2022/23 – Page 4 – Auchinleck Talbot Football Club

Auchinleck Talbot v Glenafton Athletic

Kirkintilloch Rob Roy v Auchinleck Talbot

Auchinleck Talbot v Pollok

East Killbride FC

Auchinleck Talbot v Broxburn Athletic

Auchinleck Talbot v Petershill

Auchinleck Talbot v Largs Thistle


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

MATCH REPORT JIM McAULEY. PHOTO’S SARA JANE HOY>

Talbot had made several changes to the side that had drawn with Rob Roy the week previous with new keeper Marc Fisher replacing the injured Andy Leishman while Aiden Wilson returned to the defence, Keiran Healy found himself on the left of midfield while the home support were introduced to young Ross Smith’s first start. The visitors were unchanged from the side that had gained a point at Darvel.

The game had all the hallmarks of a riveting cup match with it being a derby and the fact that the Glen’s were on the crest of a wave after reaching the Junior Cup semi final, but in reality it turned out to be a 90 minute endurance test where a penalty shoot-out was the correct way to find a winner.

Talbot started on the front foot when Taylor broke down the right wing and his pass to Wardrope was swept towards Samson but Currie managed to get a toe to the ball at the expense of a corner. Wardrope provided a quality ball from the corner which was headed clear by Rowe but it was picked up by Stafford who found Healy whose side footed cross into the box was headed towards goal but Markey managed to push the ball away with both hands in a save made for the camera’s.

On the 11th minute the supporters in front of the pie hut erupted when Taylor squirmed his way into the box where he looked to be barged to the ground by Murphy but referee Gary Hanvey waved play on and the loose ball was hooked away by Moffat. Talbot were getting plenty of joy down the right side and this time McCracken hooked a teasing ball into the Glens box where Samson got his head to the ball but it flew well past the post.

Route one nearly undid the visitors when Fisher put his laces through a passback which Samson managed to nod the ball into the path of Smith but Currie managed to get a leg in front of Smith’s resultant shot on goals. On the 25th minute Taylor treated the fans to a bit of magic when he left three Glens players in his wake, picked out Samson whose first time cross looked promising but Moffat headed out the danger area but the loose ball fell to Wardrope who dragged his shot well past the target.

The visitors had hardly been in the game but on the 30th minute Caldwell fashioned a one-two with Moffat but he was stopped in his tracks by McCracken, and moments later they should have been in the lead when O’Kane slid a great through ball to an unmarked Caldwell who in turn picked out Kerr who had all the time in the world to score but his shot was blocked by the legs of Fisher and the ball flew over the bar for a corner

With the match heading for the interval Ross Smith was unlucky not to score when Wardrope found him loitering outside the visitors box and the youngster showed his skills when he turned Rowe only to see his shot palmed over the bar by Markey. However it was the visitors who were to have the last say in the first half when a long speculative cross was headed into the path of O’Kane but his shot was blocked by McPherson.

The second half started with O’Kane and Kerr being replaced by Kemp and S.McKenzie for the visitors no doubt to put some zing into the Glens attack but for the opening part of the half it was Talbot who were doing the pressing although rarely troubling the visitors goalkeeper with McCracken heading a Wardrope free kick tamely past, while Healy rattled a shot well over the bar. On the 65th minute Shankland and new signing Sinnamon were introduced to the fray at the expense of Smith and Healy and soon after Mason replaced Wardrope. Shankland soon had a chance to make a name for himself when a mistake by the impressive Pettigrew let Samson drive into the box where his cut back was launched over the bar by the substitute.

Talbot’s last change came in the way of Boylan on for Taylor as they tried to grab that all important winner, but as the clock ran down it was Glenafton who seemed to go for the jugular after Moffat should have done better when he smashed a loose ball well over the bar, while substitute McMullen’s netbound 30 yard screamer took a swerve near the end of its trajectory and flew harmlessly past the post.

The game moved on to penalties with referee Mr Hanvidge selecting the Bank End for the shoot out where Talbot had the luxury of missing two penalties as the Glens found keeper Marc Fisher in great form where he saved three out of the four spot kicks that were taken against him. It was a decent win considering Talbot move into the next round of the competition, but on the downside the team has went 180 minutes without hitting the back of the net.

