Away – Page 2 – Auchinleck Talbot Football Club

Syngenta v Auchinleck Talbot

Auchinleck Talbot v Bonnyrigg Rose

Cumbernauld United v Auchinleck Talbot

Glenafton Athletic v Auchinleck Talbot

Craigmark Burntonions v Auchinleck Talbot

Kilwinning Rangers v Auchinleck Talbot

Rossvale v Auchinleck Talbot

Arbroath v Auchinleck Talbot

Glenafton Athletic v Auchinleck Talbot


October 12, 2024 14:00 N/A Auchinleck Talbot v Jeanfield Swifts


May 10, 2025 14:00 N/A Auchinleck Talbot v St Cadoc’s

Player	Appearances	Goals	Assists	YC
Connor Boyd	13	8	4	2
Michael Wardrope	13	2	3	0
Ali Boyle	13	0	0	1
Ruaridh Langan	13	1	1	2

MURRAYS MATCH REPORT

Talbot recovered well from a shaky start to book their place in the 2^nd round of the senior cup after an entertaining win at Ochilview.

The home side got off to the perfect start when they opened the scoring in the 5^th minute. It was a well-worked goal with the ball switched out to the right touchline to Hilton who quickly squared it across for FOTHERINGHAM to sweep it past Leishman and inside the right hand post from 22 yards.

The goal sparked a response from the Bot and Wardrope came close in the 8^th minute when he drilled a low effort just wide of the left hand post.

Syngenta weren’t just there to make up the numbers and they gave Talbot another scare in the 10^th minute. Hilton got past Wilson down the right and lifted a deep cross to the far post which Crawford headed away. It came to Rodgers and he fired wide of the right post.

Down the other end Boylan had a decent chance to pull Talbot level in the 11^th minute. The home defence didn’t deal with a shy in from the right and it came to Boylan 12 yards out but he didn’t catch his shot cleanly and it scuttled its way straight at the keeper.

A minute later Wardrope had an effort on target from 20 yards but once again it failed to test Duffy.

In the 18^th minute Talbot won a set piece in a decent area – 30 yards from goal – out on the left. Wardrope bent it over beyond the far post but no Bot player could get on the end of it.

Two minutes later Wardrope clipped a ball over the defence for Boylan to chase. He got to it on the right of the area but could only fire well over the bar from a tight angle.

The referee then produced two yellow cards in quick succession – firstly booking Samson and moments later cautioning a Syngenta player for kicking the ball away.

Talbot kept plugging away and put together a decent move in the 28^th minute. Some neat passing ended with Mason laying it off into the path of Healy at the edge of the area but he pulled his shot and it cannoned off Wardope and straight to the keeper.

On the half hour mark Crawford raced down the right and fired a great ball across that was well cleared inside the 6-yard area.

A minute later Talbot’s pressure paid off as they levelled the score. The Bot were awarded a free kick just outside the box for a trip on Samson. Wardrope’s effort hit off the top of the defensive wall and spun out to the right where Boylan retrieved it and hooked it across goal where AARON MASON steered a low shot inside the right post.

The goal lifted Talbot up a level and they pushed hard to gain the lead. Two minutes from the interval Crawford broke up the right and slid it square to Wardrope in space 20 yards out but his shot sailed straight at Duffy.

Within a minute Boylan burst clear on the right and fired a good cross over to the far post where Mason met it but it had too much pace on it for him to control his header.

Just as it looked as though the sides were going in level Talbot moved ahead in the last minute of the half. Samson cut in off the right and drove into the penalty area before firing a shot on target that Duffy had to tip over. When the corner came over the defence failed to clear and after a bout of headie tennis the ball was gathered by Wardrope near the bye line and he floated a cross over to the back post where KIER SAMSON nodded it home to send Talbot in 2-1 ahead at the interval.

Mason picked up a soft caution early in the 2^nd half when he was adjudged to have impeded Duffy as he went to clear it.

The Bot nearly moved two goals ahead in the 52^nd minute. Boylan met a cross from the right and his header came back off the crossbar and out to Samson whose header on target was saved by Duffy.

Moments later Talbot came close again. Wardrope gathered on the left before sliding a pass inside to Mason whose fierce drive was tipped over the bar by Duffy.

It had been all Talbot since the break but the home side put together a good break down the right in the 59^th minute which ended with Leishman safely gathering a cross in his goal mouth.

On the hour mark Talbot had a decent opportunity to extend their lead. Samson cut inside, beating a couple of men for pace before cutting it back into the path of Wardrope who fired a shot on target but straight at Duffy.

Two minutes later Talbot’s efforts were rewarded with a 3^rd goal. Boylan gathered wide on the right and angled a short pass inside to Wardrope who burst forward into the box before squaring it across for KIER SAMSON to pass it into the net.

Syngenta now decided to throw caution to the wind and made a double switch with Johnson and Sheridan joining the fray.

Another goal for Talbot would’ve killed it off and the Bot threatened to grab it in the 69^th minute. Wardrope switched play to find Boylan in space on the right and he stepped in onto his left foot and angled a shot on target that Duffy saved low to his right. The ball came out to Mason and he played it back into the centre where Samson met it but his scissor kick flew straight at the keeper.

