2019/20 – Page 5 – Auchinleck Talbot Football Club

Dundonald Bluebell v Auchinleck Talbot

Kilwinning Rangers v Auchinleck Talbot

Auchinleck Talbot v Glenafton Athletic

Dundonald Bluebell

Darvel Juniors v Auchinleck Talbot

Hurlford United v Auchinleck Talbot

Aiden Wilson

Auchinleck Talbot v Glenafton Athletic

Newtongrange Star v Auchinleck Talbot

Irvine Victoria 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

MURRAY’S MATCH REPORT

Talbot survived a scare in this hard fought William Hill Scottish cup tie as they battled to a 2-2 draw away to Dundonald Bluebell.

The Bot got an early indication this wasn’t going to be an easy afternoon when McKenzie burst forward toward the Talbot penalty area. As he was challenged the ball broke left to Wilson whose low drive was smothered by Leishman.

Talbot’s first attack came after 5 minutes. Armstrong spread the ball out right to find Graham Wilson who fired it low across the area. The defence could only clear it as far as Armstrong, 15 yards out, but he took too many touches & was closed down before getting a shot away.

In the 10th minute Pope played it up the line to find Samson running in behind Mackie. He lifted a cross over to the far post where Stephen Wilson headed it back across goal & Lennox gathered under pressure from Graham Wilson.

A minute later Pope again played it down the left for Samson. He shrugged off Mackie’s challenge and fired in a shot from a tight angle that Lennox parried away.

Leishman was called upon in the 17th minute. A long ball down the right skipped off Young’s head and fell to Calum Smith. Leishman quickly raced to the edge of his area to make the block. The rebound came to Smith on the right touchline and he fired it low across goal where Young cut it out.

The home side had an opportunity to test Leishman again in the 21st minute. Chris Gay was nudged over as he broke forward resulting in a free kick 25 yards out. Drummond fired it round the wall but Leishman dived to his right to push it away.

Within a minute Talbot moved ahead. Armstrong slipped a well-weighted pass down the left for KEIR SAMSON & he out-paced Mackie before prodding the ball past Lennox to make it 1-0.

Talbot had a chance to extend their lead in the 25th minute. Nimmo caught Samson 22 yards out and the ref awarded Talbot a free kick. Shankland took it but his shot hit the top of the defensive wall & spun out for a shy. Stephen Wilson took it quickly, releasing Armstrong on the right of the area where he fired a shot that Lennox gathered at his near post.

The Bot’s next attack saw Pope on the overlap & his low cross caused Lennox difficulties with the keeper fumbling the ball but able to gather at the 2nd attempt.

Dundonald threatened an equaliser in the 32nd minute. The ball was played into Chris Gay at the edge of the area & he carried it forward before firing just past the right post.

Samson was getting joy down the left & was involved in a penalty shout in Talbot’s next attack. He gathered on the left before driving inside into the box where he was blocked by Mackie but the referee judged the collision accidental & waved play on.

Armstrong set the ball rolling on Talbot’s next attack as he surged forward through midfield before releasing it to Samson down the right. He made for the bye line before cutting a dangerous ball back across the face of goal but there were no takers in the centre. The ball came out to Shankland on the opposite wing & he whipped a good cross over that Nimmo headed clear.

Five minutes before the interval Talbot came close to grabbing their 2nd. The Bot won a free kick out on the left which Shankland curled over. Lennox touched it away but it came out to Samson 16 yards out, who with his back to goal fired an overhead kick on target that Lennox touched over the bar.

Talbot were ending the half strongly and threatened the Dundonald goal again in the 43rd minute. Pope drove into the box and fired a right foot shot at goal that deflected off Graham Wilson & just wide of Lennox’s right hand post.

The Bot kept pressing and had the home side pegged back but couldn’t add to their tally and went in 1-0 ahead at the break.

Dundonald made two changes during the half-time interval with Rogerson & Wilson staying in the clubhouse to be replaced by Matt Gay and Jeffries.

The changes seemed to rejuvenate the home side who made a strong start to the 2nd half without particularly threatening in the final third.

The first effort at goal after the break came in the 55th minute for Dundonald. Leishman punched a corner clear that came out to Mackie just inside the area & he directed a scissor kick wide of the right post.

