no way flattered Talbot.

Talbot made the perfect start, taking the lead with only 6 minutes on the clock. Graham Wilson fed the ball out to McDowall on the left & he whipped a cross over to the far post where GARETH ARMSTRONG looped a header back across goal & over Brown to put Talbot 1-0 ahead.

Within a minute Talbot were back on the attack. Pope lifted a great ball over from the left touchline that flew across the face of goal and wide of the far post.

With 8 minutes gone Talbot were firmly in the driving seat as they doubled their lead. McDowall showed great pace & strength to surge through the centre & break into the Ford box where he was unceremoniously dumped to the turf by Fisher. The ref pointed to the spot & booked the Ford full-back before STEPHEN WILSON coolly slotted the penalty home to make it 2-0.

On a quiet afternoon for Leishman, he was called upon in the 11th minute when L Caddis lifted a cross over from the right that was met by M McKenzie. His header landed on target but Leishman held it at his left post.

P McKenzie had a half chance to reduce the deficit a few minutes later. Hurlford won a corner on the right that was pulled back to him at the edge of the area but his shot sailed over the bar like a try conversion.

McKenzie’s next involvement was receiving a booking in the 26th minute when he went in with raised studs in a challenge on Hyslop. This proved doubly expensive for Hurlford as Pope flighted the ball into the area where GRAHAM WILSON guided a looped header over Brown to put Talbot on easy street.

The home side had a chance to pull one back in the 31st minute when they won a free kick 23 yards from goal but M McKenzie made nothing of it; tamely firing a shot straight into the wall.

Hurlford’s defence had looked shaky from the start & they were posted missing again in the 37th minute. Leishman launched the ball down the centre where Hyslop rose to head it on. The ball came through to Graham Wilson on the left of the penalty area but he fired over from the bar from 16 yards.

A minute later Talbot ought to have moved four ahead following a free flowing move. A string of passes ended with Graham Wilson sending Armstrong through on goal down the right. He could have shot but instead opted to roll it across goal where McDowall prodded it home but he’d moved too early & was caught offside.

The goal frame came to Hurlford’s rescue in the 43rd minute. Graham Wilson gathered on the left & played it back into the path of Pope whose fierce drive cannoned off the bar with Brown well beaten.

Hurlford had a rare chance in injury time when miscommunication in the Bot defence saw McCracken & McPherson go for the same ball. It broke to Reilly at the edge of the area & his snapshot went just wide of the left post. This proved the final act of the half & Talbot trooped off 3 goals ahead.

The home side made a change at the interval with Fisher staying in the club house & Whittaker on in his place.

Talbot started the 2nd half positively & tested the home defence in the 47th minute. Graham Wilson’s ball up the line sent McDowall racing toward the box where he knocked it past Robertson but he did just enough to ensure the ball ran through to Brown.

P McKenzie managed an effort on target in the 48th minute; firing on goal from 25 yards but it never seriously tested Leishman.

The Bot were soon back on the attack, Pope carrying the ball forward before releasing Graham Wilson down the left. He whipped a great cross over to the back post which broke off the in rushing McDowall & wide of target.

The game was all over bar the shouting when Talbot moved 4-0 ahead in the 53rd minute. Pope slung an accurate cross into the centre where GRAHAM WILSON rose to power a header inside the right post past the static keeper.

Hyslop had his name taken in the 55th minute for a late challenge.

Hurlford made their 2nd change soon after with R Caddis making way for Morrison.

The home side had a chance to grab a consolation in the 58th minute when they caught Talbot on the counter-attack. M McKenzie was played in down the left & made his way into the area where he hit a tame shot at Leishman.

Kemp had to limp off in the 63rd minute & Samson came on in his place.

Talbot nearly moved further ahead after 68 minutes. McCracken’s ball from the back found Graham Wilson in space on the left. He held it up before releasing the ball out right where Lyle had raced forward & his low angled drive flew across goal & narrowly past the right post.

Tucker now made a further substitution with McIlroy replacing Graham Wilson.

Samson had a close call in the 69th minute when he was barged into the advertising hoardings by Barron but fortunately he wasn’t badly injured. Pope took the free kick & bent a ball to the far post where Watt put it behind for a corner. When Stephen Wilson’s corner came over McCracken met it & saw his header cleared off the line by Hodge. The ball came out to Armstrong & his powerful drive was net bound til it was blocked by Robertson. Talbot then had a 3rd bite of the cherry when it broke to Hyslop 6 yards out. He passed it toward goal but didn’t get enough behind it & once again the ball was cleared off the goal line.