Talbot looked to be cruising to the win but the game was thrown back into the melting pot when Syngenta pulled a goal back out of nowhere in the 73^rd minute. The Bot defence were slow to react to a ball in from the left which broke to SHERIDAN and he buried a low drive inside the left hand post from 22 yards.

Tucker made a double change in the 79^th minute with Glasgow coming on for Mason and Park replacing the injured Healy.

In the 80^th minute Samson fired over a great ball from wide on the left but the Syngenta defence proved equal to the task and cut it out in the centre.

The Bot then made another enforced change as Crawford limped from the field to be replaced by Taylor.

As the game moved into the closing stages Talbot were still pushing forward looking to finish the tie off. Glasgow had a chance to put the game beyond doubt in the 86^th minute when he found himself with time and space at the edge of the area. He tried to place it and his effort was blocked off a defender.

One minute from the end of normal time Talbot grabbed their fourth to settle matters. Glasgow gathered in the centre and ran at the defence before sliding the ball to his right to find Samson. He returned the ball back across goal where JAMIE GLASGOW had continued his run to place it beyond Duffy.

A good game for the neutral to enjoy and a good result for the Bot who now await Sunday’s 2^nd round draw. Next up for Talbot it is back to cup action as they travel through to Springburn to face Rossvale in the Scottish Junior cup.

Syngenta – Duffy, Rodger, Cowan, Taggart, Fitzpatrick, Glackin, Fotheringham, Walton, Rodgers, Robertson, White

Subs – Johnson, Erskine, Mooney, Armstrong, Sheridan, Smith

Auchinleck Talbot – Leishman, Stafford, A Wilson, McPherson, Crawford, Healy, Wardrope, Ballantyne, Boylan, Samson, Mason

Subs – Glasgow, Taylor, Park, Shankland, Lennox, Hewitt

MURRAYS MATCH REPORT

There’s a new name on the South Challenge cup as Talbot recovered from a shaky start to come from behind to beat Lowland League winners Bonnyrigg Rose at Falkirk.

Talbot found themselves a goal down after only 8 minutes. McCracken conceded a free kick just outside the penalty area after wrestling Hunter to the deck and there was nothing Leishman could do but watch as CURRIE fired it over the wall and into the back of the net via the inside of the left hand post.

Bonnyrigg were guilty of slack play a few minutes later when their defender tried to let a ball run out for a goal kick only for Stafford to nick in & steal it and pull it back for Shankland who fired a volley well over under pressure.

Stafford did well in the 12^th minute when he charged forward before releasing it to Boylan on the right wing. He swept a good ball across the face of goal but there were no takers and it ran behind for the goal kick.

In the 25^th minute Bonnyrigg caught the Bot defence napping with a good ball up the left wing that found Turner racing free and he swept an early ball into the centre which McPherson intercepted at the near post.

Bonnyrigg missed a good chance to double their lead in the 29^th minute. Martyniuk played it down the line to find Turner in space and he pulled it back straight into the path of Hunter who met it 15 yards out but sclaffed his shot well wide of the right post.

The Bot put together a neat move in the 32^nd minute as Wilson & Boylan combined down the left before Aiden squared it inside for Shankland but he was well challenged at the edge of the area and the ball broke off him and through for a goal kick.

Talbot drew level in the 35^th minute thanks to a bit of luck. A cross from the right was headed back across goal by Shankland where it cannoned off the head of WILSON and past his keeper for an own goal.

The goal energised Talbot who moved onto the front foot for the remainder of the half but without really threatening the Rose goal.

A minute from the interval Bonnyrigg were forced into a change when Martyniuk limped off to be replaced by Young and shortly after the teams trooped off for the half-time break.

The Bot came flying out the traps at the start of the 2^nd half and had a chance within a minute of the re-start. Hyslop’s diagonal ball found Healy down the right and his cross into the near post was headed into the side-netting by Samson.

Talbot did have the ball in the back of the net in the 49^th minute but it didn’t stand. Healy lifted a ball in behind the defence to find Boylan and he lobbed it past the keeper but the assistant’s flag was already raised for offside.

Within a minute Talbot were back on the attack. Healy fed it out right to Samson and he whipped a dangerous ball across the face of goal that Wilson turned behind for the corner.

Talbot’s pressure was rewarded in the 52^nd minute when they took the lead. Hyslop was caught inside the Bonnyrigg half and Talbot took the free kick quickly. Healy released it down the right to find Samson and he cut it back into the path of BRYAN BOYLAN who buried it inside the right hand post.

This sparked a response from Bonnyrigg and Leishman was called into action in the 54^th minute when Hyslop’s mishit clearance fell to S Gray 19 yards out. He fired it on target but straight down the centre where Leishman tipped it over the crossbar.

Bonnyrigg made their 2^nd change of the afternoon in the 59^th minute with McGachie replacing Hall up front.

The game was now flowing from end to end with Talbot threatening down the left through Shankland and moments later Barrett speeding up the wing for Bonnyrigg but on both occasions the final ball was lacking.

