2021/22 – Page 6 – Auchinleck Talbot Football Club

Auchinleck Talbot v Hurlford United

Talbot did it the hard way again as they gathered all 3 points at Beechwood against Hurlford despite missing a string of clear cut chances in the 2^nd half.

It was Hurlford who settled first and the Bot had a let off in the 6^th minute. Whittaker won a free kick out on the right touchline which was bent over to the far corner of the 6-yard box where Magee headed it against the right hand post. Hyslop was on hand to head the rebound behind for a corner.

Talbot’s first threat came in the 11^th minute when Stafford did well down the right, carrying it forward before releasing Glasgow down the wing. He tried to cut it back into the path of Shankland but didn’t get enough on it and the defence were able to clear.

The home fans had a nervy moment two minutes later when Bell gathered the ball on the bye line & pulled it back to M McKenzie who hooked a shot at goal that was headed clear.

Leishman was called into action in the 17^th minute when Wilson was allowed too much time & space 30 yards from goal & drilled a shot on target that skipped up off the surface on its way through but Leishman managed to push it wide of the right post.

Talbot were struggling at this stage and the visitors threatened again in the 21^st minute. Wilson switched play out to the right where Whittaker drilled the ball low across the face towards Bell but he was beaten to it and the ball cleared.

Hurlford’s goalie hadn’t been asked any questions in the opening spell but he did produce a good stop in the 22^nd minute. Hyslop squared the ball inside to Boyd who wasn’t closed down & let fly from 25 yards only to see McDonald push it wide of target.

On the half hour mark Lidington had his name taken for a trip on Glasgow.

The Bot support weren’t happy with the stand side linesman as he spent most of the 1^st half with his flag in the air every time Talbot crossed the halfway line with numerous offside decisions going against Talbot.

Hurlford won a free kick out on the left in the 37^th minute for Stafford’s challenge on M McKenzie. Wilson took it and his ball in was headed clear by McCracken but came straight back to him and he whipped over a dangerous cross that the defence did well to head clear.

In the 42^nd minute Hurlford made a change with M McKenzie leaving the field to be replaced by Coogans.

Talbot ended the half on the front foot and won a free kick on the halfway line when Robertson breenged Glasgow over which also saw the centre half pick up a booking.

Right on half time Talbot won a free kick 30 yards out when Wilson fouled Glasgow. Shankland took it and got it up and over the wall but wide of the right post and the sides went in level at the break.

The 2^nd half got off to a lively start and both sides received a caution a piece in the opening 5 minutes. Firstly, Boyd was cautioned for studs showing and then a minute later Magee picked up a yellow for a blatant shove resulting in a free kick 30 yards out on the left. Shankland went for goal but it wasn’t one of his better efforts and sailed harmlessly over.

Leishman turned provider in the 51^st minute when he launched the ball down the right to find Hyslop breaking into space. He carried it forward before sliding it into the front post area where McDonald was quickly off his line to beat Samson to it.

The crucial breakthrough came in the 55^th minute. Hyslop picked up on the right and slid a great pass down the line to find Boyd. He skimmed a low ball across the face in the fun zone between the defence and the keeper and MAGEE bundled it into his own net whilst trying to clear.

The goal energised Talbot and 4 minute later Glasgow skipped inside on the left of the area and tested the keeper with a low drive on target.

Talbot made their first change on the hour mark with Healy coming on for Boyd.

The Bot had a chance to double their lead in the 64^th minute. McCracken lifted it up the right to find Samson racing clear and his early ball across the area came to Glasgow 12 yards out but he fired wide of McDonald’s right hand post.

In the 69^th minute a ball over the top saw Samson just beaten to it with the defence forced to knock it behind for a corner. Shankland fired it over and Hylsop met it with a diving header that was deflected wide of the right post but not according to the officials who awarded a goal kick.

Next to have a go for Talbot was Shankland who cut in off the right on his left foot & fired for goal but McDonald made a good stop.

It should have been game over in the 74^th minute. Shankland’s clever touch released Samson on the left and he squared it across to the far post where Healy looked set to score but he side-footed it wide of the post from 6 yards.

Hurlford had a lucky escape two minutes later. P McKenzie lost his footing inside the Bot half and Talbot were able to break quickly on the counter. There were 2 fouls in the build up with Robertson taking Samson out off the ball but the ref gave the advantage as it broke to Aiden Wilson on the left whose low drive was turned wide by McDonald. The referee could have reduced the visitors to 10 men for the fouls in the build-up but decided to take no further action.

Tucker now made two further changes with Samson & Glasgow making way for Boylan & Graham Wilson.

Boylan was barely on the pitch when he had a glorious chance to put Talbot 2 ahead. Leishman launched it down the centre where Magee slipped allowing Boylan to race onto it; unfortunately with only the keeper to beat he opted for power and lashed a half volley over the bar from 15 yards.

Six minutes from time Talbot came close once again. Shankland’s corner from the left caused chaos in the centre and the defence were only able to scramble it away as far as Aiden Wilson whose low drive from 15 yards was deflected just wide of target.

Talbot kept pushing and the next attack saw Graham Wilson release Boylan down the right and when his cross came over Shankland volleyed over the bar.

It had been all Talbot in the 2^nd half but the Bot were given a scare in the 86^th minute when Bell gathered the ball 25 yards out and hit a shot that dipped just over the crossbar.

A minute from time Talbot missed another clear opportunity to kill the game off. McCracken hit a great ball over the top of the defence to send Graham Wilson through one on one with the keeper but he opted to hit it early and McDonald blocked it as he advanced off his line.

A thoroughly deserved win for the Bot who recovered from an unconvincing 1^st half to dominate the 2^nd. Next up for Talbot it is back to Beechwood midweek where they host Darvel under the floodlights.

Auchinleck Talbot – Leishman, Stafford, Aiden Wilson, McPherson, Craig McCracken, Armstrong, Boyd, Hyslop, Glasgow, Shankland, Samson

Subs – Boylan, Graham Wilson, McDowall, Robbie McCracken, Healy, Hewitt

Hurlford United – McDonald, Miller, Lidington, Magee, Robertson, Graham, P McKenzie, Wilson, Bell, M McKenzie, Whittaker

Subs – Coogans, McKnight, McIntyre, Frew, Walker, Burns

William Boyd gets an attack started early in the game.

Hurlford make sure the ball goes back to the ‘keeper before the incoming Samson gets to it first.

Aiden Wilson gets busted open, as Talbot keep on looking to draw first blood.

OH SO CLOSE FOR HURLFORD!!! The ‘Ford very nearly take an early lead but the woodwork prevents the ball from nestling into the back of the net.

Big Andy gathers the ball while under pressure.

Jamie Glasgow vents his frustration after losing possession.

Armstrong gets his point across to the ref, as he shouts for a free-kick.

Boyd goes racing up the park, as Talbot continue searching for the opening goal.

Both benches closely watch the action, as ‘Shankers’ tries to thread a pass through from the wing.

Keir Samson does his best to outpace his opponent.

From deep inside his own half, Big Neily skips past his man and races up the wing.

Boyd loudly claims for a free-kick, after he sees Glasgow being bundled over.

Jamie Glasgow ‘toes the line’ and makes sure he keeps possession.

McKenzie takes a fall, as he loses out to Glasgow in the challenge.

Samson feels the full force of this hefty challenge.

‘Pee-wee’ does brilliantly to still put the cross into the danger area but…

…Samson fails to get onto the end of it, as the ‘Ford ‘keeper gets to the ball first.

Wullie Boyd races into the box and fires a low cross into the box where…

…Hurlford can’t clear their lines and end up putting the ball into the back of their own net! 1-0.

It may have been an own goal but Jamie and Mark still race over to congratulate Boyd for his part in the goal.

Glasgow goes airborne in order to keep hold of the ball.

Dwayne Hyslop takes a sore one to the head while heading the ball back down the park.

Erm…Andy…I don’t think Chris Stafford’s head is the ball?

CLOSE!!! ‘Pee-wee’ can only watch his low headed chance go agonisingly wide of the post.

Both Dwayne and Craig know just how close that chance was.

Wilson goes very close to scoring, as his strike gets stopped by the feet of the ‘keeper.

Truthfully…cards on the table…I have no idea what Mark and Keir were shouting for here. I just think it’s a great wee pic!

Paul McKenzie roars out the orders to his team-mates.

McPherson gets stopped in his tracks by hard tackle from McKenzie.

It takes a brave man to stand up to an angry Neil McPherson.

The players try to calm down after a bit of ‘handbags’.

Boylan does brilliantly to skip past his opponent.

Boylan lets his feelings known to the linesman.