Talbot saved the best for last. With 74 minutes gone Armstrong made tracks down the right before pulling the back across toward McDowall. He teed it up for GORDON POPE who hit as sweet a strike as you’ll see all season; leathering the ball into the top corner from 35 yards to put Talbot 5-0 ahead & set the benchmark for goal of the season.

Tucker now completed Talbot’s changes with White coming on in place of Hyslop.

Talbot didn’t rest on their laurels and kept pushing forward in search of more but Hurlford managed to hold on to the end without any further damage.
A superb performance from the Bot that narrows Hurlford’s lead at the top & sets Talbot up nicely for next week when they entertain Cumnock at Beechwood.

Hurlford United – Brown, Hodge, Fisher, Barron, C Robertson, L Caddis, P McKenzie, Watt, Reilly, R Caddis, M McKenzie

Subs – Byrne, Whittaker, McWaters, Morrison, R Robertson

Auchinleck Talbot – Leishman, Lyle, Pope, McPherson, McCracken, Armstrong, Stephen Wilson, Hyslop, Graham Wilson, Kemp, McDowall

Subs – Samson, McIlroy, White, Shankland, Glasgow

Photographs by Paul Flynn.

Photographs by Paul Flynn.

MURRAYS REPORT

Talbot booked their place in the 5th round of the Scottish Junior cup with a commanding away win over Blantyre Victoria.

The Bot couldn’t have asked for a better start, taking the lead seconds after kick off without Blantyre touching the ball. Sean McIlroy played it to Stephen Wilson who fed the ball up the wing where McIlroy had continued his run. He lifted a cross to the back post where GRAHAM WILSON headed home from close range.

The Bot came close to doubling their lead in the 2nd minute. McIlroy lifted a cross over from the left wing which Hylsop headed back across goal. It was heading on target but it was cleared out the goal mouth by a defender.

It was nonstop pressure in the early stages and the Vics defence had another close call in the 4th minute. Stephen Wilson won a corner down the right & when Glasgow fired it in low to the near post Stephen Wilson flicked it across goal where it was scrambled clear. It only came out as far as Pope whose shot from just inside the area was blocked on its way through to goal.

11 minutes in & Talbot ought to have doubled their advantage.. Trainor produced a superb stop to deny McIlroy when he flew to his right to palm away his strike from 20 yards. The rebound came to Glasgow 8 yards out & he cannoned his shot off the bar.

The gluey surface was making it difficult for both sides and play got bogged down for a spell in midfield.

Talbot’s next attack came in the 21st minute. Stephen Wilson gathered the ball inside his own half & raked an early ball down the right to send Graham Wilson clear. He squared it across toward the waiting McIlroy but Campbell got there first to clear the danger.

Glasgow very nearly got the Bot’s 2nd in the 24th minute. McIlroy nicked possession just outside the area & shoved the ball through to Glasgow on the left of the box. He knocked it wide of the advancing Trainor & flicked it goal ward from a tight angle but Law was on hand to clear inside the right post.

Hughes became the first man booked when he received a caution after 28 mins for a late challenge on Stephen Wilson.

Trainor had a lucky escape two minutes later. The Bot won a free kick out on the right that Pope bent toward the back post. The keeper came to claim it but missed it completely & it sailed just wide of the far post.

Next up for Talbot was McIlroy. Glasgow whipped a great cross over from the right onto his head but he couldn’t generate enough power to beat Trainor.

Coleman became the 2nd Blantyre player in the book when he was cautioned for dissent after conceding a foul on Hyslop.

Talbot’s set pieces were causing havoc in the home defence & the Bot had a half chance in the 38th minute following a corner from the right. Glasgow’s cross was headed back by Hyslop, the defence failed to clear, and it broke to McCracken whose effort was blocked.
In the final minute of the half Talbot almost fluked a second. Trainor showed quick reactions to dive low to his left to prevent a deflected cross from sneaking into the bottom corner & so for all Talbot’s pressure they only went in a goal ahead at the interval.

The 2nd half started off much as the 1st had finished with Talbot on the front foot & the home side labouring to cope with set pieces. Three minutes after the re-start Hyslop was unlucky not to add to Talbot’s lead when he met a corner from the right & flicked it for goal only to see Jones clear it off the line.

A minute later McCracken received a caution for a trip inside the Blantyre half.

Talbot grabbed their 2nd of the afternoon in the 53rd minute. Glasgow played it down the line to McIlroy who in turn sent GRAHAM WILSON through one on one with the keeper. He took it round Trainor before rolling it into the empty net to make it 2-0.