Samson became the first player booked when he was cautioned in the 66^th minute for a trip on Currie; resulting in a Bonnyrigg free kick 35 yards from goal. Currie took it and curled it over beyond the back post where Hyslop headed it behind. When the corner came over Leishman claimed it confidently.

Talbot now sprang onto the counter – a good early ball finding Samson racing down the right and he slung a great cross into the centre but unfortunately there was no one on hand for Talbot.

Bonnyrigg now made their final change with Brett replacing Turner.

In Talbot’s next attack Shankland fed the ball down the left toward Boylan. He managed to rob Rose’s right-back of it before angling a ball across the box that Samson just failed to reach.

Tucker made his first change in the 71^st minute with Graham Wilson coming on for Boyd.

Talbot were caught daydreaming in the 74^th minute at a Bonnyrigg shy. The ball was thrown into the unmarked Horne who slid a pass through for Barrett down the left of the penalty area but Stafford recovered quickly to get across and block the cross.

With 76 mins gone Talbot made their 2^nd change with Glasgow on for Shankland.

As the clock ticked down Bonnyrigg pressed forward in search of an equaliser with Talbot looking to hit them on the break.

In the 84^th minute a ball flighted up the right came off the top of Hyslop’s head and was heading toward McGachie on the right of the penalty area but McPherson read it and was quickly across to clear the danger.

A minute later McGachie met a ball into the box and laid it outside the area for Young to hit but he blazed his shot over.

Talbot won a free kick in a promising area in the 86^th minute when Boylan was caught 18 yards out wide on the right but Glasgow’s ball in was cleared at the near post.

Play then switched to the other end where a high, hanging cross from the right touchline saw Leishman come to claim it beyond his back post but unluckily he collided with Stafford and it went behind for the corner.

The Bot now turned defence to attack as they successfully fielded the corner and broke swiftly to the other end where JAMIE GLASGOW pounced on a weak back pass to race through on goal, round the keeper and roll the ball into the empty net to put Talbot 3-1 ahead.

Tucker now made a final change with Robbie McCracken coming on for Healy.

Talbot saw the closing stages out without any problems to secure the win to the delight of the travelling fans.

An impressive display by Talbot against the side who won the Lowland League and will play in the SFL next season after breezing past Cowdenbeath in the play offs.

Next for Talbot is the season’s finale where they will take on Yoker Athletic a week on Saturday at Rugby Park looking to clinch their 14^th Scottish Junior cup title and end the season with a cup double.

Bonnyrigg Rose Athletic – Andrews, S Gray, Wilson, Horne, Martyniuk, Barrett, Currie, Turner, Connolly, Hall, Hunter

Subs – Weir, Brett, Young, Stewart, McGachie, R Gray, Evans

Auchinleck Talbot – Leishman, Stafford, Aiden Wilson, McPherson, Craig McCracken, Boyd, Healy, Hyslop, Shankland, Samson, Boylan

Subs – Mason, Graham Wilson, Glasgow, Robbie McCracken, Heaney, Hewitt

The players gather round ‘Tucker’ for a pre-match team talk.

Some happy looking Talbot lads and lassies before kick-off.

Is that thumbs up for the game or for the pre-match pie?

Some very ‘weel kent’ Talbot faces here.

These chaps are all ready for the big kick-off!

The players and officials walk out onto the field of play.

Big Andy is at full stretch in order to pluck the ball out of the air.

Bonnyrigg look to go on the attack but ‘Shankers’ sticks closely to his man.

Wilson and McCracken make sure there is no way through.

GOOOAAALLL!!! Bonnyrigg take an early lead in the final, as Currie fires a free-kick over the Talbot wall and…

…into the back of the net via the inside of the post. 1-0.

Currie and his team-mates race off to celebrate and silence the Black ‘n’ Gold faithful.

The Bonnyrigg players continue to go wild after opening the scoring.

If Big Neilly tells you to do something, you just do it!

With a break in the game, there’s always time to share a joke and a smile.

Healy really tries to get another Talbot attack started.

HOW DID HE NOT SCORE!!! Bonnyrigg miss a golden chance to double their lead but they can only fire the ball wide from very close range.

TALBOT PULL LEVEL!!! Shankland puts Talbot back in the game, as his header gets a helping ‘head’ from…

…the Bonnyrigg defence en route to the back of the net. 1-1.

‘Shanks’ jumps for joy after levelling the match.

Erm…I don’t think ‘Pee-wee’ and Healy are too impressed with your speech ‘Shankers’.

WIT-A-CHANCE!!! With your backside barely back in the seat for the second half, Samson goes extremely close to scoring but his close range low header can only hit the side netting.

Although it was a difficult angle and under pressure, Hyslop still manages to fire off a header but fails to find the back of the net.

TALBOT TAKE THE LEAD!!! The Bonnyrigg ‘keeper and defence are rooted to the spot, as they can only watch Boylan’s strike squeeze past them and into the back of the net. 1-2.

Shankland and Stafford go berserk but I think it got too much for Boylan after scoring Talbot’s second.