SO NEARLY A GOAL!!! Bryan Boylan is so close to meeting the cross but the ‘keeper manages to claw the ball away from him at the final second.

‘Shankers’ goes for the spectacular inside the box but he fails to find the back of the net.

‘Gee’ races in on goal and unleashes a shot but the strike fails to hit the target.

The final chance of the game falls to Shankland but his strike unfortunately sails over the bar.

Well…the current crop of Talbot players were certainly playing in the presence of a group of Talbot legends watching the action form the terrace.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY PAUL FLYNN.

Pollok v Auchinleck Talbot

Chris Stafford wins the aerial battle in front of the sheltering crowd and Pollok substitutes.

Glasgow has an early dig from just outside the box but fails to find the back of the net.

Andy Leishman chooses to try to punch the ball away, however…

…the ball falls very kindly at the feet of Pollok’s Adam Forde, who calmly slots the ball home into an empty net. 1-0.

Leishman sinks to his knees, as Forde wheels races away to celebrate his goal.

The Pollok players are all smiles after netting the opener.

Big Andy holds his hand up in acknowledgement of the mistake in the build up to the goal.

During a goalmouth stramash, Pollok try to squeeze the ball into the back of the net but Big Andy has other plans and pulls off a great save.

While trying to break on the counter attack, Samson takes a sore one in a challenge from his opponent.

Willie Boyd goes chasing after the ball in the middle of the park.

Bryan Boylan puffs out the cheeks, as he races up the park during a Talbot attack.

‘Pee-wee’ waits at the back post but the Pollok ‘keeper intervenes and punches the ball away from the danger.

Pollok win a penalty and up steps Ryan McGregor who fires from the spot, however…

…his penalty gets saved by Leishman but McGregor is first to react to the rebound and slots the ball home at the second attempt. 2-0.

McGregor celebrates scoring Pollok’s second goal with his very happy team-mates.

After missing a glorious chance to make it three-nil, the Pollok players slump to their knees and look speechless, as Dwayne Hyslop lets his anger known.

You wouldn’t want to mess with Big Neily when he gets angry!

RED CARD!!! Pollok are reduced to ten men, as Evan Horne gets sent off for a second booking.

Goooaaalll!!! Talbot are awarded a penalty and up steps Jamie Glasgow who fires the ball into the back of the net. 2-1.

WHAT-A-CHANCE!!! From very close range Pollok try to poke the ball home but…

…Andy Leishman stretches and gets his ‘big mitts’ to the ball and prevents the goal.

EQUALISER!!! Talbot pull level, as although Longmuir tries his best, Jamie Glasgow’s strike smashes into the bottom corner of the net. 2-2.

Jamie gets congratulated from Boylan, as he looks happier than the Cheshire Cat!

Jamie gets held back, as he tries to race away up the wing.

CLOSE!!! With half-time looming, Talbot nearly take the lead, as ‘Pee-wee’ fires a low shot at goal but Longmuir does brilliantly to save the strike.

POLLOK REGAIN THE LEAD!!! With the second half barely started, Pollok are awarded a second penalty and up steps Ryan McGregor again, who sends Andy Leishman the wrong way and smashes the ball home. 3-2.

The Pollok players are all smiles after putting themselves back into the lead.

Boylan shows great skill to control the ball while under pressure.

Glasgow has a go from a tight angle but fails to find the back of the net, although…

…he lets his feelings known to the linesman, as he feels he was fouled during that chance.

Samson goes on a great run, as his opponent is left guessing what direction Keir is going to take.

ANOTHER RED CARD!!! Pollok are reduced to 9 men, as David Brownlie is shown a straight red card while receiving treatment from the physio.

The Pollok physio has words with the referee, as the man in the middle demands Brownlie goes into the changing rooms instead of sitting in the Pollok dugout.

In a great position, ‘Pee-wee’ tries to find the back of the net but he can only fire the ball across the face of goal instead.

A THIRD RED CARD!!! Although Pollok win the free-kick, Adam Forde somehow gets his marching orders, as Pollok are reduced further, now to 8 men.

Forde is given a bit of support from the Talbot players after been shown the red card.

While McCracken receives treatment, players from both sides manage to have a laugh at the situation unfolding.

WHAT-A-CHANCE!!! Craig McCracken is left with a free header from right in front of goal but is thwarted by a great save from Jamie Longmuir.

Samson tries his best to fire his strike through a very crowded Pollok box but his shot gets blocked.

With Talbot desperate to find an equaliser, Gareth Armstrong goes for the spectacular from outside the box but fails to find the back of the net.

GOOOAAAAAALLLL!!! With the game heading into injury time, Jamie Glasgow fires a cross into the box where ‘Gee’ manages to flick the ball…

…past Longmuir, into the back of the net and pulls Talbot level again in dramatic fashion. 3-3.

The Pollok players desperately shout for offside, as Graham wheels away to celebrate, while just having a wee look at the linesman to check himself.

Talbot go searching for a very late winner but ‘Shankers’ can’t hit the target with his long range strike.

‘Gee’ does his best to try and win the ball back inside the Pollok box late in the game.

Samson has a word with the linesman, as he felt he was fouled inside the box.

OH SO CLOSE!!! Talbot very nearly find the winner they craved, as McCracken sends a low header towards goal but Jamie Longmuir, again, pulls off a tremendous save to stop Craig from scoring.

After seeing his header saved, Craig goes chasing after the rebound.

WHAT-A-SAVE, AGAIN!!! With the game firmly into ‘Fergie Time’, Talbot nearly find the back of the net through a thunderous shot but Longmuir (AGAIN) pulls off a ‘reeker’ of a save to tip the ball over the crossbar.

The final chance of the game falls to Talbot but Craig McCracken’s headed chance gets cleared by the Pollok defence.

Well…as the full-time whistle gets blown, I think we should all just smile like Big Neily after witnessing a truly unbelievable game of fitba’.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY PAUL FLYNN.

MURRAYS MATCH REPORT

The fans certainly got their money’s worth with this incident packed top of the table encounter which ended all square after a topsy turvy 90 minutes.

Talbot couldn’t have made a worse start; conceding a cheap goal with only 8 minutes on the clock. There seemed no danger when a hanging cross was swung over from the left touchline but Leishman flapped at it & knocked the ball straight into the path of FORDE who rolled it into the empty net.

The Bot defence was under pressure in the 14^th minute when Lyon skipped past Wilson on the right and drilled it low across the face of goal. Armstrong cleared it but only as far as Esplin whose shot was deflected wide for a corner. When the corner came over Talbot couldn’t clear their lines, resulting in pinball inside the 6-yard area, before it was finally scrambled behind.

In the 18^th minute the referee produced the 1^st of many cards. Pollok’s Horne was cautioned for a crunching tackle on Samson as he broke up the park and moments later McPherson received a yellow card at the other end for obstructing S McCann.

Pollok won a free kick in a good area in the 22^nd minute which Forde crossed into the area. Aiden Wilson headed it clear & Talbot raced onto the counter with Glasgow spraying an early pass out to the left where Boylan raced onto it and fired a shot on target that Longmuir did well to turn round his post. When the resultant corner came over beyond the far post it was met by Wilson but his ball back across was cleared.

In the 32^nd minute Talbot conceded a penalty following a long shy from the right. Wharton hurled it into the centre & the ref judged McCracken to be holding onto Forde’s shirt and pointed to the spot. MCGREGOR took it and fired it low to Leishman’s left. The Bot keeper got his fingertips to it and pushed it onto the post but it rebounded back out to McGregor who tucked away the rebound.

Two minutes later it could have been curtains for Talbot when they failed to cope with a high cross from the left. The ball broke to Lyon in front of goal but he pulled his shot wide of the left post.

Pollok found themselves a man down in the 36^th minute. Horne was already on a yellow card when he clipped Glasgow’s heels to prevent him breaking free and the ref produced a 2^nd yellow to send him to the clubhouse.

Two minutes later and the referee awarded the 2^nd penalty of the afternoon but this time it was to Talbot. Stafford whipped over a cross from the right and Samson was bundled to the ground off the ball and the ref pointed to the spot. JAMIE GLASGOW took it & kept his cool to send Longmuir the wrong way. Sideserf was then booked for dissent.

The momentum had swung Talbot’s way and in the 40^th minute the Bot drew level. Wilson fed the ball to JAMIE GLASGOW inside the penalty area & he bent it beyond the keeper and into the bottom corner to make it 2-2.

A minute from the break Wharton became the latest player booked.

In the closing seconds of the half Longmuir produced an outstanding save to prevent Talbot going in ahead. Boylan did well on the right, skipping past Sideserf before squaring it across to Hyslop, who must have thought his low drive was heading into the back of the net til Longmuir managed to put it wide and so the sides went in level at the break.