On the hour mark Matt Gay cut in off the right past Armstrong & lifted a cross just beyond the back post which Calum Smith met but was unable to head back on target. Talbot now launched a swift counter down the right where Graham Wilson combined with Samson to release Samson on the right of the area where he fired into the side-netting.

Talbot had a chance in the 64th minute when Shankland lifted a cross over to find Samson 6 yards out but it was just too high and he couldn’t get over it and sent his header flying over the bar.

A minute later Talbot spurned a golden chance to double their lead. White challenged for the ball in midfield and the ball cannoned through to Graham Wilson on the right. He was clean through and strolled on into the penalty area before squaring it across to Samson. He looked a cert but the ball got caught between his feet & Lennox was quickly off his line to save at his feet.

Slack play in the Dundonald rearguard gifted Talbot their next opening. A loose pass came out to Shankland just outside the area and he went for goal only to see Durie deflect his shot behind. Shankland took the corner and his delivery cut the keeper out and flew to the back post but no one could get the touch needed.

With 20 minutes remaining Dundonald made their final change with Walton replacing McKenzie and a minute later Talbot made a double switch with Glasgow & Healy on for Shankland & Samson.

It was all square in the 73rd minute. Talbot’s midfield were posted missing allowing Chris Gay the time to slide a pass through the defence for JOHN SMITH who placed it low past Leishman.

Things went from bad to worse for the Bot and they found themselves a goal behind two minutes later with an early contender for goal of the tournament. Nimmo lifted a high ball down the right that Calum Smith knocked down into the path of JOSH JEFFRIES who cut in off the right & looped an unstoppable shot into the top right hand corner.

The drama continued as Talbot raced to the other end from the re-start and won a penalty. Stephen Wilson sped down the left and cut in inside to Glasgow whose shot was blocked by Durie’s arm. The ref pointed to the spot and Pope took it, firing a tame effort on target that Lennox parried away to his right. Pope followed up and got to the loose ball and the keeper turned from hero to zero as he dived to retrieve it and up-ended Pope resulting in a 2nd penalty. This time GRAHAM WILSON took over spot kick duties and gave the keeper no chance as he buried it high inside the left post to make it 2-2.

Unusually for a competitive cup tie there hadn’t been any bookings but Calum Smith had his name taken in the 79th minute for a late challenge on Lyle.

Dundonald had a chance for a late winner three minutes from time. A corner from the left was pulled back to the on rushing Chris Gay but he fired over from 15 yards.

As the game moved into injury time it was Talbot who who nearly snatched the win. A promising Talbot counter was ended when Glasgow was hauled down by Durie resulting in a yellow card for the full-back. The free kick was flighted up field where it broke to Glasgow on the right of the area and his low drive was saved by Lennox.

In virtually the final action of the match Talbot were inches from the win. A ball over from the right came across to Stephen Wilson and his shot was deflected just past the post by Durie.

The fans certainly got their money’s worth and both sides have it all to do again next Saturday at Beechwood.

Dundonald Bluebell – Lennox, Durie, Drummond, Mackie, Nimmo, Chris Gay, Rogerson, McKenzie, Calum Smith, Wilson, Wallace

Subs – Matt Gay, Jeffries, John Smith, Walton, Hendry, Crowe (gk)

Auchinleck Talbot – Leishman, Lyle, Pope, Young, A Wilson, White, Stephen Wilson, Armstrong, Graham Wilson, Samson, Shankland

Subs – Glasgow, Healy, Pearson, McDowall, McKinlay, Hewitt

‘Shankers’ races up the wing, as ‘Popey’ looks on.

‘Whitey’ wins the header inside the opposition’s box.

Steven White does his terrier like work in the middle of the park in order to win the ball back.

Samson tries his luck from a very difficult angle but his shot gets blocked by the ‘keeper.

Gordon makes sure there is no way through for Dundonald.

The Talbot wall stands firm, as Dundonald fire in the free-kick but…

…’Big Andy’ pulls off a great save to stop the shot from hitting the back of the net.

The deadlock gets broken, as Samson races into the box and pokes the ball under the ‘keeper and into the back of the net. 0-1.