Victorious roars and smiles all round for Talbot after Boylan’s goal.

The players continue celebrating, as Boylan rightly receives the praise from his team-mates.

After going on a blistering run, Stafford brilliantly threads the ball through the Rose defence.

McCracken in an aerial battle…there’s only going to be one winner.

Boyd gets involved in a tussle for possession.

‘Gee’ goes racing up the park, while being roared on by Boylan.

Bonnyrigg scream for a penalty but their shouts are only in vain.

A little bit of ‘man-handling’, as the players battle for the ball.

Samson acrobatically flicks the ball on during an attack.

Who’s going to get to the ball first during this Matrix style moment in the game.

Steely eyed Glasgow pounces on a mistake by the Bonnyrigg defence and…

…rounds the ‘keeper and fires the ball into an empty net. GAME, SET AND MATCH!!! 1-3.

Glasgow points the way to the Black ‘n’ Gold faithful’s hearts, as he wheels away after scoring.

Nothing quite like celebrating the goal that seals the game!

Win or lose, the players still show respect for each other after the final whistle.

McPherson applauds the travelling supporters.

Stafford shows his appreciation to the Talbot fans in the stand.

These types of moments should always be shared with your family.

…Big Andy raises the South Challenge Cup, as Talbot win the trophy at the first attempt.

The ‘Mauchline Maradona’ raises the trophy for all the fans to see.

Chris Stafford gets his hands on the trophy.

SOUTH CHALLENGE CUP CHAMPIONS 2022 – AUCHINLECK TALBOT FC

Graham Wilson poses with the trophy with his family.

The men that won it for Talbot – Jamie Glasgow, Bryan Boylan and Mark Shankland.

Oscar proudly holds the trophy along with his dad Andy Leishman.

Cheshire cat grins all round, as Healy and McPherson pose for the camera.

Hold on…Wilson should be on the left and Stafford on the right. I knew I got it wrong. 😊

It’s a family affair, as both McCracken’s get their hands on the trophy.

Healy…watch what your doing with Samson! We need him in two weeks time!

Talbot physio, Jamie Monaghan, gets his paws on the trophy too.

Mason and Stafford with the South Challenge Cup.

The Dynamic Duo! ‘Tucker’ and Allan show off the trophy to the camera, as they guided Talbot to yet another victorious cup final.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY PAUL FLYNN

Back in the team and back in the thick of the action, as ‘Shankers’ tries his luck from distance.

Nice to see Boylan back in the side after being out injured.

OH SO CLOSE!!! Boylan can only watch in agony, as his shot goes just past the wrong side of the post.

Mason shrugs off his opponent while going on the attack.

GOAL!!! Talbot are all smiles after Boylan scores via an outrageous shot from outside the box. 0-1.

Aaron Mason gets put into the air, as he gets stopped in his tracks.

Steely eyed McCracken makes sure he keeps his eyes firmly on the ball.

HAVE A DIG SON!!! Robbie McCracken fires a powerful strike at goal but it unfortunately gets blocked.

The Talbot bench look on, as Boyd has a crack from distance.

OUCH!!! The Black ‘n’ Gold wall does it’s job, as Wilson deflects the ball away.

Cumbernauld let their feelings known to the referee, as the man in the middle awards Talbot a penalty.

TALBOT DOUBLE THEIR LEAD!!! From the spot, Mark Shankland fires the ball home. 0-2.

BLINK AND YOU’LL MISS IT!!! And very soon after scoring from the spot, Talbot make it three, as Samson slots the ball home from inside the box. 0-3.

I think ‘Shankers’ is pointing out something funny about you, Boylan.

Armstrong makes sure the danger gets cleared.

MAY THE ‘FOURTH’ BE WITH YOU!!! It’s two for Shankland and four for Talbot, as Mark fires the ball home from the edge of the ‘D’. 0-4.

Shankland gets swamped by his team-mates, as he gets congratulated after scoring Talbot’s fourth.

WIT-A-CHANCE!!! Boyd manages to poke the ball past the ‘keeper but, unfortunately, the ball can only hit the side netting.

‘Pee-wee’ finds himself with space to send a header towards goal but it fails to find the back of the net.

BRILLIANT SAVE!!! Big Andy does his job by producing a great save to stop Cumbernauld from scoring a consolation goal.

Could it be a hat-trick? Unfortunately not this time for ‘Shankers’, as his effort fails to find a way through.

Samson tries to hurdle his way through the Cumbernauld defence.

FIVE STAR PERFORMANCE!!! Right at the death, Samson pounces inside the box and slots the ball home to make it five for Talbot. 0-5.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY PAUL FLYNN.

Big Neilly does what he does best, as he wins the ball back for Talbot.

Samson can only watch, as the Glens ‘keeper punches away the danger.

Wardrope goes on a run while asking who is wanting the pass.

Wardrope just can’t get his foot up high enough, as the ‘keeper gets two big fists to the ball.

While his opponent takes a tumble, Samson tries to skip past into the box.

OUCH!!! Mick Wardrope roars out in agony after taking a sore one in a challenge.