Talbot started the 2^nd half shakily conceding a few needless free kicks to put themselves under pressure and in the 54^th minute conceded a 2^nd penalty kick. Once again it came from a long throw in from the right. This time Hyslop was penalised for high feet when making a challenge and MCGREGOR gave Leishman no chance as he buried it into the roof of the net.

The referee’s notepad was filling up and in the 56^th minute Esplin joined the crime count when he was cautioned for time wasting when he kicked the ball away.

Talbot now made a change with Shankland coming on in place of Boyd.

In the 59^th minute Talbot had a penalty appeal waved away when Glasgow appeared to be held by Sideserf inside the box but the ref dismissed Glasgow’s appeals.

Glasgow won a corner in the 63^rd minute when his cross spun behind off Wharton. The corner was taken short by Shankland to Glasgow and he fired into the side-netting.

The home side were reduced to 9 men a minute later. Brownlie keeled over in the Pollok goalmouth and was harangued by the Bot support for time-wasting. He rounded on the support and was shown a straight red for swearing at the visiting fans. A decision that is technically correct but would probably see every league fixture finish 7 a side.

Talbot had a good chance to level in the 66^th minute. Samson hit a low ball across the face of goal that Hyslop helped on toward the back post where it fell to Glasgow who blazed it over the bar.

A minute later Pollok found themselves down to 8 men. Bizarrely the referee awarded Pollok a free kick for McCracken’s challenge on Forde and then sent Forde off for elbowing McCracken who had to receive treatment for a cut & leave the field to change into another top.

With Pollok down to 8 men it was now a case of Lok lining up along their 18 yard line and Talbot trying to break them down.

In the 73^rd minute Shankland fed it out to Stafford on the right and he swept over a good cross that McGregor headed over his own bar. The corner was pulled back to McPherson who passed it straight back to Shankland who swung over a cross into the centre. McCracken went down in the 6-yard area appealing for a shove but the ref waved away the penalty shout.

The Bot support must have thought it wasn’t to be our day in the 74^th minute when Longmuir produced a fantastic stop to prevent the equaliser. McCracken met Shankland’s corner from the left & did everything right only to see Lok’s keeper managed to keep his header out.

With 12 minutes remaining Talbot made their 2^nd change with Graham Wilson coming on for Boylan.

In the 82^nd minute Stafford pinged a cross into the centre which broke back to Graham Wilson 15 yards out but his shot at goal was blocked away.

With Pollok down to 8 it was nonstop pressure with Lok unable to have any out ball and every time they cleared it the ball coming straight back at them. Talbot were racking up the crosses and corners but Lok were withstanding the pressure.

In the 84^th minute Talbot won a corner on the left that Shankland took quickly and played short into the feet of Graham Wilson. He squared it to Samson but once again a shot at goal was blocked away in the crowded 6-yard area.

Just when it appeared as though Talbot were going to be frustrated the Bot drew level in the 89^th minute. Glasgow knocked a good ball over from the left and GRAHAM WILSON met it to flick it beyond Longmuir to make it 3-3.

The drama wasn’t over though. In the final minute a shy from the left was only partially cleared and came to Shankland at the edge of the area but he fired over the bar.

As the game entered injury time Talbot had another chance to take all 3 points. Shankland released Stafford on the overlap and he swung over a good cross that Samson headed over.

Deep into injury time Longmuir defied Talbot with two incredible saves. Firstly, he dived low to his left to keep out McCracken’s net bound header and moments later he managed to tip Aiden Wilson’s screamer from 18 yards over his crossbar to ensure Pollok held out for the draw.

A frustrating afternoon for Talbot who would gratefully have settled for a point when 2 down but will be disappointed that they couldn’t force a winner for all their pressure late on.

After a long stretch of away days it is back to Beechwood next Saturday as Talbot take on Hurlford in the league.

Pollok – Longmuir, Lyon, Sideserf, Wharton, Brownlie, Horne, Esplin, McGregor, S McCann, Forde, Mackenzie

Subs – Graham, Duff, Bradley, Grant, Grimshaw, Kroi, Lumsden

Auchinleck Talbot – Leishman, Stafford, Aiden Wilson, McPherson, Craig McCracken, Armstrong, Hyslop, Boyd, Boylan, Glasgow, Samson

Subs – Shankland, Graham Wilson, McDowall, Lyle, Robbie McCracken, Hewitt

Rossvale v Auchinleck Talbot

Talbot kept their winning streak going, but only just, as they were pushed all the way by Rossvale in this mid-week encounter.

The Bot made a positive start and forced a corner in the 3^rd minute when Aiden Wilson cut in off the left & saw his shot deflected behind. Shankland hit the corner deep beyond the far post where it found McDowall in space & he angled a low shot across the face and wide of target.

A defensive blunder from the hosts gifted Talbot a clear chance in the 11^th minute. A square ball across the back four was easily intercepted by Graham Wilson who raced forward to the edge of the area but fired his shot wide of the keeper’s right post.

After a shaky start Rossvale began to grow into it and they carved out a decent chance in the 25^th minute. Dolan threaded a pass down the right channel to find Torrance inside the Talbot box but his low drive was held by Leishman at his left post.

Two minutes later Talbot had a half chance when Shankland found space on the left. He whipped over a dangerous cross that Morgan headed clear but Talbot retrieved it & worked it back out left to Shankland. This time his cross took a deflection off Torrance & floated beyond the keeper & bounced across the goal mouth where Samson slipped whilst trying to get on the end of it.

The home side were forced into a change in the 40^th minute when Rodger couldn’t continue and he was eventually replaced by J Young after a lengthy stoppage. Rossvale ended the half strongly but couldn’t test Leishman and the sides went in goal less at the break.

Rossvale made the early running in the 2^nd half and won a free kick in a good area within a minute of the re-start. Kerr took it but opted to go for goal rather than cross it and fired a shot well over the bar.

Talbot had a lucky escape in the 51^st minute when a pass out right found Dolan in space beyond the far post. He drilled it low across the face of goal where it hit Kerr rather than the other way round & spun off the striker and went wide of Leishman’s right post.

Having weathered the storm Talbot took the lead against the run of play in the 54^th minute. Shankland gathered on the right & swept a cross to the far post where Samson met it & nodded it back across goal to GRAHAM WILSON who rammed it home from inside the 6-yard box.

Two minutes later Talbot had a half chance to give themselves a cushion when they broke via Graham Wilson. He carried it forward before sliding it to the left into the path of Aiden Wilson who ran onto it and drilled a shot just over the crossbar.

Down the other end Rossvale had the Talbot defence at full stretch in the 63^rd minute when Dolan gathered the ball near the bye line and hit a low ball across the face of goal. There were no takers in the centre but Lyle was forced to put it behind for the corner.

A 2^nd goal for Talbot would have settled it and it nearly came in the 65^th minute. McDowall picked up on the right edge of the penalty area before laying it out wide to find Shankland. He squared it across the area where Graham Wilson me it 15 yards out and his shot took a slight deflection as it flew over the bar.

Talbot now made a double change with Samson & McDowall making way for Boyd & Stafford as Talbot switched to a 4-4-2. Rossvale also made a change with Diack replacing Kerr up top.

Rossvale had a chance to level it in the 70^th minute. Dolan’s cross from the right wasn’t dealt with in and it broke kindly for Hogg 12 yards out but he didn’t catch it cleanly & his right foot shot drifted wide of the left post.

With quarter of an hour remaining Talbot were forced into a final change when Healy went over on his ankle and had to hobble off to be replaced by Hyslop.

The home side had Talbot pegged back but without really testing Leishman and this was illustrated in the 82^nd minute when a poor clearance came out to J Young 25 yards from goal and he ballooned his shot over the bar & nearly out of the stadium.

Talbot were looking to hit on the break and launched a good counter with 5 minutes remaining. Aiden Wilson raced away on the left and whipped over a good early cross towards Graham Wilson that Morgan did well to intercept & head over his own bar. When Shankland’s corner came over from the left it was swung beyond the far post where it found Stafford in space but his header was held at his near post by Gordon.

With 2 minutes remaining Rossvale won a corner when Urquhart’s long diagonal ball was headed behind by Aiden Wilson. When the corner came over it resulted in a scrabble inside the 6-yard box which ended with Leishman palming the ball behind for a 2^nd corner but this time it came to nothing.

In the final minute of regulation time Talbot swept up the park on the counter-attack. Shankland fed it out to Graham Wilson on the right and his cross was met in the centre by the on rushing Aiden Wilson who flung himself to direct a diving header on target that was held by Gordon.