GLENAFTON: Markey, Caldwell, Pettigrew, McKee, Paton, Kerr, Murphy, Moffat, O’Kane, Currie Rowe. Subs. S. McKenzie, C. McKenzie, McMullen, Nisbet, McFadzean, Kemp. TALBOT: Fisher, Stafford, A.Wilson, McPherson, McCracken, Armstrong, Taylor, Wardrope, Samson, Smith,Healy. SUBS: Shankland. Boylan, Mason, Sinnoman, Crawford, Ballantyne, Fairbairn.

Talbot v Glenafton Man Of The Match Awards

Also thanks to Brian Paterson (Emerald Contracts) our match ball sponsor.

Top Left. Anchor Bar – Lee Bealing presenting to Marc Fisher , Top Right. Cassels Family – Tommy Cassels presenting to Marc Fisher Middle Left. Dennis Gray & Friends – Lynda Walker daughter of Dennis Gray. Linda at one point assisted in our catering unit. Middle Right. In Da Hut Fitness – Stafford who accepted the award on behalf of Mark Shankland . Bottom Left. Loons – Andrew McPheators presenting to Marc Fisher. Bottom Right. Mauchline BC – Aaron Lindsay & Janice Logan presenting to Marc Fisher . Very Bottom. Sandra White presenting to Marc Fisher

MATCH REPORT: JIM McAULEY. PHOTO’S: SARAH-JANE HOY

Guys Meadow passed a late inspection for this league tie and after 90 minutes of turgid football the vast majority of the travelling support would have wished referee Ryan Kennedy has put a line through the fixture as Bot fans who made the journey would no doubt have been much more happy sitting in front of Jeff Stelling on a dismal Saturday afternoon.

The gluepot surface and the steady drizzle did little to enhance the game, but in the opening minute the home side came straight out the traps where Young got enough room to flash a shot over the head of Leishman and off the bar with the big keeper left rooted to the spot. If the crowd expected more to come then they were to be bitterly disappointed as this was one of the few talking points of the game as Talbot’s day was somewhat encapsulated with Boyland flagged offside, a trait that was to follow the Talbot players throughout the game.

It took 20 minutes for Talbot to mount a serious attack on the home goals when Armstrong’s cross into the box was tamely headed into the hands of McAllistar. Rob Roy picked up a couple of cheap bookings when an over exuberant McNab received a card for leaving the foot in while Young tripped Graham Wilson as the forward tried to move the ball forward. Armstrong made sure that the two Rab’s players’names were not lonely in the referee’s book as he was later carded for a push in the middle of the park. The rest of the half soon petered out in a flurry of fouls, throw-ins, and by-kicks as the players who to their credit tried to manage the conditions and produce some sort of excitement.

Talbot introduced Mason to the fray at the expense of Graham Wilson at the start of the second half while Cairns found himself carded early doors to put the Rab’s tally at three yellows. Talbot should have taken the lead in the 55th minute when a ferocious low cross by Mason cannoned of Bronsley into the path of Samson where the striker hammered the ball over the bar. Talbot were trying their best to release the two strikers as keeper McAllistar was struggling badly due to kicking the ground as he attempted a clearance late in the first half and was definitely going to pick up a last place on a one on one situation. Stafford was first to try his luck at turning the home defence when he dinked a pass slightly in front of Samson who looked favourite to reach the ball before the keeper but O’Halloran managed to clear before Samson could get any control on it. The same fate befell Mason who had sprung the offside trap but Bronsley cleared the danger with Mason just pipped to the post.

A minute later a loose ball cleared from the Talbot defence was intercepted by Gilday and his shot rippled the side of Leishman’s net but the keepers posture showed that the shot was spectacular but of no immediate threat. On the hour Talbot amazingly forced their first corner where Wardrope found Taylor with a short pass but the defender tried to knock the ball into the near corner of the net where McAllistar managed to thwart Samson and gather the ball at the second attempt. Talbot again proved dangerous from the corner flag when on 63 minutes Wardrope’s cross was headed out to Taylor who swung it back into the danger area but the ball pinballed around the six yard box until the referee decided a foul against Talbot was warranted. The home side made a couple changes to shore the midfield, but it was the Talbot substitution that was the talking point when Leishman went up to catch a corner kick and fell crumpled to the ground. The physio spent a few minutes with the stricken keeper but it was clear he couldn’t carry on and with the reserve keeper also injured the gloves were handed to Mark Shankland.