Keir Samson wheels away with clenched fists after opening the scoring for the boys in Black ‘n’ Gold.

‘Gee’ gets beaten to the ball in the middle of the park.

Samson does his best to try and dribble his way through the Dundonald defence.

With the ball certain to hit the back of the net, the Bell ‘keeper does exceptionally well to tip the ball over the crossbar.

Gareth Armstrong charges down the park in a blistering run.

Dundonald find the equaliser, as they race away to celebrate pulling level. 1-1.

And within a blink of an eye the tie is completely turned on it’s head, as Dundonald take the lead via a wonder strike. 2-1.

The Bluebell players bring out their inner Cheshire Cat, as they are all smiles after taking the lead.

After missing his initial penalty, Gordon goes chasing after the rebound but gets brought down by the ‘keeper and gets awarded a second penalty.

Up steps Graham Wilson to take the 2nd penalty and he duly buries the ball into the back of the net. 2-2.

The Wilson brothers are all smiles, as ‘Gee’ races away to celebrate his equalising goal.

Jamie looks on, as Armstrong gets stopped in his tracks by a great tackle from the Dundonald defender.

Hamish McKinley gets surrounded by blue shirts, as he fights his way down the park.

Talbot go chasing for a late winner, as Jamie has a go at goal from inside the box.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY PAUL FLYNN.

A decent crowd turned up to watch Talbot take on an upbeat Kilwinning side who had just come off a 3-1 win at Clydebank. However the game turned out to be a battle in midfield with both sides failing to make any clear cut chances. Talbot did have the better of the second half but rarely troubled the home keeper. In all a draw was a fair result and Talbot collected a hard earned point.

Tucker roars out the orders from the dugout.

Stevie Wilson flicks the ball on inside the Glen’s box.

Samson tries his luck with a lobbing header from inside the box.

‘Big Neilly’ keeps his eyes firmly on the ball.

Mark Shankland very nearly scores direct from a corner but is denied by the near post.

Keir Samson can only watch, as McGarrity gets a strong hand to the ball.

Although surrounded on all sides, Samson still manages to fire off a shot from inside the box.

‘Shankers’ fires off a shot at goal where…

…it gets blocked by the ‘keeper but, fortunately, Samson slides in to the rebound and slots home the opener. 1-0.

Keir looks to check, as the Glens’ players shout for offside but the goal is given by the officials.

Keir Samson gets a shot away from a difficult angle but…

…can barely watch, as his shot gets deflected narrowly wide.

Talbot double their lead through Dylan Young, who nods the ball home from right on the line. 2-0.

Dylan celebrates his goal with Samson, as the Talbot faithful are all smiles.

McGarrity gets a strong hand to the ball in order to stop Stephen Wilson’s powerful close-range header from hitting the back of the net.

‘Gee’ races into the box and fires in a thunderous shot at goal but he fails to find the back of the net.

Findlay Frye pulls a goal back for the Glens’ from the spot, after a handball from Talbot. 2-1.

Keir does his best to win the ball back from McChesney.

An exchange of ‘different views’ between Craig McEwan and opposing fans during a break in play, as Ally Park tries to calm everybody down.

Ex-Talbot player, Mick McCann, tries to get his point across to ‘Whitey’.

After a poor clearance from the Glens’ ‘keeper, Samson capitalises, races in and finds the back of the net. 3-1.

The Glen’s players and fans sink into despair, as Keir races away to celebrate his second goal.

Jamie Glasgow gets shoved to the ground, as ‘Popey’ gives the Glens’ player some serious daggers.

Hamish McKinley tries a shot a goal with a volley from inside the box.

Although under pressure from McChesney, Hamish gets set to pull the trigger and smash home Talbot’s fourth. 4-1.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY PAUL FLYNN.

SPONSORED BY: Robil Driving School, George Wilson (Australia)

POSITION: Defender

JOINED TALBOT: July 2019

D.O.B: 05/01/1999

TALBOT DEBUT: Glenafton Athletic (Home) 27th July 2019, West Region League Cup 4-0

FIRST COMPETITIVE GOAL: Cumbernauld United (Home). 28th August 2021, WOSL Premier Division 3-0

FORMER CLUBS: Kilmarnock U17’s, Kilmarnock U20’s, Edusport Academy (Loan), Caledonian Braves, Auchinleck Talbot, Linlithgow Rose (Loan)

Talbot’s fans were happy when it rains as the Bot opened their campaign with a derby demolition of local rivals Glenafton.