The Glens man is poised to strike at the back post but Leishman manages to get a big hand to the ball and scope it out the air in time.

Glenafton try their luck from inside the box but Wilson manages to block the shot and deflect the ball wide.

‘Pee-wee’ tries to muscle his way through between two defenders but they manage to get to the ball first.

Smiles all round, as the players share a joke during the game.

Samson tries to keep hold of the ball inside the box, while Glenafton shout for offside.

WHAT-A-SAVE!!! The Glens go extremely close to scoring via a very close range header but Leishman pulls off a brilliant save to stop them.

CHANCE!!! Keir Samson goes airborne but his header fails to find the back of the net.

It’s a Mexican stand off, as everybody points the finger at each other.

Young Mason goes on a great run up the middle of the park.

McPherson goes on the attack and motors up the field.

Crawford shrugs off his opponent and races up the wing.

Tempers begin to rise, as ‘Pee-wee’ does his best to calm things down.

WHAT-A-CHANCE!!! Samson finds himself in space but he can only watch his downward header go wide of the goal.

McPherson gets a nasty cut to his head after an aerial challenge.

LATE DRAMA!!! With the 90mins nearly over, Gareth Armstrong pounces on the edge of the box and smashes the ball home. 0-1.

Nothing quite like celebrating a late winner…eh Aaron?

With the boys in black ‘n’ gold winning the game, the Talbot Young Team start drumming out a winning beat.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY PAUL FLYNN.

MURRAYS MATCH REPORT

Talbot left Loch Park with all 3 points after a hard fought derby win over the Glens but it came too late to have any impact on the title due to Darvel’s win over the Buffs.

The Bot started brightly and won a free kick out wide in the 1^st minute following a shove on Samson. Wardrope took it short to release Wilson on the overlap and he whipped a decent ball into the centre which was cleared.

A few minutes later Wilson’s hanging cross caused Markey problems with the Glens keeper dropping it near the back post but it didn’t break for Talbot and the defence were able to clear.

In the 8^th minute Leishman fired a free kick down the right to find the head of Hyslop. He nodded it into the path of Glasgow who released McCracken down the right and his driven ball was blocked behind for a corner. When Wardrope’s corner came over the defence failed to clear their lines and it broke to Hyslop 16 yards out. He tried to pass it into the corner but his shot was blocked and rebounded out to Wardrope on the right. He swung over a good cross that Markey managed to punch clear.

The Glens keeper did well in the 11^th minute when Hyslop played a ball in behind the defence for Wardrope; with the keeper quickly off his line to narrowly beat him to it and clear the danger.

Talbot had a nervy moment in the 17^th minute when a ball up the centre landed in behind the defence between Crawford and Leishman. Andy came to claim it at the edge of the box but it wasn’t coming into the area and he had to improvise a clearance under pressure from Kerr.

Blyth had his name taken in the 20^th minute for a late challenge on Hyslop.

The home side threatened the Bot goal in the 23^rd minute. A cross from the left was headed up into the air by Wilson and dropped down to Martin on the right edge of the area. He cut inside onto his left foot and fired for goal only for McCracken to make the block and send it wide for the corner. The corner was whipped in dangerously but no one anticipated and it flew across goal.

Talbot’s next attack saw Wilson sling over a deep cross to find Wardope beyond the far post. He drilled it back across goal but it slipped wide of the right hand post.

The Glens picked up a 2^nd yellow card in the 29^th minute when Martin went right through the back of Wardrope.

In the 33^rd minute the Glens had a chance to take the lead following a corner from the left. When it came over Kemp got his head to it and nodded it beyond the far post where McKee side-footed it into the side-netting.

Talbot came close to grabbing the lead in the 42^nd minute. Glenafton won a contentious free kick wide on the left for what appeared to be a hard but fair tackle from McCracken. When the ball came in Talbot cleared it and broke through Glasgow who raced up field before sliding it left to Samson who cut inside and went for a curling effort that was heading inside the left post until Markey tipped it round.

A minute before the interval Martin raced half the length of the field unchallenged; firing a low drive from 18 yards that was deflected wide of the left post.

Glenafton ended the half strongly though Talbot were left frustrated when the Glens were awarded a very soft free kick just outside the Bot penalty area. The referee came across to speak to Tucker before McKernon took it but he fired it straight into the wall and that was that for the 1^st half.

Talbot made a change at the start of the 2^nd period with Armstrong on for Wilson. This led to a defensive re-shuffle with Stafford going into the centre and Crawford to right-back.

The Bot looked a bit uncertain in the early stages of the half with Glenafton doing most of the pressing. The home side had a half chance in the 49^th minute. They won a corner on the right which was cleared but straight back to the corner taker who lobbed it deep beyond the far post where Rowe had a free header but steered it straight at Leishman.

Talbot had a glorious chance to take the lead in the 52^nd minute. Crawford made ground down the right and swung over a great cross that landed at the feet of Wardrope 15 yards out. He could have went for goal but instead laid it off first time into the path of Glasgow who took it round the keeper but couldn’t force it home.