Sensing the fact that Shankland was one of the smallest players in the Talbot squad Gilday tried his luck from well out but his shot ended up in the midriff of the stand in keeper much to the howls of encouragement by the supporters in the shed. Although it was a poor performance all the team have to be applauded for keeping the Rab’s well away from troubling Shankland as well as trying to nick the points as the game went into the last 20 minutes. Talbot were finding space down the left and a Boylan cross was intercepted by the keeper as Mason who had just been booked tried to get a head on the ball as it came into the danger area. As the game wound down another dangerous cross into the box was missed by everyone except Armstrong who ballooned the ball over the bar. The game ended with a chance for Boylan who after managing to get the ball to his left foot the front man sliced his shot so badly it went out for a home throw.

The final whistle was greeted by silence from the visiting support who were trudging towards their buses and cars while the Rab’s fans looked on as keeper McAllistar was carried to the pavilion finally succumbing to his first half injury. Definitely a lost chance to put pressure on Beith and Darvel and possibly a headache for the Talbot backroom staff if Andy Leishman’s injury proved to be serious.

Rob Roy: McAllistar, Walker, P’Halloran, Martin, Bronsley, Cairns, Hughes, Anderson, McNab, Young, Gilday, Subs: Barclay, Gordan, McCaffer, Woodhouse, Granger and Campbell.

Talbot: Leishman, Stafford, Taylor, McPherson, McCracken, Armstrong, Boyle, Wardrope, G. Wilson, Samson, Boylan. Subs: Mason, Shankland, Smith, Healy, Crawford and Sinnaman.

MURRAY’S MATCH REPORT. SARAH JANES PHOTO’S
Talbot’s impressive start to 2023 continued with a hard fought win over Pollok at Beechwood Park. A result that saw Talbot climb to 3rd in the table and move above Pollok on goal difference with 5 games in hand over the Lok.

The first effort of the afternoon came in the 7th minute. Burns beat Samson in the air down the standside and the header came through to Lyon who dragged a shot well wide of target from 25 yards.

With quarter of an hour on the clock Lumsden was tested when Taylor’s hanging cross from the left was drifting under the crossbar forcing the Lok keeper to tip it over and behind for the corner. The corner was hit deep where Samson headed it back across goal. The defence failed to clear their lines & Mason prodded a shot across goal that Burns turned over his own bar.

Talbot’s next effort came in the 19th minute. A shy from the right found Stafford who played it into the feet of Samson inside the area. He wheeled round and drilled a low shot on target that Lumsden saved low to his right.

A minute later, the first of many bookings occurred when Armstrong was penalised for a shirt tug on Lyons. Twenty two mins in Talbot received their 2nd caution of the afternoon when Mason was shown a yellow for a challenge on Esplin.

Pollok were nearly in a moment later. Christie squared the ball across to Forde who slipped a pass through for G McCann on the left of the penalty area; however, McPherson recovered quickly to get across him and the ball ran harmlessly through to Leishman.

Route one nearly paid off for the Lok in the 24th minute. Lumsden’s long punt down the right landed at Lyon just inside the box whose lobbed effort was tipped over the bar by Leishman.

When the corner came in a Pollok head got on the end of it and steered a header toward target. Forde got a slight flick on it but not enough to deflect it past Leishman.

Esplin had his name taken in the 27th minute for a late challenge on Samson.

The opening goal came Talbot’s way in the 29th minute. Stafford won the ball deep in Pollok’s half and spread it out to the right for Samson. He fired it low into the centre where Mason’s shot was well-saved by Lumsden but GRAHAM WILSON was on hand to tuck the rebound home from close range.

A touchline stramash in the 34th minute saw a number of players from both sides involved with the end result being a booking apiece – Wardrope for Talbot and Burns for the visitors.

Two minutes before the interval Talbot nearly doubled their lead. A free kick was lifted high up the left where Wilson climbed to head it down into the path of Samson. His low drive was heading in but Lumsden produced a fine save low to his left to turn it round the post.

Pollok had the final chance of the half right on the stroke of half-time. A ball into the penalty area broke to Forde on the left of the box but his low drive went straight at Leishman and Talbot left the field a goal to the good.

Talbot made a change at the interval with Boylan coming on in place of Mason.

Pollok had an early chance in the 2nd half when McCracken failed to cut out a ball up the right. It came to G McCann in space but he floated a poor cross straight at Leishman.

Talbot then came close to grabbing a 2nd in the 49th minute. Boylan gathered on the left and whipped a great cross into the centre where Samson just failed to connect with it.

