Away – Page 3 – Auchinleck Talbot Football Club

Dundonald Bluebell v Auchinleck Talbot

Glenafton Athletic v Auchinleck Talbot

Clydebank v Auchinleck Talbot

Lochee United v Auchinleck Talbot

Hearts Of Midlothian v Auchinleck Talbot

Cambuslang Rangers v Auchinleck Talbot

Blantyre Victoria v Auchinleck Talbot

Renfrew v Auchinleck Talbot

Fraserburgh FC v Auchinleck Talbot

Cove Rangers v Auchinleck Talbot


April 27, 2024 14:00 N/A Arthurlie v Auchinleck Talbot


May 11, 2024 14:00 N/A Benburb v Auchinleck Talbot

Player	Appearances	Goals	Assists	YC	RC
Neill McPherson	38	1	0	3	0
Connor Boyd	38	17	6	4	0
Neil Slooves	37	4	0	3	1
Ross Smith	36	14	5	6	0

MURRAY’S MATCH REPORT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gordon makes sure there is no way through for Dundonald.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gareth Armstrong charges down the park in a blistering run.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PHOTOGRAPHS BY PAUL FLYNN.

Talbot showed their intent when they broke up-field where Keir Samson whipped a cross into the box for the incoming Mark Shankland to crash a header off the bar and following an almighty scramble the loose ball was safely gathered by keeper Craig Burns.

This triggered a sustained period of Talbot pressure where Talbot notched up a series of corner kicks a few of which came close to providing the opening goal with Pope and McIlroy going close.

Talbot won a number of corners another in quick succession and on 22 minutes the ball fell for Mark Shankland on the outskirts of the box to crack an unstoppable dipping shot into net.

Talbot came close to doubling their lead on the half hour mark after another clever run by McIlroy took him to the edge of the “D” before lashing an angled shot which although it beat Burns at full stretch the ball bounced of the post and was eventually snapped up by Shankland to drive deep into the box only for the keeper to pull off a stunning block.

On 34 minutes McIlroy slipped the ball into the box for Calvin Kemp to take a touch before slamming the ball home from the corner of the six yard box to make it 2-0

Three minutes before the break and against the run of play the Glens halved the deficit when Kit Cummins drilled the ball low into the corner of the net beyond the advancing Leishman.

In the second half Kemp smacked a shot from just outside the left-hand side of box that cracked off the far post. Shankland drilled the loose ball low along the face of the goal where Kemp contrived to miss the empty net and fire the ball over the bar from 2 yards.

On 50 minutes another Talbot corner kick produced a fantastic point blank save by Burns from a Pope header and the ball scrambled to safety. Talbot doubled their lead on 58 minutes after a ball played in from the right found Shankland in the box with time and space to pick his spot and blast the ball home from 10 yards out.Six minutes later and Burns pulled off another point blank save by sticking out a foot to stop Steven White’s close-range shot.

Talbot continued to press and Burns was forced into another good save blocking Neil McPherson’s effort and soon after he stopped a low shot from White. On 72 minutes however the visitors extended their lead as Glens were made to pay after giving away possession to allow Shankland to push down the left unimpeded before whipping the ball to the back post where the incoming Kemp guided the ball into the net from close range.

With the last kick of the game Craig McCracken through on goal slotted the ball beyond advancing Burns to make it 5-1 for Talbot and complete the scoring .