Talbot continued to get joy from cross balls and their next effort at goal came in the 59th minute when Hyslop climbed well to meet Pope’s cross but sent his header wide of the right post.

Blantyre were forced into a change on the hour mark when Hughes limped off to be replaced by Connelly.

Tucker made his first change in the 67th minute with McDowall on in place of Hyslop.

Blantyre now had their first shot on target when MacDonald gathered out on the left & fired on target from 20 yards but it went straight at Leishman.

The home side now made a 2nd switch with Henderson coming on for Kerr and Tucker responded soon after; completing Talbot’s changes with a double substitution, Samson & Kemp replacing Graham Wilson & McIlroy up front.

Boyle came close to reducing the deficit in the 74th min when he latched onto a clearance & fired a low drive just wide of the right post from 25 yards.

Talbot then immediately went down the field and made it 3-0. Samson’s head flick found JAMIE GLASGOW running in behind the defence & he steadied himself before slotting a left foot shot past the keeper.

Three minutes later Talbot had an opportunity to extend their lead. Pope knocked it into the feet of Samson & he spun his marker to create the space before firing a shot across goal & wide of the left post.

Connelly had a chance to grab a consolation effort with 10 mins remaining when Boyle’s pass sent him through on the right of the area but he hurried his shot & blasted it well wide of the left post.

Three minutes later Blantyre were unlucky twice in quick succession. A corner from the left was headed on target & Lyle had to clear it off the line at the right post. The ball came out to Boyle at the edge of the area & his shot was heading into the roof of the net til Leishman tipped it over the bar.

As the game entered the closing stages it was Talbot back on the attack & Talbot nearly got their 4th in the 89th minute. Glasgow won the ball inside the Blantyre half & slotted a pass through to Kemp on the edge of the box. Trainor did well to dive to his left to palm away Kemp’s net bound shot & then Jones reacted smartly to slide in & block Samson’s follow up behind for the corner.

Deep into injury time Talbot grabbed their 4th goal to complete the scoring. A pass down the left sent JAMIE GLASGOW through & although Trainor got a slight hand to his low drive he couldn’t prevent it from landing inside the near post.

A good win for the Bot in testing conditions & they’ve earned a home draw against Rutherglen Glencairn in the last 16. Next up for Talbot it is back to league duties as they travel through to Blair Park looking to close the gap on runaway leaders Hurlford.

Blantyre Victoria – Trainor, Law, Jones, Campbell, Coleman, Caldwell, Kerr, Boyle, Hughes, MacDonald, Zeb

Subs – Henderson, Allan, Connelly

Auchinleck Talbot – Leishman, Lyle, Pope, McPherson, McCracken, Stephen Wilson, Hyslop, Armstrong, McIlroy, Graham Wilson, Glasgow

Subs – Samson, Kemp, McDowall, White, Hewitt

Beith Juniors

Auchinleck Talbot

St Cadoc’s

Largs Thistle

Photographs by Paul Flynn.

MURRAYS MATCH REPORT

Talbot came from behind to win this away league fixture at Renfrew. The game arranged at short notice after both sides saw their Scottish cup ties fall foul of the weather.

The Bot had an early opportunity when they won a free kick 30 yards out inside two minutes. Pope took it but didn’t go for goal; instead sliding a low ball into the area that was cleared.

There wasn’t much football being played with both sides scrapping for the ball all over the pitch.

The next effort at goal came Talbot’s way in the 9th minute. Stephen Wilson beat McIntosh on the outside & lifted it into the area where Samson drilled it over the bar from a tight angle.

Renfrew had a chance to test the Bot defence when they won a free kick out on the right in the 11th minute. Dallas angled the ball out to Morton in space down the left & he whipped a dangerous cross over that Hyslop headed clear under pressure.

Healy received a yellow card soon after when he up-ended Graham Wilson as the Bot broke down the left.

Talbot came close to taking the lead in the 14th minute. Stephen Wilson’s cross was headed behind for at the back post for a corner & Glasgow’s corner was met by Hyslop inside the 6-yard area but his header flew just over.

Two minutes later Talbot had another opportunity to break the deadlock. Pope fired in an accurate cross to find Graham Wilson in front of goal but he steered his header over the crossbar.

The home side were under pressure again after 27 minutes when Campbell conceded a free kick for shoving Hyslop. Pope swung the free kick into the area where a defender headed clear. It came to White who headed it out to the right to find Stephen Wilson. He fizzed a volley across that Campbell headed over his own bar.