Before kick off the fans had a chance to show their appreciation to two Bot legends, Jimmy McMillan & Gavin Collins who were applauded onto the park before later being inducted into the hall of fame before it was down to business.

The opening exchanges were fairly even with both sides testing the opposing defence without being able to work the goal keepers. The visitors had a penalty shout in the 6th minute when Moore floated a cross over from the left. McCann crumpled to the deck as the ball sailed over him but the ref wasn’t interested.

The breakthrough came in the 17th minute. Graham Wilson slid the ball out right to find Glasgow & he burst up the wing before slinging a dangerous cross into the centre. Stephen Wilson looked set to touch it home but was nudged in the back & the ref pointed to the spot. GORDON POPE took it & sent McGarrity the wrong way as he rolled it into the bottom corner.

Two minutes later Talbot were back on the attack. McIntyre shrugged off a couple of challenges before releasing a pass to Armstrong in the centre. He fed it out to McDowall on the right who cut inside only to see his shot blocked by a defender.

The Glens threatened down Talbot’s right in the 20th minute. Gallagher released Park down the flank & pulled it back across the area where McDowall knocked it behind for a corner.

In the 24th minute action swiftly switched from one end to the other. Down the Coal Road end McAusland whipped a dangerous low ball in that Stephen Wilson did well to cut out at the near post. Talbot then raced up field where Graham Wilson sent Glasgow racing free down the left & continued his run to meet Glasgow’s cut back inside the area but his side-foot shot went straight at McGarrity.

A minute later it was Leishman to the rescue. The ball came to Moore in acres of space on the left of the penalty area and he looked set to score but his low drive was brilliantly kept out by Leishman who saved with his feet at his right post.

Talbot had a penalty appeal denied in the 27th minute. The Bot won a free kick 30 yards out when McChesney wrestled Glasgow to the turf. Pope took it but with everyone anticipating a shot he angled a pass out to Glasgow on the left of the box. He checked inside onto his right foot & went down under McAusland’s sliding tackle but the referee waved play on.

McGarrity prevented Talbot from extending their lead soon after. McDowall gathered on the right, a few yards in from the bye line, and powered a shot across goal that McGarrity parried clear in the centre.

The Glens were forced into a change in the 33rd minute when Cairns limped off to be replaced by Orsi.

Glasgow spurned a clear chance to double Talbot’s lead in the 38th minute. The Glens defence were opened up when Glasgow dummied a ball through the centre and raced past the flat-footed central defence; however he tried to pass it beyond the advancing McGarrity who dived to his right to make the stop.

There was plenty of endeavour but no further near misses as the half wound to a close and Talbot left the field a goal ahead at the break.

Talbot couldn’t have asked for a better start to the 2nd half as the Glens conceded a 2nd penalty in the 52nd min. Stephen Wilson chipped the ball toward Glasgow inside the area but it was blocked en route by the arm of Menzies. The ref had no hesitation in pointing to the spot and once again GORDON POPE made no mistake, tucking it away inside the left post to put Talbot 2-0 ahead.

A few minutes later McGarrity had a lucky escape when he was too casual with a clearance. He tried to pass it up field when fielding a back pass but Glasgow read it & managed to block only for it to spin wide.

In the 57th min the Glens made their 2nd change when Nisbet replaced McCann up front.

The Glens now had their best spell of the match as they pushed Talbot back. In the 62nd min Andrew turned smartly outside the Talbot area & fired a shot on target but it went straight at Leishman.

McAusland had his name taken in the 65th minute for a late challenge on Lyle and Talbot also made a double substitution with McIntyre & Glasgow making way for McKinlay & Shankland.

A minute later Leishman made his 2nd top class save of the afternoon. Andrew won the ball midway inside the Bot half & slid a defence splitting pass through to Park. He raced clear but was denied by Leishman who’d raced to the edge of his area where he made the block.