MURRAYS MATCH REPORT

Talbot almost paid the penalty for some woeful officating but showed character to bounce back from losing a two goal lead to secure a 3-2 win away to Clydebank.
The travelling support had plenty to cheer early on as Talbot dominated the 1st half. With only 2 mins gone Talbot tested the home defence. Graham Wilson gathered at the edge of the box & laid it out to Pope whose dangerous low cross was cleared by Duncanson.
The opener came after 12 mins and was worth the admission money alone. Hyslop squared the ball to MARK SHANKLAND and from 30 yards he hammered a shot that flew past Waters to his right to put Talbot 1-0 ahead.
Two minutes later Talbot were back on the attack. Hyslop passed it inside to Graham Wilson who burst forward toward the penalty area. He had Shankland spare to his left but opted to go for goal & his drive was blocked by Vezza.
With quarter of an hour gone Talbot doubled their lead. McIlroy won a corner down the left which Shankland lifted beyond the far post where GORDON POPE met it to head it back down & across and into the opposite corner.
At this stage it looked to be a question of how many Talbot were going to score & the Bot came close again in the 17th minute when McDowall cut in off the right & fired a left foot drive just over the bar.
Two minutes later Talbot were denied by the woodwork. Shankland lifted a corner in from the left to the near post where McIlroy glanced a header off the crossbar with Waters beaten.
The chances kept coming and Shankland had an opportunity to grab his 2nd on 21st minute. Pope lifted a ball down the left where McIlroy held off Duncanson before rolling it back into the path of Shankland who burst into the area but curled his shot over the bar.
The game settled down with Talbot still well in control & the Bankies unable to muster anything resembling a chance.
In the 34th minute Talbot tested Waters again. Graham Wilson met a shy from the left & chested it down into the path of Shankland whose low drive was held by the keeper to his right.
Waters came to the Bankies rescue in the 39th minute when a good Bot move ended with Graham Wilson slinging a cross over that looked to be drifting in until the keeper clawed it away to safety.
Talbot were back on the front foot two mins later. Stephen Wilson pinged a ball over the defence to find Graham Wilson speeding free on the left & he hit the bye line before cutting it across the face of goal but unfortunately it went just behind McIlroy in front of goal.
Up til now it had been a fairly routine evening but the officials took centre stage in the final minute of the half. Clydebank won a free kick 20 yards out when McCracken collided with Shelvey.
McClair took the free kick & drove it straight into the wall. The ball spun out to Hyslop who was blatantly barged over. The only 3 people in the park who didn’t see it were the match officials but to rub salt into the wounds play went on with the Bankies down the left of the penalty area & the referee then awarded them a soft penalty when he penalised Lyle for the ball hitting off him.
LITTLE took full advantage of the referee’s generosity sending Leishman the wrong way from the spot to pull a goal back for the Bankies.
The 2nd half was only 3 minutes old when the referee pointed to the spot for the 2nd time. Alexander found McClair out on the right & when his ball came across Shelvey looked certain to score. Leishman raced out to make it difficult & Shelvey scooped his shot way over but Leishman collided with the Bankies man after he’d shot. The ball was lost in the shrubbery behind the goal long before Leishman collided with him but once again the ref pointed to the spot & once again LITTLE gave Leishman no chance to level the score.
Talbot reacted positively to the setback and threatened to regain the lead in the 50th minute. Stephen Wilson’s ball up the right found McIlroy inside the box & he hit it on the half-volley back across goal where Waters tipped it over the bar.
Shortly after Talbot had another opportunity. A cross from the right broke to Shankland inside the penalty area but his low drive flew straight at the keeper.
The Bot support could have been forgiven for thinking it wasn’t their night when the ref awarded the Bankies their 3rd penalty on the hour mark. McClair raced down the left & into the box where he went sprawling to the deck and the ref again pointed to the spot. Little was again on penalty duties but this time Leishman made the stop.
Tucker made a change with 62 mins gone bringing on Kemp in place of Graham Wilson.
The sub was involved 5 mins later when he raced down the left before lifting a cross into the centre where McDowall headed just over the bar from 6 yards out.
This was to be McDowall’s last contribution of the evening as Tucker made a double switch with Shankland & McDowall making way for Samson & Glasgow.
It was now Talbot back in control with the Bot pressing for the winner.
Lyle forced a corner down the right in the 71st minute which Glasgow delivered low into the near post. Kemp tried to force it home but it was scrambled behind for a 2nd corner which the defence cleared.
A few minutes later Talbot won another corner down the right. This time Glasgow played it back to Lyle who crossed it toward the back post. The defence failed to clear their lines & it came to McIlroy 12 yards out but he couldn’t get any purchase behind his shot & Waters saved easily.
With quarter of an hour remaining Talbot had another chance. A ball over the top found Kemp in behind the defence. He beat the keeper to the ball 30 yards from goal but was unable to knock it round him & Waters cleared.
Having awarded the home side 3 pens the referee shocked the visiting fans by awarding one to Talbot with 11 minutes remaining. Samson met a cross from the right & side-footed it wide of the left post before being clattered to the ground by the onrushing keeper. The ref booked the keeper and awarded the spot kick which GORDON POPE dispatched low inside the left post to restore Talbot’s lead.
The closing 10 minutes were surprisingly tame with Talbot able to see the game out without any further alarms to earn a deserved victory.
Talbot are back on their travels this Saturday when they travel through to Valefield to face Kilbirnie Ladeside in the league.