In the 55^th minute Glens won a free kick 12 yards out wide on the right following a foul by Armstrong. McKernon flighted it into the centre where Leishman punched it clear.

A minute later the Glens were on the attack again. Markey bowled the ball out to Martin who raced through the centre of midfield before slipping a pass left to Kerr but he was closed down inside the area before he could get his shot away.

Just shy of the hour mark Leishman produced a top save to keep the score level. The Glens switched the ball out to the right where Blyth was in space. He lifted a cross over to the far post to find Kerr in space but his free header was saved at the right hand post by Leishman.

Down the other end Talbot came close when Crawford’s cross was glanced just wide of target by Samson.

Armstrong had his name taken in the 62^nd minute when he conceded a free kick 35 yards from goal that McKernon fired straight into the wall.

Talbot now made their 2^nd change of the afternoon with McCracken making way for Mason.

The Glens next attack looked well offside but the flag stayed down as McKee raced onto a ball down the left and when he whipped a cross into the centre Kerr met it only to see his header tipped over the bar by Leishman.

Kemp received a caution in the 70^th minute for a foul on Wardrope and a few minutes later Glasgow left the field injured to be replaced by Boyd.

With quarter of an hour remaining McPherson charged forward from the back & slid a pass into the feet of Mason but he was falling back as he hit it and scooped his shot well over.

Three minutes later Wardope won Talbot a corner down the left which he took himself. The delivery was spot on and only needed a touch to turn it home but no one had gambled and the ball sped across the face of goal.

Ten minutes from time Healy picked up a yellow card for a trip on Martin and a minute later Rowe received a caution for going through the back of Healy. From the resultant free kick Talbot worked it to Armstrong who flighted a cross onto the head of Samson but he headed it past the left post from a good area.

Two minutes from time Talbot grabbed the late winner. Mason cut inside off the left but was crowded out before he could get his shot away. The ball broke back to GARETH ARMSTRONG on the 18 yard line and his low drive ended up in the back of the net following a deflection.

The Glens piled men forward in added time but to no avail and Talbot saw the game out to secure the win.

Next week Talbot are back on their travels as they head through to Cumbernauld for the final league game of the season.

Glenafton Athletic – Markey, Martin, Cairns, Pettigrew, Murphy, McKernon, Blyth, Rowe, Kerr, Kemp, McKee

Subs – Nisbet, Miller, Fisher, Bennie, Johnson

Auchinleck Talbot – Leishman, Stafford, Aiden Wilson, McPherson, Crawford, Healy, Hyslop, Wardrope, Samson, Glasgow, Robbie McCracken

Subs – Mason, Armstrong, Boyd, White, Hewitt

Gareth Armstrong makes his welcomed comeback after serving his two game suspension.

Stephen Wilson fends off this Rossvale defender.

Boylan races in on goal but his touch takes the ball beyond him and into the ‘keeper’s hands.

Bryan Boylan takes a tumble after a 50/50 challenge with the ‘keeper.

Rossvale come very close to opening the scoring but this close range header goes agonisingly wide of the post.

Gareth and Gordon team up to try and win the ball back for Talbot.

‘Gee’ can only watch, as the Rossvale ‘keeper makes a great save to thwart Talbot.

Another Talbot attack, as Stephen Wilson races into the box.

‘Shankers’ watches and hopes, as Boylan fires a powerful header towards goal but, unfortunately, he fails to net the opener.

Another great chance for Rossvale but the very close ranged header flashes painfully wide of the goal.

Graham Wilson is poised to pull the trigger but the cross fails to meet him, as Rossvale clear the danger.

The deadlock is finally broken, with Rossvale scoring via a penalty. 1-0.

McCracken looks dejected and ‘Pee-wee’ tries to motivate his team-mates while the Rossvale players celebrate their opener.

Big Neily stands his ground and wins the ball back.

‘Gee’ heads the ball back across but the ball is just too high for Dwayne to connect with.

Wullie Lyle tries to make his way down the wing but comes up against some Red and Yellow resistance.

TALBOT PULL LEVEL!!! Stephen Wilson smashes the ball into the top left-hand corner of the net and equalises for the ‘Bot. 1-1.

Boylan has a go at goal from just inside the box.

The Rossvale ‘keeper gets his fingertips to the ball but…

…the ball still manages to find ‘Popey’ but his header goes over the cross-bar.

Stephen Wilson goes for the spectacular but sends the ball the wrong side of the post.

Talbot go chasing after a winner and ‘Pee-wee’ rises the highest here to have a go with this header.

Although Mark puts the pressure on, Rossvale still manage to clear the danger.

Samson does his best to beat the defender inside the Rossvale box.

TALBOT TAKE THE LEAD!!! Not to be outdone by his brother, Graham Wilson races through and calmly slots the ball home. 1-2.

‘Gee’ and Keir wheel away to celebrate, as the Rossvale ‘keeper can only watch the ball nestle into the bottom corner of the net.

Talbot win a free-kick, while Rossvale vent their frustration.

Samson goes round the outside in order to skip past his opponent.

Gordon gets out the way, as ‘Whitey’ makes sure he gets to the ball first.