In the 57th minute Pollok won a free kick out wide on the left. Mullen whipped in a dangerous ball that Leishman had to punch clear. It came out to Barr whose pass clipped off Wardrope and behind for a corner. When the corner came over a Pollok player managed to get his head on it but under pressure sent the header well-wide of goal.

A swift counter saw Talbot get in behind the Lok defence in the 59th minute. Wardrope sent a good ball down the right to find Boylan who cut inside onto his left and drilled a shot on target that Lumsden turned round his left post. When Wardrope’s corner came into the near post Wilson met it but didn’t make clean contact and his header flashed across the 6-yard area.

Pollok could have, and arguably should have been a man down in the 61st minute. Boylan burst beyond the defence and was heading for the penalty box when he was hauled down by Rumsby who escaped with a caution.

Lumsden was having a good afternoon and he came to Lok’s rescue again in the 63rd minute. Wardrope delivered a great cross from the left toward Samson but the keeper got there first to tip it away.

Taylor became the latest name in the ref’s book when he was cautioned in the 64th minute for a shirt pull.

Pollok now made a double change with Barr & Forde making way for S McCann & Buchanan.

Taylor had picked up a knock and left the field in the 67th minute to be replaced by Healy.

Pollok levelled the score in the 70th minute. Lumsden hoisted a long ball down the left where S McCann rose to head it down into the path of G MCCANN who fired it low past Leishman into the opposite corner.

Two minutes later the ref was busy writing again – firstly booking Wilson for an aerial challenge and then carding Pollok’s Gow for dissent.

Tucker now made another change with Shankland coming on for Wilson.

In the 81st minute Pollok failed to make the most of space when Mullen found Christie in behind on the right but his cross failed to beat the 1st man.

Talbot took full advantage regaining the lead a minute later. Armstrong switched the ball out to find Samson on the right touchline and when his cross came over BRYAN BOYLAN guided a header inside the left post to put Talbot 2-1 ahead.

Pollok now made further changes with Burns & Lyon making way for Sideserf & Duff.

Five minutes from time Healy received a yellow card for a challenge on Buchanan. Mullen took the resultant free kick and knocked it over beyond the back post where it reached Christie who was crowded out before he could get a shot away.

Action then switched to the other end where Shankland fired a dangerous low ball across the face of goal that Gow cut out at the expense of a corner.

Talbot now made their final change with Park on for Boyle.

Pollok pushed bodies forward looking for a late equaliser but the Talbot defence stood firm and the Bot held on for all 3 points.

A feisty game and a hard earned 3 points for the Bot to keep the title chase going. Next week the Bot are off to Cumbernauld to face Rob Roy.

Auchinleck Talbot – Leishman, Stafford, Taylor, McPherson, McCracken, Armstrong, Wardrope, Boyle, Mason, Samson, Wilson

Subs – Shankland, Boylan, Smith, Healy, Crawford, Sinnamon, Park

Pollok – Lumsden, Mullen, Burns, Rumsby, Gow, Esplin, Christie, Barr, Forde, Lyon, G McCann

Subs – Menzies, S McCann, Nelson, Buchanan, Duff, Sideserf, Longmuir

SPONSOR’S MAN OF THE MATCH AWARDS

Martin Speirs & Friends award was won by Chris Stafford and presented by Greg Whisker

Alex Duffy & Friends award was won by Bryan Boylan. Ally Park picked up the award from Colin Barton on Bryan’s behalf.

Graham & Yvonne Wilson & Friends award was won by Ali Boyle and presented by Yvonne Wilson.

The Old Crocks award was won by Chris Stafford and presented by Max Kuberski.

The Loons award was won by Neil McPherson and presented by Andrew McPheators.

Mauchline BC & The Killie Travel Club award was won by Graham Wilson and presented by Johnnie Eaglesham & Allan Campbell.

Tom & Kevin Brown, Gordon Lees and Billy Harvey’s award was won by Ally Park and presented by Gordon Lees.

Mark Shankland & Friends award was won by Mark and presented by Jake Drummond.

MURRAY’S MATCH REPORT. SARAH JANES PHOTO’S

Talbot hit a magnificent seven as they swept past Broxburn and into the last 16 of the South Challenge cup.