Clydebank – Waters, Duncanson, Paterson, McLean, Darroch, Vezza, C McClair, Alexander, Shelvey, Little, Black

Subs – Morrison, J McClair, McHugh, Higgins, Rowan

Talbot – Leishman, Lyle, Pope, McPherson, McCracken, Stephen Wilson, Hyslop, McDowall, Graham Wilson, McIlroy, Shankland

Subs – Samson, White, Glasgow, Kemp, Waite

MURRAYS MATCH REPORT

A late goal blitz put Talbot firmly in command of this Scottish Semi-final as the Bot emerged 4-1 winners at Thomson Park over an out-played & out-fought Lochee United.
It didn’t take Talbot long to get into their stride & it was the Bot who were first to threaten. Glasgow played a one-two with Graham Wilson before driving into the box & D Millar did well to nip across to slide it out for a corner.
The first shot at goal came after 10 minutes. Hyslop headed Leishman’s ball down the right to find Samson breaking forward & he hit it early; firing on target from 20 yards but without any power to trouble the Lochee keeper.
Two minutes later Samson’s pace won Talbot the first of their numerous corners. Glasgow’s ball in came back out to him & his 2nd attempt had to be batted away by Millar under his crossbar.
Talbot came close to taking the lead after 14 minutes. The Bot forced a couple of corners in quick succession & when Glasgow’s 2nd delivery came over it found Pope in space beyond the far post. He fired it back across goal where Graham Wilson side-footed on target only for Webster to clear it off the line.
Lochee had offered very little but they were given an opportunity to test the Bot defence in the 18th minute when they won a free kick out on the right. Cameron whipped the ball into the goal mouth where Leishman came to punch it clear.
The referee made a howler in the 21st minute when he seemed to be the only one in the park who didn’t notice Lochee’s keeper, Millar, clean out Samson as he burst into the box. It looked as stonewall as penalties go but to the ire of the Talbot support & astonishment of the Lochee bench the referee awarded a goal kick.
Four minutes later Samson was brought down again when he was clipped by Kirk. This time it was just outside the area & the ref had no problem spotting it. Glasgow took the free kick & fired it up & over the wall but it curled just over the bar.
Talbot were back on the attack in the 27th minute. Leishman bowled it out to Pope & he sent it down the line to find Glasgow racing up the wing. He fired a good low ball into the centre which Millar did well to cut out at his near post.
It was pretty much all Talbot at this stage & Graham Wilson had a half chance in the 32nd minute when Hyslop headed the ball down to him inside the area but he didn’t catch his shot cleanly.
Talbot got a fright in the 34th minute when a ball was clipped over the top to find Birse bursting down the left of the penalty area. Leishman read it & was quickly off his line to challenge him & McCracken knocked it behind for a corner.
With 38 mins gone it was like a scene from a horror flick when Cameron received a head wound that left him looking like a survivor in a zombie movie. It looked as though he’d run his race but despite the gore, he was back into the fray a few minutes later after being patched up.
Talbot came close to breaking the deadlock in the 40th minute. Glasgow’s cross was met by McCracken who dived to head it back across goal where Hyslop flashed a header just wide of the right post.
Three minutes before the interval Lochee had a chance to snatch the lead against the run of play. They were awarded a free kick out on the right that Kirk delivered to the far post. Kenneth won the header back across where it came to Birse 8 yards out but fortunately for Talbot it wouldn’t sit down for him & Pope was able to hook it clear before he could get a shot away.
And so in a re-run of last year’s clash at Thomson park the sides went in goal less after a 1st half dominated by Talbot.
Talbot came out all guns blazing at the start of the 2nd half and put the home side under pressure.
McCracken had a chance to put Talbot ahead in the 49th minute when he met Glasgow’s corner from the left at the back post but he didn’t make a clean contact & sent it wide from close range.
Two minutes later Talbot won another corner down the left when Samson raced into the box only for Millar to put it behind. Once again Glasgow delivered it to the far post and this time Hyslop met it but his header was blocked in a crowded goalmouth.