Deep into injury time Talbot had one final scare. A long shy from the left was thrown into the near post where it was headed back out to the left wing. Kavanagh gathered and curled a dangerous cross towards the back post but no one could get on the end of it and Talbot held out for the win.

A tough night for Talbot but another clean sheet and another valuable 3 points away from home. Next up for Talbot it is another trip to Glasgow this Saturday as the travel through to Newlandsfield for a top of the table clash with Pollok.

Rossvale – Gordon, Torrance, Hogg, Morgan, Young, Urquhart, Macdonald, Kavanagh, Kerr, Rodger, Dolan

Subs – Karamoko, J Young, Mallon, Diack, McKenzie, Mefford, Doherty (gk)

Auchinleck Talbot – Leishman, Lyle, Aiden Wilson, McPherson, Craig McCracken, Armstrong, Healy, McDowall, Shankland, Samson, Graham Wilson

Subs – Boylan, Glasgow, Boyd, Robbie McCracken, Stafford, Hyslop, Hewitt (gk)

Carluke Rovers v Auchinleck Talbot

Kieran Healy lobs the ball forward during another Talbot attack.

Talbot try to win the ball back inside the box but Healy gets fended off by the defender.

WHAT-A-CHANCE!!! Jamie Glasgow finds himself free inside the box but his slotted shot only finds the bottom of the post.

And after missing that great chance, Jamie gives the other post a good kicking in frustration.

Armstrong manages to win this aerial battle.

TALBOT TAKE THE LEAD!!! Kier Samson gets on the end of a Glasgow cross and heads the ball into the back of the net. 0-1.

It’s high fives all round, as Samson gets congratulated by his team-mates after scoring.

In a blink of an eye, Talbot come very close to doubling their lead but Samson’s close range header gets cleared off the line by the Carluke defence.

Another Talbot attack gets started, as ‘Shankers’ fires the ball down the park.

TALBOT GO CLOSE AGAIN!!! Kieran Healy very nearly makes it two for Talbot but his powerful looping header can only smack off the crossbar instead.

WHAT-A-STRIKE!!! From outside the box, Carluke fire a sensational shot through the Talbot defence that…

…smashes into the back of the net, leaving Big Andy rooted to the spot. 1-1.

No wonder the Carluke players went absolutely berserk after levelling the score via an unbelievable strike.

‘Whitey’ still shows them how it’s done, as he fires the ball on from the middle of the park.

POSSIBLE PENALTY??? While challenging for the ball in the air, Steven White possibly gets shoved by the defender. What do you think?

ANOTHER GREAT CHANCE!!! Jamie Glasgow goes extremely close to scoring but his close range shot fails to find the back of the net.

Gareth Armstrong goes on a great run up the park, as he skips past his opponent.

Steven White watches his close range looping header get saved by the ‘keeper but it wouldn’t have counted anyway, as the linesman flags for offside.

Armstrong has a lot on his shoulders, as Aiden Wilson battles for the ball above him.

CHANCE YET AGAIN!!! Jamie Glasgow finds himself with a free header inside the box but, again, fails to find the back of the net.

While going on a great run into the Carluke box, Shankland gets bundled over just outside it.

Jamie and Steven discuss the situation, while listening to what the referee has to say.

Although there is bodies everywhere, Samson manages to rise the highest and get his head to the ball but the ball goes agonisingly wide of the post.

GOOOOAAAALLLL!!! Talbot regain the lead through a screamer of a shot from Aiden Wilson and although the ‘keeper does his best (and the ball may have took a wee deflection), there was no way the ball was going to be stopped. 1-2.

Aiden Wilson gets congratulated after putting Talbot back into the lead.

After getting to his own rebound, ‘Gee’ smashes the ball into the top corner of the net from close range but the lineman deems him to have been offside. Should the goal have stood?

Graham and Jamie argue their case about why Gee’s goal should count.

Carluke rue a missed opportunity to equalise through a mistake in the Talbot defence but at least Big Andy and Neily can have a laugh about it.

With the game nearing it’s end, Leishman gathers the ball from the air to make sure Talbot see out the victory.

A Talbot victory in the Scottish Junior Cup means a very happy Talbot supporter.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY PAUL FLYNN.

Talbot booked their place in the 3^rd round draw of the Scottish Junior cup thanks to a 2-1 away win over Carluke; the final score being a lot tighter than many would have anticipated and an inaccurate reflection of a game Talbot could & should have won a lot more comfortably.

The first of Talbot’s many efforts at goal came in the 6^th minute when Shankland played Hyslop in down the left & he angled a shot across goal and over the crossbar.

The home side tested Talbot’s defence in the 8^th minute when they won a corner down the right. Dailly hit an in swinger into the centre that Armstrong headed to safety.

Two minutes later Talbot had Carluke’s defence at full stretch when Shankland sent Hyslop free down the right. He swept a good cross over to the back post which Kane had to put behind. When Shankland’s corner came over toward the back post Brown was at full stretch to tip it away.

The Bot came close to opening the scoring in the 18^th minute. A flurry of quick passes ended with Glasgow racing clear of the defence to race through on the keeper but his shot clipped the base of the right hand post and spun out for a goal kick.

The opener came in the 23^rd minute when Glasgow did well to turn Neossi out on the left before swinging over a cross that KEIR SAMSON nodded inside Brown’s right post to put Talbot 1-0 ahead.

Within a minute Talbot nearly added a second. Samson’s cross from the right was put behind for a corner which Shankland delivered deep beyond the far post where Samson guided a header back across goal that was cleared off the line.

Samson was involved again in the 27^th minute. He met McPherson’s flighted pass & nodded it down into the path of Glasgow who returned the ball back to Samson who’d continued his run. He got free down the right of the penalty area & lobbed a shot over the bar.

A 2^nd goal would have killed the game and Talbot were unfortunate not to double their lead in the 29^th minute. Stafford swung over a good cross from the right which Healy ran onto & glanced a header for goal that cannoned off the right post with the keeper well beaten before a defender put it behind for the corner. When Shankland’s corner came in Brown got a hand to it but could only clear it out as far as Glasgow whose low shot from 16 yards was deflected wide by the keeper’s outstretched left leg.

Talbot had another half chance in the 31^st minute when Wilson was blocked just wide of the penalty area resulting in a free kick. Shankland took it & went for goal but fired it into the side-netting.

The game should have been out of sight & Talbot were made to pay for their missed chances in the 34^th minute when Carluke equalised out of the blue. The home side were awarded a free kick out on the left that Dailly crossed into the centre. It was cleared but fell into the path of SMALL 22 yards out & he hammered an unstoppable shot to Leishman’s left to draw Carluke level.

The goal knocked Talbot out their rhythm for a spell but they recovered and had a great chance to regain the lead in the 42^nd minute. Samson raced clear on the right & played a great ball into the near post where Glasgow looked set to score but Kane did well to deflect his side-footed shot just wide of the left post.

In the closing seconds of the half Armstrong picked up a caution for a mistimed challenge on Neill.

The 2^nd half soon settled into a pattern of attack v defence with Carluke intent on holding out for penalties.

Talbot’s first effort of the 2^nd half came in the 52^nd minute when Armstrong set up Shankland at the edge of the area and his shot was parried away by the keeper.

In the 56^th minute Wilson swung over a good cross for Hyslop to attack but he got his angles wrong and glanced his header wide of target.

Carluke’s goal was leading a charmed life and the travelling support were beginning to wonder if it was not going to be Talbot’s day when the Bot again struck the woodwork on the hour mark. Glasgow’s low drive had the keeper beaten but it clattered the left post and the score remained tied.

Brown had made a good step earlier with his leg to deny Glasgow and he did the same again to Shankland in the 62^nd minute; stretching out his right leg to deflect away his low drive from 20 yards.

Two minutes later Talbot won a free kick in a good area after Douglas Frame clipped Shankland just outside the area with Carluke’s centre-half booked for the challenge. Shankland took it himself but got too much on it & it didn’t dip quickly enough.

Carluke were clinging on by hook or by crook and in the 68^th minute Murphy received a yellow card for time-wasting.

In the 70^th minute Talbot won a corner down the left when Wilson’s cross was blocked by Small. Shankland delivered it to the far post where Samson just failed to get on the end of it.

Finally, Talbot’s pressure paid off in the 74^th minute. Samson’s long shy from the right was only partially cleared by the defence & it fell to AIDEN WILSON 20 yards out whose half volley skipped off the surface & flew past Brown to put Talbot 2-1 ahead.

Both sides now made changes with McDowall on for Hylsop for Talbot and the home side bringing on Jamieson & Lawlor for Murphy & Neill.