The game got off to a scrappy start but Talbot grabbed the lead in the 9^th minute thanks to a wonder strike. Mason hit the bye line down the left & floated a cross into the near post that the defence managed to head clear. It came out to Wilson on the edge of the area & he knocked it back into the path of ROSS TAYLOR who curled a peach of a shot past the keeper from 25 yards

An injury to Park after a quarter of an hour meant an early change for Talbot with Park limping off to be replaced by Boylan who went up front with Wilson moving to left midfield.

In the 27^th minute the visitors also made an enforced substitution with Wright coming on for the injured Clark.

Broxburn gave Talbot a fright in the 32^nd minute. G Donaldson clipped the ball down the left to find Orru running in behind and McPherson did well to get across and clear his low ball across the area.

Two minutes later Blair was called into action when he had to tip Wilson’s dangerous cross away. Talbot kept the pressure on and Mason had a half chance on the edge of the area but pulled his shot across goal and wide of the right post.

In the 36^th minute Talbot won a debatable free kick in a good area when Wright was penalised for a challenge on Mason. Mason took the free kick but couldn’t get it past the wall.

Three minutes from the interval Broxburn had a decent chance to level it. A good ball over the top sent Orru clear down the left and when his cross came over Brass managed to nod it back down into the path of Henderson who blasted it over the bar from 15 yards out.

Down the other end Talbot the referee awarded Talbot a shy down the left when most in the ground thought it was Broxburn’s ball and Talbot nearly capitalised on it. The ball came to Boylan on the left and his high, floated cross was met by Samson who steered a header back across goal that Blair kept out at his right post.

Deep into added time Broxburn won a free kick near the bye line just outside the penalty area. Orru chased Donaldson’s ball down the left and succeeded in nicking it off McCracken as he tried to shield it out. McCracken hauled him down receiving a yellow card for the challenge but Henderson’s free kick wasn’t able to clear the 1^st man and Talbot went off a goal ahead

Talbot came out on fire from the start of the 2^nd half and doubled their lead within 2 minutes of the re-start. Wilson whipped in a good cross from the left that broke to AARON MASON inside the area. He played a one-two with Samson before drilling a low shot inside the right hand post to make it 2-0.

A minute later Henderson was fortunate to escape a yellow card when he cynically halted Wilson as he burst forward down the left.

Wilson nearly got on the score sheet in the 50^th minute. Taylor’s ball found him on the left and he cut inside Sayers into the box before hitting a shot that looked to be heading into the roof of the net til it nicked off the top of B Donaldson’s head and over the crossbar.

It was now one-way traffic and it was no real surprise when Talbot went three ahead in the 55^th minute. Stafford got free down the right and fired it across the 6-yard area where AARON MASON hooked it inside the right post for his 2^nd of the afternoon.

Three minutes later and a slick passing move saw Talbot grab their fourth. Mason passed it into the feet of Wilson inside the area and he in turn laid it into the path of KIER SAMSON who ran through and passed it beyond the keeper into the net from close range.

Both sides now made multiple changes. Broxburn replaced Binnie, Henderson & Orru with Nimmo, Downie & Williamson and soon after Talbot made a double change with Shankland & Smith coming on for Mason & Wilson

Talbot came close to adding to their tally in the 65^th minute. Samson raced down the right and squared it into the near post where Boylan’s side-footed effort was deflected just wide of target.

In the 69^th minute Shankland sent Samson through on the right of the penalty area but he blazed his shot over.

With quarter of an hour remaining Wright had his name taken for kicking the ball away.

As the game wore on the weather worsened by the minute but the torrential rain didn’t dampen Talbot’s enthusiasm as they kept pushing forward looking for more.

The fifth goal came in the 81^st minute. Shankland played a ball down the right for Samson and he cut it back across goal where BRYAN BOYLAN stroked it home from 6 yards out.

A minute later and Talbot added another. Shankland and Samson combined down the right again though this time Samson’s ball across goal was cut out for a corner. When the corner came in the defence only cleared it as far as Armstrong who played it into the feet of Smith who cut in on his right foot and drilled a low shot that the keeper managed to save but couldn’t prevent ROSS SMITH from reacting first to prod home the rebound

With five minutes remaining Talbot completed the scoring. Shankland lifted a ball in behind the defence for Samson to chase. Blair came rushing out his area to get there first and to clear but he played it out left to MARK SHANKLAND 40+ yards from goal who hit it first time – lobbing the ball over the keeper and inside the right post to make it 7-0.