The sizeable crowd look on, as Steven White dishes out the orders.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY PAUL FLYNN.

MURRAYS MATCH REPORT

Talbot came from behind to seal a well-deserved win away at Rossvale to book their place in the last 16 of the Scottish Junior Cup.

The Bot had a chance to take the lead in the 8th minute. A ball through the centre parted the Rossvale defence allowing Boylan a clean run in on goal. He sped into the box but took a heavy touch & the ball sprang through to a relieved Donnelly.

A minute later Talbot came close. Lyle swung a cross over that the defence only cleared as far as Pope. He went for goal from 25 yards & his shot flew just past Donnelly’s right post.

The surface was tricky underfoot, for spectators & players alike, and Sean Higgins came unstuck in the 12th minute when he went to hit a free kick from 30 yards. He slipped & fell over as he addressed the ball & McGrath followed up to hit a tame shot wide.

The home side did threaten the Bot goal after quarter of an hour. Slattery’s deflected cross came to Anthony Higgins in the air at the back post & he steered a header just wide of Leishman’s right post.

Talbot tested the home keeper in the 26th minute. Stephen Wilson won a corner off Leadbetter down the right. Rossvale managed to clear Shankland’s corner but it came straight to Armstrong on the left & he lifted a cross over that McCracken met to steer a header back across goal that Donnelly held at his right hand post.

Rossvale had a chance to test Leishman in the 29th min when they were awarded a free kick 25 yards out. McGonigle took it & got it up & over the wall but it lacked the power to test Leishman who gathered safely inside the left post.

A well-worked Talbot counter ought to have seen the Bot move in front after 33 mins. Stephen Wilson played it up to Graham Wilson & he switched it out to Pope on the wing. He flighted an early cross over & Boylan looked set to score but glanced a free header wide of the left post.

Two minutes later Talbot had a scare down the other end. Rossvale won a free kick out on the right which was whipped over toward the far post. Leishman came out to claim it but was beaten to it by Anthony Higgins whose header skated just wide of target.

In the 37th minute Talbot found themselves a goal down. McPherson caught Sean Higgins in the penalty area; the ref pointed to the spot & SEAN HIGGINS sent Leishman the wrong way to roll it home.

Talbot pushed forward in search of a leveller before the break & gave the home defence a fright in the 41st minute. Stephen Wilson lifted a cross beyond the far post to find Graham & he guided a header back across goal that just eluded Hyslop & drifted wide of the left post.

As the half moved into injury time Talbot had a penalty appeal when Hyslop appeared to be tripped just inside the area by Sean Higgins but nothing was given & the half ended on a low note with Graham Wilson picking up a caution deep into added time.

Both sides came out unchanged for the 2nd period which got off to an untidy start.

However, Talbot’s nerves were settled when they grabbed the leveller in the 51st minute. Armstrong lifted a good ball down the left to set Boylan running at the defence. He squared it across the area where STEPHEN WILSON coolly fired it into the roof of the net.

The goal lifted Talbot & they had a chance to move ahead after 57 minutes. Armstrong’s pass found Boylan inside the area. He cut inside onto his right foot but steered his shot straight at the keeper.

Tucker now made a change with Samson on in place of Boylan.

Talbot almost took the lead in the 59th minute. Stephen Wilson found himself in space on the right of the area & his shot took a slight deflection as it sped past the right post. When the corner came over Hyslop got on the end of it at the back post but his header was blocked en route to goal.

Anthony Higgins had his name taken on the hour mark for a late challenge on Hyslop & two minutes later left the field to be replaced by Giffin.

A minute later Talbot won a free kick in a dangerous area after Graham Wilson was nudged over outside the area. Shankland curled it up & over the defensive wall but Donnelly pushed it wide at his right hand post. From the resultant corner Pope climbed at the back post to head for goal only to see his header deflected just over the bar.

In the 64th minute Talbot won another free kick in a good area; this time only a yard outside the box. Shankland bent it around the wall but Donnelly did well to turn it round his left post.

Talbot kept pressing forward & had another chance to gain the lead in the 67th minute. Hyslop won a header on that sent Graham Wilson scurrying through the centre. He broke into the box but couldn’t get it under control & Donnelly raced quickly off his line to make the block.

Finally Talbot’s pressure paid off & the Bot took a deserved lead in the 78th minute. Armtrong’s ball was won in the air by Samson who flicked it on into the path of GRAHAM WILSON on the right of the area & he drilled it low into the opposite corner to make it 2-1 to Talbot.

Rossvale had scarcely threatened in the 2nd half but they had a chance to test Leishman in the 80th minute when Stephen Wilson was penalised for handball 25 yards out. The free kick was shoved short to Sean Higgins who drilled a powerful shot on target but Leishman was right behind it.

It was then Talbot’s turn to win a set piece within shooting range when they were awarded a free kick 30 yards out. Shankland fired it over the wall but it didn’t dip quickly enough and flew over the bar.

With four minutes remaining Talbot nearly killed the tie off. Stephen Wilson won a corner on the right and when it came over McCracken arrowed a header on target that Donnelly tipped over the bar.