With 11 minutes remaining Talbot made their 2^nd change of the afternoon with Graham Wilson replacing Samson up top.

Graham Wilson had the ball in the back of the net in the 83^rd minute but the goal didn’t stand for some unfathomable reason. Wilson met Healy’s cross from the right & steered a header onto Brown’s right post & reacted quickest to fire the rebound home. However, the assistant’s flag went up and after a consultation with the ref the goal was chalked off.

For all Talbot’s dominance a single goal lead is precarious and Talbot’s support had a nervy moment in the 84^th minute when White knocked the ball to Leishman who took his eye off it and let it run away from him before McPherson managed to clear.

In the closing stages Talbot made a final change with Robbie McCracken coming on for Shankland and Talbot able to see the game out to claim the victory.

Next up for Talbot it is another away day but this time back to league duty as they travel through to Petershill park on Wednesday night to face Rossvale.

Carluke Rovers – Brown, Kane, Murphy, Douglas Frame, Neossi, Goodall, Small, Steven Frame, Smith, Neill, Dailly

Subs – Wilson, O’Reilly, Jamieson, Lawlor, Jessimer

Auchinleck Talbot – Leishman, Stafford, Aiden Wilson, McPherson, White, Armstrong, Healy, Hyslop, Glasgow, Shankland, Samson

Subs – Lyle, Graham Wilson, McDowall, Boylan, Robbie McCracken, Hewitt (gk)

Preston Athletic

Irvine Meadow v Auchinleck Talbot

An early chance for Talbot but Boylan can only send his close range header over the bar.

The Talbot bench look on, as ‘Pee-wee’ tries to win the ball back.

WHAT-A-SAVE!!! Big Andy proves he’s still one of the best ‘keepers around, as he manages to stop a certain Meadow goal by clawing the ball away from right on the line. BRILLIANT!!!

Samson goes chasing in order to try and get the ball back.

FIRST BLOOD TO MEDDA!!! Irvine Meadow take the lead via a penalty. 1-0.

I think he’s happy at scoring that penalty.

The celebrations continue for Medda after taking an early lead in the game.

McPherson does his best to keep his Talbot team-mates motivated after going behind via that penalty.

The Talbot faithful watch the action, as Glasgow fires the ball down the park.

Another Talbot attack gets started, as Big Andy launches the ball forward.

WHAT-A-CHANCE!!! Glasgow slips the ball to Samson who fires a hard low strike towards goal, where the Medda ‘keeper pulls off a great save to stop him from scoring.

Keir manages to get to the rebound but before he could strike again, the Medda defender slides in to send the ball out for a Talbot corner instead.

McCracken stays close to his man in order to make sure he goes away from goal.

‘Tucker’ and ‘Whitey’ look on, while Kieran Healy tries to get another attack started.

LEISHMAN DOES IT AGAIN!!! Kyle Faulds races through on goal but his low strike gets stopped by the foot of Andy Leishman, who pulls off another brilliant save to keep Talbot in the game.

Ex-Talbot man, Sean McIlroy, tries to take the ball away from danger, while being put under pressure from Aiden Wilson.

TALBOT PULL LEVEL!!! Armstrong fires a low strike across goal and although Samson tries to get on the end of it, he needn’t have bothered because Gareth’s strike manages to find the back of the net anyway. 1-1.

The Talbot players and fans celebrate Armstrong’s leveler.

‘Shankers’ watches, as Healy tries to muscle the ball back off his opponent.

The Talbot drums get belted out but I can’t help but feel sorry for the drummers pal at having to hold the drum for him.

Although under pressure, Craig McCracken still manages to fire the ball up the park.

GOOOOOOAL!!! Talbot take the lead, as Mark Shankland’s strike from the edge of the box takes a wee deflection up and over into the back of the net. 1-2.

Mark wheels away to celebrate his goal in front of the jubilant fans.

The Meadow captain is left feeling dejected, while ‘Shankers’ and the Talbot faithful continue celebrating.

No amount of money can buy you the feeling of celebrating a Talbot goal in the ‘Big Scottish’. EEKA PEEKA PUKKA PO!!!

GAME, SET AND MATCH!!! Samson makes sure of the victory, as his low strike from inside the box finds the back of the net. 1-3.

I think Kieran is rather happy with your goal there Keir.

The Talbot players continue to celebrate Samson’s goal, while James Latta and Colin Spence look deflated at witnessing Talbot’s comeback.

The Talbot flags are out in force, as Hyslop wins the aerial battle in the middle of the park.

Although under pressure from two Medda players, Big Neily still manages to head the ball away from danger.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY PAUL FLYNN.

MURRAY’S MATCH REPORT

Talbot earned their place in the 2^nd round of the Scottish cup the hard way – having to come from a goal down to claim another away day win.

The Bot started the game reasonably well & did most of the early pressing. The first chance of the afternoon came Talbot’s way in the 6^th minute when Glasgow whipped a great cross over from the left that Boylan nodded over at the back post.

Slooves picked up an early caution when he was penalised for going straight through the back of Hyslop in the 8^th minute.

The Bot were on the attack again in the 10^th minute when Boylan raced across the pitch from right to left leaving McKie in his wake before sliding it back into the path of Healy who curled a shot wide of target from the edge of the area.

Up til now it had been pretty comfortable for Talbot but the 1^st warning sign came in the 13^th minute. Willett swung over a dangerous cross form the touchline that Boyd met at the back post. He headed it back across goal where Pooler met it for what looked a certain goal but somehow Leishman threw himself to his right to claw it away to safety.

Four minutes later and Talbot were caught out by a long diagonal ball down the right. Faulds burst forward into the Talbot box and as he headed for the bye line Wilson slid in to make the challenge. The visiting support thought it had went for a corner but the referee pointed to the spot and MCLENNAN gave Leishman no chance as he thumped it inside the left post to put Meadow 1-0 ahead.

Talbot tried to pick themselves up and Healy tested the keeper from 30 yards when he drilled a shot on target after being set up by Glasgow.

Leishman was called into action in the 27^th minute when Boyd gathered the ball on the left of the penalty area & fired a low shot at goal that Leishman held by his right post.

Meadow now had their best spell of the match, with Talbot finding themselves being pinned back in their own half, and conceding a number of free kicks and corners, all of which were resolutely defended.

In the 39^th minute Talbot were guilty of hesitancy at the edge of the Meadow area following a corner kick, allowing Martin to nick in & carry it up the centre before Boylan sent him crashing, resulting in a booking for Talbot’s striker.

The home side were in control but Talbot had a great chance to level in the 40^th minute on the counter-attack. Glasgow broke swiftly through the centre, carrying the ball up to the Meadow area before slipping the ball wide to release Samson through on goal. He raced through on the keeper but couldn’t beat Winters who managed to block his shot behind for the corner and Talbot went in a goal adrift at the interval.

Just as they had at the start of the match, Talbot made a positive start to the 2^nd half. In the 47^th minute Glasgow hooked the ball up the line to release Boylan down the right. He charged forward before pulling it back where Healy ran onto it but sent his low drive wide of target from 16 yards.

Two minutes later Talbot were back on the attack when Armstrong got the better of Faulds in the centre before sliding a pass up the right to Boylan. He whipped a dangerous cross over to the far post where McKie did well to head it behind.

The home side made the 1^st change of the afternoon in the 52^nd minute when they replaced one ex-Bot forward with another with Pooler making way for McIlroy.

A minute later Hyslop had his name taken for a late challenge on Slooves.

The pivotal moment of the match arrived in the 56^th minute. Stafford underhit a square pass to Armstrong allowing Faulds the chance to intercept midway inside the Talbot half. Faulds raced clean through on Leishman & looked a certainty to put Meadow 2 ahead but Leishman raced off his line & made a crucial save with his outstretched leg to turn Faulds shot away.

This spurred Talbot into life and within two minutes the Bot were level. Hyslop laid the ball out to GARETH ARMSTRONG on the right edge of the penalty area & he drilled it back across goal and into the opposite corner to make it 1-1.

Meadow were fortunate not to be a man down in the 59^th minute when Faulds reacted angrily after a tangle with Stafford. He clearly raised his hands but the referee bottled the decision and booked both players.

Talbot made their first change in the 62^nd minute when Shankland came on in place of Boylan.

It was now all Talbot and Meadow’s keeper had to pull off an impressive stop in the 66^th minute to prevent Armstrong from grabbing his 2^nd of the afternoon. Glasgow’s ball from the right wasn’t dealt with by the Meadow defence and it broke for Armstrong whose low strike was heading into the bottom corner but for Winters save.

The keeper was involved again a minute later. Talbot won a free kick out on the left that Shankland swept toward the back post where the keeper punched clear under pressure from Hyslop.