Talbot had a chance to add another late on when Stafford burst into the area but his shot across goal went just wide of the right post.

A superb 2^nd half display from Talbot as the Bot equalled their winning margin over Coldstream earlier this season. Next up for Talbot it’s back to league action when they host Pollok at Beechwood next Saturday.

Talbot – Leishman, Stafford, Taylor, McPherson, McCracken, Armstrong, Wardrope, Park, Wilson, Mason, Samson

Subs – Shankland, Boylan, Smith, Healy

Broxburn Athletic – Blair, Sayers, G Donaldson, Clark, McConnell, B Donaldson, Gillen, Binnie, Brass, Henderson, Orru

Subs – Wright, Nimmo, Douglas, Downie, Williamson, Gray, Donoghue

MURRAY’S MATCH REPORT, SARAH-JANES PHOTO’S

Talbot kept their winning streak going with a hard fought 2-0 win over the Peasies at Beechwood Park.

An early goal is good for settling the nerves and Talbot took the lead in the 9^th minute. Shankland sent Boyle through on the right with a well-weighted pass and his ball across the face was blocked behind for a corner. When the corner came over McNeil couldn’t claim it, McCracken gathered with his back to goal and shoved it back to the 18 yard line where ALLY PARK hammered it straight into the roof of the net.

Three minutes later Talbot nearly unlocked the Peasies defence. Shankland slid a ball through to find Taylor racing in behind but McHugh did well to get across and clear.

Petershill’s first effort at goal came in the 13^th minute. Nade took it down on his chest 30 yards from goal and opted to hit it 1^st time – pulling his shot well wide of the right hand post.

On the quarter hour mark Shankland found Boylan on the left of the penalty area and he cut it back into the path of Park who saw his low drive blocked by a defender.

Aiden Wilson received a double blow in the 22^nd minute. He received a caution for impeding Hepburn out on the touchline and took a heavy knock in the process and was unable to continue. Healy came on in his place with Park moving to left-back.

Leishman came to Talbot’s rescue in the 27^th minute. A ball up the middle skited off the top of McCracken’s head and fell perfectly for Nade in the centre of the box but Leishman was quickly off his line to dive at his feet and touch it away.

Talbot’s next attack saw the ball moved from left to right to find Stafford on the overlap. He fired it into the centre where Boylan got across his marker but couldn’t direct his effort on target.

In the 37^th minute Talbot had a good chance to double their lead. Boylan fed the ball to Taylor who raced down the wing before cutting it back into the path of Boylan 12 yards out but his shot lacked power and failed to trouble the keeper.

Shortly after, Talbot won a free kick 25 yards out which Shankland got over the wall but well wide of the right post.

Three minutes from the break Talbot were almost undone after an error in midfield. Talbot players left the ball to one another and Petershill were able to slide a pass through to Nade in the area. He looked a cert to score but McPherson got back to make a great sliding tackle to nick it away just as he was about to shoot.

A minute later play switched to the other end where Shankland let fly from 20 yards only to see McNeil produce a top class save to his right to keep it out and Talbot saw the half out to go in a goal ahead at the break.

Talbot started the 2^nd half strongly and within a minute of the re-start Taylor raced down the wing before releasing it to Boylan whose low ball across goal was cut out by McNeil.

McCabe had his name taken in the 53^rd minute when he took out Taylor as he looked to speed down the wing. The free kick was taken short and worked to Taylor who paced past McHugh and slung a good cross to the back post. The defence managed to head it clear and it came out to Boyle just inside the box but he misjudged the flight and took a fresh air swipe at it.

In the 56^th minute Talbot won a free kick 25 yards out when Shankland was caught as he tried to pass it to Healy. Shankland took the set piece and curled it beyond the far post where McPherson guided a header back across goal but the defence were first to react and clear.

With an hour gone Talbot came close to grabbing their second. Shankland passed it inside to Boylan and he laid it into the path of Boyle who burst into the penalty area down the left side; however, McNeil did well, coming off his line to dive at Boyle’s feet and the ball cannoned off him and behind for the goal kick.

Two minutes later Hepburn slid a ball in from the right that landed at the feet of Nade inside the 6-yard area and he shot into the side-netting but the assistant’s flag was raised and it wouldn’t have counted in any case.

Tucker now made a double change with Samson & Graham Wilson coming on for Shankland & Taylor.