Glasgow’s corner came out to Stephen Wilson on the right edge & he lifted a cross to the back post where Graham Wilson headed it back across goal. Hyslop dived to meet it a few yards out but sent his header flying just over the bar.

Against the run of play the hosts took the lead on the half hour mark, with a helping hand from the referee. When Benton threw himself through the air into the Talbot box it looked for all the world like a contender for least convincing dive of the season but he managed to hoodwink the ref who pointed to the spot. MORTON took the spot kick & drilled it home to put Renfrew 1-0 ahead.

Three minutes later Campbell nearly levelled the score when he intercepted Glasgow’s driven cross & bulleted a header narrowly wide of the right post.

A minute later O’Keefe had his name taken for a late challenge on Glasgow.

The Bot had a fright in the 37th minute when Renfrew threatened to extend their lead. A free kick was lumped into the area where White was beaten by the bounce of the ball. It fell for Morton whose shot at goal took a slight deflection off McPherson on its way through to Leishman.

McIntosh became the 3rd Renfrew player booked when he received a caution after 38 mins for a late tackle on Stephen Wilson.

Talbot’s next attack saw Samson race free on the right & slide a dangerous ball right across the face of goal but unfortunately there were no takers.

The Bot continued to press but without success & Renfrew held on to their lead at the interval.

The home side had to make a change during the interval with McGillion replacing McIntosh who had picked up a knock in the closing stages of the half.

What Talbot needed was an early goal and they succeeded; drawing level in the 52nd minute. Stephen Wilson swept a cross in from the right & DWAYNE HYSLOP met it unchallenged in the centre to head Talbot level.

Glasgow found himself in the notebook a few mins later when he pulled Morton back as he raced forward. Soon after, he had a half chance to put Talbot ahead. Burgess failed to gather Armstrong’s cross & the ball came out to Glasgow on the left of the area. He skipped past Healy but his low shot for the near post lacked the power to beat Burgess.

Renfrew were still in it & they nearly opened up the Bot defence in the 59th minute. Morton flicked the ball inside to Dallas who burst into the Talbot penalty area but Pope was alive to the danger & got across to slide it behind for a corner.

Renfrew made their 2nd change on the hour mark with McLeay coming on in place of Hardie.

Talbot’s next opportunity came via route one. Leishman punted it downfield where Graham Wilson headed it on into the path of Hyslop who fired a volley over the bar.

Tucker now made a change with McIlroy replacing Samson up front.

Campbell had been skating on thin ice after a series of offences & finally received a caution in the 66th minute for handball.

Renfrew now made their final change with McGillion coming on for O’Keefe.

McPherson aided the Bot attack in the 69th minute when he carried the ball up the left before lifting a ball over the defence to find Graham Wilson inside the area. He hit it early & fired into the side netting.

Talbot made their 2nd change with 70 mins gone with McDowall on in place of Glasgow.

The substitution paid off immediately when a ball down the left found McDowall racing clear in the box. He was caught late as he hit it across the face of goal & the ref pointed to the spot for the 2nd time. STEPHEN WILSON took it & gave the keeper no chance; sending him the wrong way to put Talbot in front.

It was now all Talbot & McIlroy had a chance to put it beyond Renfrew when he met Stephen Wilson’s corner but he glanced his header across goal.

Tucker completed Talbot’s changes in the 77th minute when Kemp came on for Graham Wilson.

A minute later Lyle had his name taken for a foul midway inside the Bot half. The free kick was played out to Dallas on the left & he whipped over a cross that Leishman failed to gather but White was on hand to clear the danger.

Talbot killed the game off & completed the scoring in the 82nd minute. McIlroy headed the ball down to McDowall who took a wild swipe at it. Fortunately for Talbot the ball sliced straight to CALVIN KEMP whose shot powered past Burgess who got a hand to it but couldn’t prevent it landing in the back of the net.

The closing stages were a nondescript affair with Talbot seeing the match out comfortably to secure all three points.

Next week, weather permitting, Talbot will travel through to face Blantyre in the Scottish cup

Renfrew Juniors – Burgess, Healy, McIntosh, Henry, Campbell, Maxwell, Dallas, Benton, Hardie, O’Keefe, Morton

Subs – Innes, McGillion, Barbour, McLeay

Auchinleck Talbot – Leishman, Lyle, Pope, McPherson, White, Stephen Wilson, Armstrong, Hyslop, Graham Wilson, Samson, Glasgow

Subs – McIlroy, Kemp, McDowall, Waite, Hewitt