Meadow now made a further change with Carnwath on for Martin.

Samson very nearly put Talbot ahead in the 71^st minute. A shy into the penalty area wasn’t dealt with & it broke to Samson who fired a left foot shot off the inside of Winters’ left post. The ball spun across the face of goal where Glasgow just couldn’t reach it to tap it home.

The goal wasn’t long delayed though and a minute later Talbot moved in front. A cross from the left was headed down by Hyslop and came to MARK SHANKLAND who met it on the half volley to send a shot sailing inside the right post.

The large travelling support had barely stopped celebrating when Talbot grabbed their 3^rd of the afternoon in the 74^th minute.

Talbot were awarded a free kick 35 yards out that Shankland flighted into the centre. Once again the defence failed to clear their lines and the ball fell to KIER SAMSON who drilled a low strike inside the right post to put Talbot 3-1 ahead.

With 12 minutes to go Talbot made their 2^nd change with Graham Wilson coming on for the tiring Glasgow.

Meadow looked shell shocked by Talbot’s comeback and offered little threat in the closing stages.

In the 83^rd minute Talbot made their final change when Boyd came on to replace Samson.

As the game moved into added time Talbot almost added a fourth. Boyd won the ball in midfield before swiftly releasing it to Healy on the right. He stroked the ball across the 6-yard area where Shankland was waiting in front of goal but he couldn’t sort his feet out and he failed to connect with it.

Deep into added time Findlay received a yellow card after he up-ended Graham Wilson when he cut in past him off the left wing.

Another thrilling comeback from Talbot who again produced the goods when the chips were down. It’s back to cup duty and back to the road for Talbot next Saturday as they travel to face Carluke Rovers in the Scottish Junior cup.

Irvine Meadow – Winters, McKie, Willett, Findlay, Whyte, McLennan, Faulds, Slooves, Pooler, Boyd, Martin

Subs – McIlroy, Carnwath, Bilham, McLoy

Auchinleck Talbot – Leishman, Stafford, Aiden Wilson, McPherson, Craig McCracken, Healy, Armstrong, Hyslop, Boylan, Glasgow, Samson

Subs – Graham Wilson, Shankland, Boyd, McDowall, Robbie McCracken, Lyle

Blantyre Victoria v Auchinleck Talbot

Jamie Glasgow goes skipping past his opponent.

‘Pee-wee’ tries his luck from distance but fails to hit the target.

Chris Stafford does his best to keep hold of the ball, as he goes on the attack.

Big Andy grabs the ball out of the air and thwarts the danger.

The Talbot faithful closely watch the action, as Boylan gets double teamed on the wing.

TALBOT TAKE THE LEAD!!! Jamie Glasgow opens the scoring, as he pokes the ball home from close range. 0-1.

Jamie jumps for joy after scoring, as his team-mates are all smiles.

GOOOOAL!!! Talbot double their lead through a very strong header from Gareth Armstrong. 0-2.

Gareth is all smiles after scoring on his return from injury.

THREE-SY FOR TALBOT!!! With the second half not long started, Bryan Boylan nets Talbot’s third via a low shot past the ‘keeper. 0-3.

Come on Bryan…gie us a smile. You’ve just scored!

Boylan does his best to muscle his way down the park.

Boylan gets a rollickin’ from the man in the middle.

OH NO!!! ‘Shankers’ is left with his heads in his hands, as he can only watch the defender clear the danger after nicking the ball off him in front of goal.

Synchronized attacking from Wilson, as he races into the Blantyre box.

Captain for the day, Andy Leishman, gets another Talbot attack started from the back.

Nice to see Gareth back in action after being sidelined due to injury.

And it’s nice to see another returnee, Graham Wilson, back in action too after being out due to a dislocated shoulder.

Aaron Mason gets rugby tackled, as McDowell races to support.

PENALTY??? Did Jack get fouled and was it inside the box?

McPherson goes on a late run for Talbot.

SO CLOSE!!! Mason goes agonizingly close to scoring but just can’t quite stretch far enough.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY PAUL FLYNN.

MURRAYS MATCH REPORT

Talbot made it 4 wins on the bounce as they eased past Blantyre to record another 3 points away from home.

From the get go it was all Talbot and the Bot threatened in the 4^th minute when Glasgow escaped Marshall down the left & slung a dangerous ball across the face of goal that went begging.

Three minutes later Talbot had another opportunity after Glasgow was shoved to the deck. Shankland took the free kick & curled a good delivery into the area that McCracken just failed to reach.

Talbot kept the pressure up & won a corner in the 10^th minute when Boylan rolled the ball back into the path of Hyslop whose shot was deflected behind off Marshall’s head. Shankland fired the corner in low & Campbell made a hash of it – coming to claim it but letting the ball sail right through him – but fortunately for the home side a defender was on hand to clear.

The home side had another let off in the 20^th minute. Boylan nicked in to rob Campbell of the ball when the keeper was hesitant & took it wide of him before sliding it across goal. His shot came off the base of the post & came out to Glasgow who slotted it home but was adjudged to have fouled Jones in front of goal.

Shankland came close to firing Talbot ahead in the 22^nd minute. Boylan chested the ball down into his path & he fizzed a shot just over the bar from 20 yards.

The pressure was telling & Marshall had his name taken moments later when he impeded Boylan down the left wing. Shankland took the resultant free kick & fired it low into the centre where it broke back to Healy 18 yards out but he fired straight at the keeper.

Talbot’s persistence paid off in the 26^th minute when they grabbed the opening goal. Wilson did well out on the left, charging forward before drilling it low across the face of goal where JAMIE GLASGOW stabbed it home from close range.

Blantyre huffed & puffed to no great effect without ever offering any real threat to the Bot defence with Talbot well in control of proceedings. They did win a few free kicks midway inside the Bot half but were unable to trouble the Talbot rearguard.

In the 41^st minute Glasgow did well to win the ball out on the left & played it early up the line to Boylan who won a corner off Gibson. Shankland swept it into the near post where GARETH ARMSTRONG headed home to send Talbot in 2-0 ahead at the interval.

The 2^nd half followed the same pattern as the 1^st with Talbot doing the pressing.

In the 52^nd minute Shankland chipped the ball through to find Aiden Wilson breaking into the box & Campbell blocked his fierce drive at his near post at the expense of a corner. When Shankland’s corner came over Campbell managed to punch it clear but the ball came back out to Shankland & when he crossed it back over it fell to BRYAN BOYLAN who slotted a low shot home to make it 3-0 to Talbot.

The Bot had a chance to extend their lead on the hour mark. Glasgow fed it down the left to find Healy racing free & he delivered it across the 6-yard area where Shankland met it but his 1^st touch broke away from him & the chance was gone.

Talbot made a double substitution in the 66^th minute with Glasgow & Boylan making way for Graham Wilson & Mason.

Two minutes after coming on both subs were involved when Aiden Wilson won the ball & played it down the line to find Mason in space. He placed a cross right on the head of Graham Wilson who was denied a goal by a tremendous stop from Campbell who managed to tip his header over the crossbar.

With quarter of an hour remaining Talbot made their final change when McDowall came on for Hyslop.

Talbot had shifted down a gear or two and for the 1^st time in the match Blantyre threatened the Bot goal. In the 76^th minute Kearney broke down the left after intercepting Stafford’s pass & fired a shot across goal and wide of the far post. Two minutes later Kearney raced onto a good cut back from the right & lashed a shot at goal that Leishman did well to turn behind.

That was it for the home side and Talbot ended the game ended the game strongly – pushing hard for a further goal in the closing stages. In the 84^th minute Graham Wilson swept a great ball over from the left that Mason was inches from converting in the centre. Two minutes a ball over the top found Graham Wilson racing free on the left & he played it back to Shankland whose cross was glanced wide of goal by Mason.

Three points, three goals and a clean sheet for Talbot and in truth the margin of victory flattered the hosts. Next up for Talbot is a tough away day in the senior cup when they travel to face Irvine Meadow next Saturday.

Blantyre Victoria – Campbell, Jones, Allan, Gibson, Kerr, Marshall, Eeles, Fee, Hughes, Brennan, Kearney

Subs – Mackenzie, Cunningham, Whitley, McKeown, Garry Campbell, Archer, O’Donnell

Auchinleck Talbot – Leishman, Stafford, Aiden Wilson, McPherson, Craig McCracken, Healy, Armstrong, Hyslop, Glasgow, Boylan, Shankland

Subs – Mason, Graham Wilson, McDowall, Boyd, Lyle, Robbie McCracken

Chris Stafford

SPONSORED: Colin Mitchell, Ashley Gardiner (Event Vocally)

BIO: Chris was on loan from Greenock Morton FC until the end of the 2022 season, and then joined the club at the start of the 2022/23 campaign. He started his career at Celtic Community Academy and Johnstone Boys Club before moving to Morton in 2013. He moved to the Morton reserves in 2019 where he had loan spells at Johnstone Burgh and Cumnock.