Petershill threatened a leveller in the 68^th minute. Nade chested the ball out to Hepburn on the wing and he swung a cross over to the back post. Stafford managed to head it away but it came straight out to Aubrey on the left of the box and Leishman was well-positioned to save his powerful drive at his right hand post.

With 69 minutes on the clock Gracie became the 2^nd Peasies player in the book when he was cautioned for going through the back of Healy.

Two minutes later and Talbot got the 2^nd goal they needed. Samson won a corner out on the right which Healy delivered into the centre where CRAIG MCCRACKEN looped a header under the bar and over the defender on the line to put Talbot 2-0 ahead.

Talbot now made a further double change with Boylan & Boyle making way for Mason & Smith.

In the 80^th minute a cross in from the left was only partly cleared and came out to Aubrey on the 18 yard line who drilled a powerful shot on target but straight at Leishman.

Play then switched to the other end where Mason whipped a good cross in from the left toward Samson that the defence did well to head clear.

Healy had a half chance to extend Talbot’s lead in the 82^nd minute. The ball came to him in space 20 yards out but he got underneath it and blazed his shot over.

Within a minute Talbot had another opportunity. Smith could have went for goal himself from the edge of the box but instead slipped the ball to Mason in space on the left of the area but his shot went tamely at McNeil.

The same two players were involved in Talbot’s next attack. Smith head flicked it inside to find Mason just outside the box. The ball wouldn’t come down for him and he had to take it on the volley – firing it high and wide of the far post.

In the 84^th minute Nade was booked for dissent.

Three minutes from time Talbot won a corner down the right when Smith’s cross beyond the back post was headed behind by Cappie. Healy hit the corner into the near post where Samson’s attempted volley was blocked behind for another corner. This time it was delivered to the back post where McCracken met it but this time his header flew over the bar.

Talbot were still pushing forward and twice came close to adding to their tally. Smith cut in off the left and fired a low shot that looked to be sneaking inside the near post but McNeil got down to turn it behind for the corner. When the corner came in the defence couldn’t clear it and Talbot worked it back to McPherson in space on the edge of the box and his low drive looked to be heading into the bottom corner but again McNeil produced a good stop – diving low to his right to make the save.

As the game moved into added time Healy picked up a yellow card and Talbot saw the remaining injury time out with no alarms to secure all 3 points.

A good win over a Peasies side who looked better than their league position would suggest. Next up for Talbot it’s the visit of Broxburn in the South Challenge Cup next Saturday.

Auchinleck Talbot – Leishman, Stafford, Aiden Wilson, McPherson, McCracken, Armstrong, Park, Boyle, Boylan, Shankland, Taylor

Subs – Graham Wilson, Samson, Mason, Smith, Wardrope, Healy, Ballantyne

Petershill – McNeil, Bates, McHugh, McCabe, Gracie, Cappie, Hepburn, Marshall, Nade, Quinn, Aubrey

Subs – Hewitt, McPherson, Lachlan, McGuire

SPONSOR’S MAN OF THE MATCH AWARDS

The Loons Talbot MOM was Ally Park. Andy Leishman received the award on Ally’s behalf from Drew Milligan.

The Mauchline BC award was won by Gareth Armstrong and was presented by Johnny Eaglesham.

The Killie Travel Club MOM was won by Mark Shankland who received his award from Allan Campbell

Beith Juniors

Auchinleck Talbot

St Cadoc’s

Largs Thistle

MURRAY’S MATCH REPORT, SARAH-JANES PHOTO’S

This proved to be a game of one half with Talbot securing all 3 points after stepping up a gear in the 2^nd period after a forgettable first half.

Talbot started the game positively but without forcing any clear cut chances. In the 8^th minute Wardrope worked a one-two with Aiden Wilson before cutting in off the left but his shot flew wide of the left hand post.

The next notable effort came in the 18^th minute when Taylor drifted in off the right onto his left foot and sent a shot wide of the right post.

Largs had barely been out their own half but thought they’d taken the lead in the 20^th minute. Leishman’s clearance went straight to a Largs player who hoisted it straight back down the centre. It skidded off a Talbot head into the path of Ramsey who tucked it into the net but the assistant’s flag had went up early and the goal was chalked off for offside.

Wardrope had a half chance in the 23^rd minute when Graham Wilson found him inside the area but his shot from 16 yards trundled straight at the keeper.

McPherson came to Talbot’s rescue in the 26^th minute. Ramsey burst into the area and looked set to press the trigger but McPherson slid in to make a crucial tackle.