Park tested Leishman again in the 68th minute. The Glens broke up the right where Moore flighted a cross over to the far post. Park ran onto it and Leishman turned his half-volley over the bar.

With 71 mins gone Menzies became the 2nd Glens name in the book when he was cautioned for a late challenge on McDowall.

It was game over in the 72nd minute when Talbot grabbed their third. There looked to be a foul on Graham Wilson in the build up by Orsi but the ref let play continue and the ball came to Shankland on the left edge of the area where he proceeded to waltz past several defenders before attempting to chip McGarrity. The keeper tipped it out but HAMISH MCKINLAY was on hand to tuck the rebound home from close range.

Tucker completed his changes with quarter of an hour remaining when Healy replaced Stephen Wilson.

With 10 minutes remaining Talbot had a chance to extend their lead. Armstrong intercepted the ball inside the Glens half and knocked it to Graham Wilson. He spotted McKinlay in space to his right & squared the ball to send him through one on one with the keeper. McKinlay attempted to lob McGarrity as he advanced to the edge of the area but didn’t catch it right & plunked the ball straight at the keeper.

Talbot kept pushing to the end and were rewarded with a fourth goal deep in injury time. McKinlay had an opportunity to shoot on the right of the area but hesitated and was closed down. He managed to shove the ball across the area where MARK SHANKLAND curled a right foot shot into the roof of the net to make the final score 4-0.

It’s a short break for Talbot as they return to action on Monday night when they travel to Blair Park to face Hurlford.

Auchinleck Talbot – Leishman, Lyle,Pope, Aiden Wilson, Young, Armstrong, Stephen Wilson, McIntyre, Graham Wilson, Glasgow, McDowall

Subs – Shankland, Samson, Healy, Pearson, McKinlay

Glenafton Athletic – McGarrity, McAusland, Cairns, Menzies, McChesney, Park, Gallagher, Marlowe, McCann, Andrew, Moore

Subs – Orsi, Nisbet, Potter, Burns (gk)

Jamie Glasgow squanders a great chance for Talbot early in the first half.

Stephen Wilson breaks free and races into the Glen’s box.

Glasgow vents his frustration at the linesman.

Gareth Armstrong gets involved in a wee tussle with Ally Park.

Lyle makes sure there is no way through for Glenafton.

Talbot take the lead from the spot, as Gordon Pope fires the ball home. 1-0.

‘Popey’ wheels away after netting the opener.

The Talbot bench look on, as Talbot try to keep hold of the ball.

‘Gee’ can only watch, as his chance gets gathered up by McGarrity.

A couple of points gets raised between these Glenafton players.

Jack McDowell muscles his way up the wing.

Up steps Gordon again and he doubles Talbot’s lead from the spot. 2-0.

Pope seals the goal with a kiss, as he celebrates scoring his and Talbot’s second.

Jamie races down the wing and fires in a low cross.

Andy Leishman pulls off a tremendous save to tip the ball over the crossbar.

Jack McDowell tries to fire the ball down the middle of the park.

It’s three-sy for Talbot, as Hamish McKinley slots home number three. 3-0.

Hamish and Graham race away to celebrate Talbot’s third goal.

It’s all smiles for Talbot, as everybody races to congratulate Hamish.

Stephen Wilson tries his luck from inside the box.

‘Shankers’ laps up the applause after smashing home Talbot’s fourth. 4-0.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY PAUL FLYNN.

Kerr, Lyle(Pearson 45),Pope,Young. A.Wilson, S.Wilson(Armstrong 45),Healy(McDowall 45), McIntyre White 45), G.Wilson(Samson 45),Glasgow (Shanland 45), McKinlay(Kemp 45)

It’s hard to judge how good the Talbot were or how poor the opposition were. But this was an East of Scotland Premier league side and to take ten goals off them was no mean feat. The writing was on the wall as early as the second minute when Willie Lyle was unlucky to see his shot just go narrowly past the post. Five minutes later Jamie Glasgow was through on the keeper but the home custodian won this duel but the loose ball was kicked off the line after Hamish McKinlay pounced on the rebound. Talbot were running the show they looked fitter and faster and on the 20^th minute their endeavors paid off when Steven Wilson sent a cross into the box which his Graham Wilson thrashed into the top of the roof of the net. Star had a decent shout for a penalty waved away but it was 2-0 Talbot on 30 minutes when trialist McIntyre found Jamie Glasgow in the box who turned his defender and curled his shot into the top corner of the net.