Cumnock v Auchinleck Talbot

WHAT A START FOR CUMNOCK!!! From a very early corner, Cumnock take the lead through a great header from Greg Ferry across the face of goal. 1-0.

The smile of a man that’s just scored for his team in a BIG derby game.

Samson gets stopped in his tracks, as he races up the wing.

Keir Samson wins the aerial battle, as Mason races up to support.

CUMNOCK DOUBLE THEIR LEAD!!! The hosts win a penalty and up steps Finlay Frye who sends Big Andy the wrong way and slots the ball into the bottom corner of the net. 2-0.

The Cumnock players certainly enjoy themselves celebrating their second goal.

The Cumnock players can’t stop smiling after doubling their lead.

Osadolor goes for an unorthodox spectacular inside the Talbot box but the strike gets blocked by Big Neily.

Talbot’s new signing (on loan), Chris Stafford, makes his presence known in the middle of the park.

McCracken really goes airborne and heads the ball away from danger.

Another Talbot attack gets firmly stopped by Cumnock, as Aiden Wilson finds himself with no where to go on the wing.

Although under pressure, Jamie Glasgow still manages to fire a pass up the park.

Samson watches, as Healy tries to muscle his way through the Cumnock defence.

After a bit of ‘handbags’, the Talbot players dish out some pelters to the Cumnock player being pushed away by his team-mate.

McPherson looks up and goes on a devastating run down the park.

The Cumnock players struggle to compete against ‘Pee-wee’, as he wins the ball inside the box.

Craig McCracken finds himself with space to send a header towards goal but the ball goes wide of the post.

OH SO CLOSE!!! After going on a great run, Glasgow unleashes a thunderous long range strike but the ball, unfortunately, smashes off the crossbar instead.

Both players and the crowd let their feelings known to the man in the middle.

Cumnock fire in a free-kick from a great position but the big blue wall stands firm and blocks the shot.

GOOOOAL!!! Samson takes flight and heads the ball into the back of the net. 2-1.

Stafford goes chasing, as he races down the wing.

PENALTY!!! Dwayne gets bundled over inside the box, as he is about to pull the trigger.

COMEBACK IS ON!!! The Talbot bench look on, as up steps ‘Shankers’ who smashes the ball into the back of the net and equalises for Talbot. 2-2.

Talbot fans of all ages go berserk after Mark nets from the spot.

UN-BELEIVEABLE!!! What a turnaround for Talbot, as they take the lead through Boylan who latches onto a cross and slots the ball home. 2-3.

WHAT-A-FEELING!!! NOTHING BETTER IN THE WORLD!!!

‘Shankers’ gets fouled in a mid-air tussle for the ball…

Another Talbot attack gets thwarted, as Cumnock fire the ball away from danger.

Glasgow, again, tries his luck from outside the box but fails to find the back of the net.

A very much cool, clam and collected stare from Wullie Lyle, as Talbot see out the game.

The full-time whistle gets blown and the Talbot fans go absolutely nuts! WHAT-A-VICTORY!!!

And there is nothing better to celebrate a massive derby win, than with your family.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY PAUL FLYNN.

MURRAYS MATCH REPORT

They who laugh last laugh longest and the Bot support had the last laugh in this thrilling derby encounter as the Bot came back from two goals adrift to clinch a win over Cumnock.

Talbot couldn’t really have made a worse start and Cumnock looked the more determined side, forcing a corner within a minute and shortly after Frye turning inside the box but firing well wide of goal.

Therefore it wasn’t really a shock when Cumnock took the lead in the 4^th minute. The goal was a poor one to lose from Talbot’s point of view; initially conceding an unnecessary corner down the left & then being caught sleeping by the ball into the near post where FERRY nicked in to power a header home.

It took until the 10^th minute before Talbot fashioned a chance. Mason squared the ball inside to find Glasgow in space just outside the area but he curled his shot well over the bar.

In the 16^th minute Cumnock won a free kick in a good area after Stafford was penalised for a challenge on Martin. The free kick was swept into the centre where Leishman rose to punch it clear. Talbot now launched a swift counter-attack with Healy finding Wilson down the left & he in turn played it up to Glasgow. Talbot had a good penalty shout when Murdoch tugged the shirt off Glasgow inside the area but the officials waved play on and Talbot had to settle for a corner that came to nothing.

The home side came close to doubling their lead in the 20^th minute. Conn latched onto a ball down the right and showed a clean pair of heels to McPherson & McCracken before cutting the ball back across goal where Osadolor ran onto it & steered a shot at goal that Leishman touched onto the bar and over.

One minute later Talbot conceded a dubious penalty following the intercession of the assistant ref. Glasgow jumped & blocked a cross from the right but it appeared to hit his arm just outside the area. Initially the referee gave nothing but following vociferous appeals from Cumnock & a consultation with his assistant he gave the penalty. FRYE took it and sent Leishman the wrong way to put Cumnock 2-0 ahead.

The 2^nd goal spurred Cumnock on and they looked well in control & the more likely side to grab the next goal. In the 29^th minute a diagonal pass found Martin wide on the left & he teed it up for Frye whose shot was blocked behind by the head of McPherson.

A defensive mix-up by Cumnock gifted Talbot a corner in the 34^th minute. A misjudged back pass forcing Hughes to scramble the ball behind for the corner and when it came over Stafford glanced a header wide of target.

Cumnock were forced into a change in the 40^th minute when Martin left the field following a facial injury to be replaced by Douglas.

Gradually Talbot began to exert some pressure and ended the half on the front foot. In the 42^nd minute Glasgow won a free kick out on the left. He took the set piece & played it into the centre where Samson’s head flick on broke off a Nock defender and drifted wide of the far post.

In the closing minute of the half Healy did well out on the left to cut into the penalty area & float a cross over to the back post where Glasgow headed it against the left post.

The half ended with a traditional derby stramash with players from both sides jostling one another in the centre & when the dust settled the ref booked Frye and called the 1^st half to a halt.

Talbot emerged unchanged for the 2^nd half but with a greater sense of urgency than they’d shown in the 1^st period. The Bot won a couple of free kicks in decent areas in the opening spell but failed to test the keeper on either occasion. Firstly, Mason fired into the wall from 30 yards out and then Glasgow’s free kick into the centre was met by McCracken but he glanced it wide of goal.

Tucker made what proved to be an inspired double switch in the 62^nd minute with Boyd & Mason making way for Shankland & Boylan.

Glasgow was very unfortunate not to cut back Cumnock’s lead in the 64^th minute when he struck a shot from 20 yards that had the keeper beatne but struck off the crossbar.

Cumnock hadn’t emerged from their defensive shell after the re-start but they had the Bot defence at full stretch in the 67^th minute when Conn made a lung bursting run through the centre, leaving players in his wake, before finally being impeded by McCracken just outside the area; resulting in a booking for Talbot’s centre-half & a free kick in a dangerous area. McAusland took it but fired it straight into the wall.

The Talbot fightback commenced in the 70^th minute. McCracken gathered the ball out on the right & delivered a superb cross right onto the head of KIER SAMSON who rose to nod it past Hughes from 6 yards out.

The goal rattled Cumnock as much as it energised Talbot & five minutes later it was all square. Shankland released Stafford on the overlap down the right & when he pulled it back across goal Hyslop was fouled as he went to hit it & the ref pointed to the spot for the 2^nd time. MARK SHANKLAND took it & thumped it inside Hughes’ right hand post to level the match at 2-2.

Cumnock weren’t done yet though and their main threat was the pace of Conn. He burst forward in the 77^th minute & managed to rush into the penalty area but was forced wide and could only steer a tame shot straight at Leishman who immediately bowled the ball out to set Talbot off on the counter. It came to Shankland who played it down the right channel for Stafford & he steered it over to the back post where BRYAN BOYLAN raced onto it to side-foot Talbot into the lead.

Talbot now made a further change with debutant Stafford making way for Lyle and Cumnock made a double switch with McGill on for Osador & Smith replacing Wilson.

Boylan had a half chance in the 83^rd minute when a mishit clearance landed at his feet 16 yards out but he snatched at his shot & fired over the bar.

Cumnock now had to push forward in numbers and this left them vulnerable at the back & Talbot had a chance to kill the game off two minutes from time. Boylan swung over a good cross from the left that Glasgow met in front of goal but he couldn’t climb high enough to get above it & sent his header flying over the bar.