Talbot had a great chance to take the lead in the 29^th minute. The Largs defence failed to cut out a ball to Graham Wilson and he fed it to his right to find Taylor in space inside the area; however McGowen spread himself well to block his drive at the expense of a corner.

The Largs keeper produced another good stop in the 32^nd minute. Mason controlled a ball up the left before knocking it inside to Graham Wilson on the left of the area. He fired a low drive on target from a tight angle that the keeper saved with his legs.

At the tail end of the half Talbot were denied the lead by an impressive double save. Taylor released Boyle down the right and when he squared it across Mason met it 6 yards out only for McGowen to block his effort. The rebound came to Wardrope who drilled it low on target but the keeper recovered to make the save and Talbot couldn’t force it home with Largs able to hang onto the interval.

The visitors made a change at half-time with McLeod on for Tennent.

The Bot started the 2^nd half strongly forcing a couple of corners soon after the re-start which the Largs defence coped with. In the 49^th minute Taylor did well to steal the ball at the bye line as Devine tried to let it out run out. He made it into the penalty area where his cut back was cut out and ran into the path of Armstrong. He went for goal from 18 yards and his shot across goal was deflected over the bar by Mason.

Talbot’s next attack saw Boyle on the left side of the penalty area and he touched it inside to Mason who had a half chance to hit it early but took a touch and was crowded out.

Largs had a lucky escape in the 54^th minute. Wardrope lost out in a 50/50 with Devine but the ball broke to Taylor who swept it 1^st time across the area where Graham Wilson looked set to score but he scooped it over the bar from 6 yards out.

Two minutes later Talbot were again on the attack. Boyle helped it on down the right where Graham Wilson paced down the wing before cutting it back into the penalty area for Mason but he couldn’t get it out of his feet and he prodded it wide of the left post.

Eventually Talbot’s pressure told and the Bot took the lead in the 59^th minute. Taylor got free on the right and fired a low ball into the box that Wilson just missed and AARON MASON placed it low inside the left post.

Barely a minute later Talbot doubled their lead. Boyle burst through the defence on the left and carried it into the box where he unselfishly slid it across for ROSS TAYLOR to fire it home to make it 2-0.

Largs weren’t ready to give up without a fight and threatened to pull one back in the 67^th minute. McLeod got to the bye line and lifted a dangerous cross toward the back post where Lewis saw his effort blocked en route to goal.

Three minutes later Largs passed up a clear chance to reduce the deficit. McLeod managed to wriggle past Boyle at the bye line and angled it back right into the path of Ramsey who fired it over the bar from 6 yards out.

In the 72^nd minute Wardrope intercepted a pass inside the Bot half and released Graham Wilson down the left. He raced into the area but fired wide of the right hand post under pressure.

A minute later Taylor whipped a good 1^st time ball in from the right that McCreath managed to turn behind for a corner.

Largs had a half chance in the 74^th minute. Davidson latched onto a poor clearance and threaded a pass through to Frizzell on the right of the penalty box. He fired it across goal and wide of the right hand post.

With quarter of an hour remaining Talbot made a triple substitution with Shankland, Samson and Smith coming on for Graham Wilson, Mason and Wardrope. Largs also made a further change with Adam replacing Frizzell.

Talbot threatened to extend their lead in the 77^th minute. Samson sped clear on the right and pulled it back into the path of Taylor whose low drive looked net bound til blocked by a defender.

Tucker now made another change with Healey making his return from injury – coming on for Taylor.

Six minutes from time Shankland swept the ball from left to right to find Healey who held it up before releasing Stafford on the overlap. His cross was blocked behind for the corner and when it came over McCracken met it to volley over the bar.

A minute later Talbot grabbed a 3^rd goal to seal matters. McCreath misjudged a header back to his keeper under pressure and sent it wide of McGowen where KIER SAMSON raced onto it to pass it into the empty net.

Two minutes from time Talbot nearly added a 4^th. Stafford hared up the right and fizzed a ball across the face of goal that Samson just failed to convert at the back post.

A minute later Healey cushioned the ball into the path of Boyle who volleyed over. Talbot now made their final change with Ballantyne on for Boyle.

the game moved into added time Talbot had one final opportunity. Ballantyne was wrestled to the deck out wide on the right and Talbot took the free kick short working it to Healey who fired a ball to the far post where Smith was inches from connecting.