The home side couldn’t cope with the onslaught and it was soon 3-0 when Willie Lyle sent a tantalizing cross onto the head of Graham Wilson who made no mistake from six yards out. The first half rout was completed on 40 minutes when Jamie Glasgow ghosted his way into the box and rolled the ball past the advancing keeper to end the scoring for the first half.

Talbot made six changes in the second half and as they were in the process of settling down Star nicked a goal when Scott beat a static Talbot defense and passed the ball past Kerr to make it 4-1. However on the 55^th minute a Shankland corner was headed under the legs of the keeper Dunsmore and as the ball broke loose Keir Samson was first to react when he toe poked the ball over the line. Shankland was the provider once again when his pinpoint corner left Gordon Pope unmarked and he headed the ball past the keeper. Keir Samson was causing untold misery on the home defense and it was highlighted when he left the full home back line in his wake and stroked the ball past the advancing keeper to make it 7-1 on the 70^th minute. It was 8-1 six minutes later when Samson was fouled 30 yards from the goalmouth and up stepped Mark Shankland to curl the free kick into the bottom of the net. Mark Shankland scored number nine when Pope crossed into the box which fell at the feet of Jack McDowell who sclaffed his shot but it sat up nice for Mark Shankland who thrilled the travelling support when he put the ball past the keeper with an overhead bicycle kick.

The show was over on the 85^th minute when Jack McDowall went on a mazy run leaving the home defense in his wake to slot the ball past the keeper to make it 10-1. It was only a friendly but Talbot were excellent in every department while Star who started the game with nearly a full side were left wanting in every department.

Beith Juniors

Auchinleck Talbot

St Cadoc’s

Largs Thistle

Leishman, Lyle, A.Wilson,Young,White,McDowall(G.Wilson 75),S.Wilson(Armstrong 45),Healy(Pearson 45),Shankland (Samson 45),Boyland(McKinlay 9),Glasgow(Kemp 45)

Talbot chalked up a resounding 8-1 victory over Irvine Victoria away from home in a one side pre-season friendly. It was a result many expected but fair do to the Vics who sat in for most of the game before Talbot upped the ante. Amazingly the home side took the lead in the seventh minute from a corner which Talbot failed to clear. A minute later the teams were level when Bryan Boylan chased down a through ball but as the ball headed for the net, Boylan was caught by the keeper and had to be replaced by Hamish McKinlay. Talbot took the lead on the 19^th minute when Jack McDowall headed a cross into the path of Jamie Glasgow who swept the ball past Couser. Five minutes later Talbot’s lead was extended when Kieran Healy tried his luck from 35 yards which flew over the head of the stranded Couser and into the net. Credit to the Vics as they held a Talbot onslaught at bay and the only other thing of note in the first half was a yellow card for Steven White for verbals.

Talbot made a number of changes at the interval while Couser was replaced by centre half Ryan Singleton two minutes into the half after he asked to go off complaining of a shoulder injury. Soon after Leishman hammered the ball upfield which was touched on by the heel of Kemp into the path of Samson but he was quickly closed down before he could unleash a shot. The roles were reversed on 54 minutes when Samson left the Vics defense in his wake and his point perfect cross was lashed into the net by Calvin Kemp. Samson was unlucky to get on the scoreline a few minutes later when he again outstripped the home defense but his shot cannoned off the post. He did get on the score sheet on the 69^th minute when a passing movement involving Adrian Wilson, Kemp and then Kier Samson made it 5-1. Graham Wilson replaced Jack McDowell on 75 minutes and it only took him six minutes to grab a goal when he volleyed a superb Samson cross past the makeshift keeper.

With six minutes on the clock Kemp was unlucky to see a decent drive slip past the post, but goal number seven was in the back off the net a minute later when Samson once again tormented the home defense and his cross was met by the head of Graham Wilson who nodded past Singleton. The final goal was once again crafted by Samson who set up Calvin Kemp who gave the keeper no chance.