The Bot support had one final nervy moment in the closing minute when McAusland’s ball up the right found Douglas inside the area but he couldn’t hit the target from a tight angle; sending his shot into the side-netting.

Talbot then closed the game out well to secure the win to the delight of the large & noisy travelling support.

As wins go this was more enjoyable & dramatic than most & maintained Talbot’s excellent record at Townhead park. Next up Talbot are back on the road as they travel through to South Lanarkshire to face Blantyre Victoria.

Cumnock Juniors – Hughes, McAusland, Ferry, McIntyre, Murdoch, Wilson, Bell, Frye, Osadolor, Conn, Martin

Subs – McGill, Veitch, Smith, Douglas, Berry

Auchinleck Talbot – Leishman, McPherson, Wilson, Stafford, McCracken, Boyd, Healy, Hyslop, Samson, Glasgow, Mason

Subs – Shankland, Boylan, McDowall, Lyle, White, Pope, Hewitt

Auchinleck Talbot v Cumbernauld United

Jamie Glasgow does his best to motor up the wing.

Samson races into the Cumbernauld box and does his best to keep the ball under control.

Talbot make sure the attack keeps going, as Aiden Wilson rises the highest to head the ball on.

‘Pee-wee’ tries to win possession but is beaten to the ball by the defender.

Aaron Mason threads the ball through the midfield for Glasgow to run onto.

An awkward header but Keir Samson still manages to send the ball towards goal, to no avail.

Big Neily watches, as William Boyd wins this aerial battle.

Healy roars out the orders in order to orchestrate the next Talbot attack.

Jamie Glasgow runs straight into a Cumbernauld sandwich.

Samson uses his neck muscles to win the ball, as he goes on a run.

It takes a very brave man to stand up to Big Neily and tell him off!

A 50/50 challenge but Dwayne manages to win it and clear the danger.

Mason looks where to go, as he takes the ball away from danger.

The Talbot faithful look on, as Samson tries to push his way through the blue defence.

BREAKTHROUGH!!! Keir jumps for joy, as they all congratulate ‘Pee-wee’ on scoring the opening goal for Talbot. 1-0.

The Talbot bench watch closely, while Aaron Mason races down the wing.

WHAT-A-CHANCE!!! Samson races through on goal with only the ‘keeper to beat but the Cumbernauld shot stopper manages to block the shot with his feet and prevent Keir from scoring.

Talbot celebrate doubling their lead through a fabulous strike from Aiden Wilson, much to the delight of a certain Talbot legend in the terraces. 2-0.

Wullie Lyle fires the ball down the park during another attack.

Talbot make it a threesome, as they congratulate Dwayne Hyslop on scoring the team’s third of the day. 3-0.

The young fans can barely watch from the terrace, as Cumbernauld go very close to scoring a consolation goal, if it weren’t for a great save from Big Andy.

Dwayne and McPherson make sure there is no way through for Cumbernauld.

‘Shankers’ slides in to win the ball on the wing for Talbot.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY PAUL FLYNN.

MURRAYS MATCH REPORT

Talbot maintained their place at the pinnacle of the table after overpowering a stuffy Cumbernauld side.

The first goal threat of the afternoon came in the 5^th minute when Hyslop met a corner from the left but glanced it well wide of target.

Three minutes later Cumbernauld won a free kick in a dangerous area just wide of the Bot penalty area. McCabe’s ball down the left was chased by Gormley & McPherson attempted to shield it out for the goal kick; however the forward managed to nick it & McPherson sent him tumbling. O’Hare floated it to the back post where Leishman gathered it in.

Cumbernauld’s keeper was called into action in the 11^th minute when Glasgow latched onto a head flick from Hyslop. He let fly from 25 yards & McGee turned his shot over the crossbar.

The Bot had another chance in the 16^th minute. Lyle’s ball up the right found Glasgow who turned McHaffie before dinking a cross into the centre which was met by Samson but he couldn’t get any power behind his header.

Talbot’s good spell continued with the Bot’s next chance coming in the 20^th minute. Healy found Samson down the left & he whipped a cross into the centre that just eluded Glasgow. The ball came out to Mason on the right of the area & he took a touch before firing a half volley on target that McGee tipped over the bar.

McMahon was first into the book when the full-back was cautioned for a late challenge on Glasgow in the 32^nd minute.

Talbot kept probing & tested the visiting defence from a set piece in the 36^th minute when Mason’s corner from the right was driven into the near post where White was just beaten to it.

The half ended with Talbot on the front foot but unable to break down the Cumbernauld defence and teams went in goal less at the interval.

The 2^nd half continued where the first had left off with Talbot doing the pressing and the visitors content to sit in and play for the draw but that all changed in the 55^th minute when Talbot’s pressure paid off and they took the lead.

Healy got to the ball on the bye line down the right & angled a cross back to the near post where DWAYNE HYSLOP powered a header off the underside of the bar that bounced well behind the line before being hooked clear.

Just shy of the hour mark Talbot had a chance to double their advantage. Hyslop rose to nod the ball on into the path of Mason who scurried forward before drilling a shot wide of the right hand post.

In the 63^rd minute McDevitt received a yellow card after he lost out to Samson & hauled him back just wide of the penalty area. Glasgow took the free kick & slid it back into the path of Mason whose shot was blocked. It came back out to Mason & he slipped a pass through to Glasgow who lifted it into the near post where Cameron put it behind for the corner.

Cumbernauld made a change in the 66^th minute with Henderson coming on for Neil.

The Bot had a glorious chance to move further ahead in the 69^th minute. McPherson flighted a ball down the centre that skipped past McDevitt leaving Samson in one on one with the keeper but the keeper came out on top.

Henderson became the 3^rd United player in the book when he was cautioned in the 70^th minute for a hefty challenge on Hyslop on the left. Talbot took the free kick quickly releasing Wilson into the area. His low ball across the face was cut out but came straight back to him & AIDEN WILSON lashed it into the far corner from a tight angle to put Talbot 2 ahead.

Cumbernauld’s discipline was crumbling & Hannaway had his name taken for dissent. United now made their 2^nd change with McPherson making way for Sinclair.

In Talbot’s next attack they won a free kick out wide on the left, before it could be taken Tucker made a change with Shankland coming on for Mason. Shankland’s first involvement was floating the free kick onto the head of Samson who glanced his header over the bar.

With quarter of an hour remaining Talbot had another chance. Once again a ball down the centre deceived the visiting defence with the bounce of the ball beating McDevitt and finding Samson running through on goal; however Cameron reacted quickly to get across & make a timely challenge to put it behind for the corner.

It was one-way traffic and Talbot had a couple of decent openings within a minute. Firstly Shankland played a free kick back into the path of Boyd who fired wide of the left post from the edge of the area and then in Talbot’s next attack Glasgow got free on the left and cut it back to Healy in space at the back post. He tried to place it only to see his shot blocked by Cameron.

The goal was coming though and Talbot grabbed their 3^rd of the afternoon in the 78^th minute. Shankland lifted a cross over from the right beyond the far post where DWAYNE HYSLOP guided a header past McGee. The keeper clawed the ball out but it didn’t take VAR to see that it had crossed the line and Talbot moved 3-0 ahead.

Tucker now made a further change with Robbie McCracken coming on to replace Boyd.

Cumbernauld had offered precious little going forward and when they did have a chance at a consolation they squandered it. Lyle slipped allowing Sinclair onto it & he raced into the area before squaring it for Hannoway who fired a weak effort on target that Leishman blocked.

Glasgow picked up a caution in the 81^st minute when he went down under Cameron’s challenge with the referee deciding he’d made the most of it.

Talbot made their final change with 5 minutes remaining when Craig McCracken replaced McPherson.

As the game moved into stoppage time Talbot had one final chance. Shankland’s corner from the right was cleared straight back out to him & he whipped in a cross that Glasgow met only to see his header well saved by McGee.

A frustrating 1^st half for Talbot but the team stepped it up a gear to run out comfortable winners. Next up for Talbot it is derby day as the Bot make the short journey along the road to face Cumnock at Townhead.

Auchinleck Talbot – Leishman, Lyle, Wilson, McPherson, White, Boyd, Healy, Hyslop, Samson, Mason, Glasgow

Subs – Shankland, Robbie McCracken, Boylan, Craig McCracken, Pope, Dumigan, Hewitt (gk)

Cumbernauld United – McGee, McMahon, McCabe, Cameron, McDevitt, McHaffie, McPherson, Neil, Gormley, Hannaway, O’Hare

Subs – Henderson, Sideserf, Sinclair, Zok, Wilson (gk)