As the game moved into the closing stages Tucker made two late changes, firstly White replacing Shankland and then deep in injury time, Glasgow coming on for Graham Wilson.

A good win for Talbot who now turn their attentions back to league duty where they face current front runners Kilwinning Rangers at Beechwood next Saturday.

Rossvale Juniors – Donnelly, Crawford, Leadbetter, McGrath, Bradley, Johnstone, Slattery, Sean Higgins, Anthony Higgins, Brennan, McGonigle

Subs – Zata, Niven, Biggar, Giffin, McNab

Auchinleck Talbot – Leishman, Lyle, Pope, McPherson, McCracken, Armstrong, Hyslop, Stephen Wilson, Graham Wilson, Boylan, Shankland

Subs – Glasgow, Samson, Young, White, Aiden Wilson

Gartcairn FC

Auchinleck Talbot

St Cadoc’s

Glenafton Athletic

Craig airs his frustration, while Neil looks dejected.

‘Pee-wee’ keeps his eyes fixed on the ball while inside the Glen’s box.

Gareth Armstrong makes a challenge on McChesney but the referee and linesman deem it to be a red card offence.

Lyle and the referee have words while the Glen’s manager puts in his ‘two cents’ too.

Samson gets stopped in his tracks via a great tackle.

It’s hurdle training for Mark, as he avoids getting hit by this challenge.

Craig and Dwayne try to team up in order to win the ball back.

‘Shankers’ wins the ball, turns and goes on the attack.

Glenafton double their lead via a stunning strike from the edge of the box. 2-0.

Smiles and cuddles all round, as the Glens celebrate their second goal.

A very worrying demeanour from Stephen Wilson after going two-nil down.

‘Gee’ thinks he’s pulled a goal back for Talbot but the ref blows for a hand-ball during the build up.

I don’t think Graham agrees with that hand-ball call, ref.

A headed chance for Talbot from McCracken.

Keir tries to get on the end of a cross, as the Glens players shout for hand-ball.

A Glens player pleads his innocence to the linesman.

The victory is sealed for Glenafton via a thunderous shot into the bottom right-hand corner off the post. 3-0.

Joyous scenes from the Glens players after netting goal number three.

Boylan tries to get a consolation goal but fails to hit the target.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY PAUL FLYNN.

Talbot got off to the worst possible start when McCANN lobbed the ball over Leishman to give the Glens the lead. Talbot had a chance to level matters in the 6th minutewhen Shankland hammered a low effort at goal but it was accidently blocked by Stephen Wilson. In the 9th minute things got worse for Talbot when they were reduced to 10 men after Armstrong dived into a tackle deep in the Glens half which seemed to catch McChesney but the far side which after speaking to his assistant a straight red. Leishman produced a wonder save in the 22nd minute to keep Talbot in it. The Glens won a corner down the left and when it came over Menzies got a free header on it that Leishman managed to claw away at his left post. Any realistic chance of Talbot taking something from the game ended in the 28th minute. Stephen Wilson lost the ball deep inside the Glens half which left the defence exposed and after a break up field GALLACHER cut inside onto his left foot and curled a shot inside the right post from the edge of the area. Graham Wilson slid the ball through to Samson who hammered it on target where Wilson parried it. The ball bounced out to Graham Wilson and struck him on the arm before he prodded it into the net but the flag had already been raised.

When the sides came out for the 2nd period Talbot had made a change with Healy replacing Shankland. The visiting support weren’t over-enamoured of the referee, when he dismissed a Talbot penalty appeal in the 57th minute when Pope mishit a free kick into the area which skipped off the surface and appeared to hit a defender’s arm. A minute later Graham Wilson gathered on the left & played a tempting ball across goal that just eluded Samson at the back post. Talbot nearly pulled a goal back with 12 minutes remaining. Graham Wilson shoved a ball through the centre for Boylan to chase. Hesitant defending allowed him to nip in behind and stretch out a leg to send it on target but Wilson did well, coming off his line to deflect it behind for the corner.The Glens keeper kept Talbot out again in the 81st minute. A shy was played back to McPherson and he lifted a cross over that found Healy beyond the far post He cracked a shot on target that Wilson blocked behind for a corner. The scoring was completed in the 83rd minute. Talbot’s defence failed to cut out a ball & it landed at ANDREW on the left of the area & he fired it back across goal & in off Leishman’s left hand post to make it 3-0. It wasn’t Talbot’s day & this was underlined in injury time when Wilson produced a superb stop to deny Talbot a consolation. Boylan met a cross from the left & glanced a header to the right corner which Wilson managed to keep out with a full length diving save. Glenafton Athletic – Wilson, Pettigrew, Cairns, Menzies, McChesney, Park, Moore, Frye, McCann, Gallacher, Reilly Subs – Andrew, Orsi, Marlow, Nisbet, Burns

Auchinleck Talbot – Leishman, Lyle, Pope, McPherson, McCracken, Armstrong, Hyslop, Stephe Wilson, Graham Wilson, Samson, Shankland Subs – Glasgow, Boylan, Healy, McDowall, Aiden Wilson