The pressure was building & Samson sent Glasgow racing free down the left & his cut back had the defence scrambling. They cleared it but only back out to Glasgow who won a corner down the left. Glasgow whipped it to the back post where Hyslop headed it back across goal & GRAHAM WILSON bundled it home from close range to give Talbot a deserved lead with 55 mins gone.
Kenneth received a yellow card in the aftermath of the goal for dissent.
Around the hour mark Cameron had to leave the field for the 2nd time when his head wound started bleeding again but once again they carried out emergency repairs & he returned to the action.
Lochee pushed men forward looking for a way back into it but had little to show for it as they were unable to breach the Talbot defence or test Leishman.
Tucker made a double substitution with 20 mins remaining; Kemp & McIlroy coming on for Samson and Graham Wilson.
Within 3 minutes of coming on McIlroy had a half chance to put Talbot further ahead. Glasgow pinged a ball down the left that eluded Kenneth & found McIlroy racing onto the end of it but Webster did well to get across & nick it off his toes.
A minute later though and Talbot doubled their lead with a well worked goal. McIlroy slid a great pass down the right to find Lyle on the overlap & he cut it back into the path of DWAYNE HYSLOP who chipped it into the net.
With quarter of an hour remaining Glasgow had his name taken for a trip out on the right and Tucker threw on his last sub; Armstrong coming on for White.
In the 78th minute Lochee made their one and only change when Cameron was replaced by Deasley.
The home side looked like they’d been thrown a lifeline in the 82nd minute when they pulled a goal back. McNally lifted over a dangerous cross from the left that went beyond Pope at the back post. Deasley headed it back across goal where BIRSE touched it home from close range.
Any ideas Lochee had of a comeback were short-lived however as Talbot restored their two goal cushion within a minute. The Bot won a free kick on the left that Pope angled into the area. McCracken’s header back across goal was brilliantly saved by Millar but he could do nothing to prevent STEPHEN WILSON from slotting the rebound home to put Talbot 3-1 ahead.
Two minutes later and McIlroy nearly added a fourth. Armstrong lifted a ball down the centre & McIlroy shrugged off the challenge of Kirk inside the area before drilling a low shot just wide of the left post with the keeper rooted.
In the final minute of regulation time Talbot capped a great performance with a fourth goal. Leishman launched it down the centre where Kemp challenged for it inside the area. The ball broke back to SEAN MCILROY whose first attempt was blocked but it came back to him and he rammed a low drive past Millar to make it 4-1.
As the game slipped into injury time the Lochee keeper was called into action one final time when he had to stretch up to tip Pope’s free kick over the crossbar.
This game bucked the trend of tight low scoring affairs in 1st legs and Talbot are now in an incredibly strong position going into next Saturday’s decider at Beechwood where Talbot will be short odds favourites to make it to their third consecutive Junior cup final.Lochee United – J Millar, D Millar, Kenneth, Kirk, Webster, Cameron, Ritchie, Lawson, McNally, McComiskie, Birse

Subs – Deasley, Davie, McDonald, Cavanagh

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

Subs – McIlroy, Kemp, Armstrong, McDowall, Shankland

Photographs by Paul Flynn.

Photographs by Paul Flynn.

MURRAYS REPORT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Subs – Henderson, Allan, Connelly

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

Subs – Samson, Kemp, McDowall, White, Hewitt

Photographs by Paul Flynn.

MURRAYS MATCH REPORT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Subs – Innes, McGillion, Barbour, McLeay

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

Subs – McIlroy, Kemp, McDowall, Waite, Hewitt

MURRAYS MATCH REPORT

Talbot’s remarkable record against Highland League opposition continued as they battled to a deserved away win at Fraserburgh to book their place in the last 32 of the senior cup where the Bot have earned an all Ayrshire tie with Ayr United.

Fraserburgh won a couple of early corners but nothing came of them. Talbot’s first attack saw Stephen Wilson burst forward before releasing it out right in an attempt to find his brother Graham but Leask was swiftly off his line to beat him to it.

Neither side had really settled & the game sped along at a frantic pace with both sides surrendering possession on a regular basis.

The referee reached for his notebook in the 20th minute when he booked Hay for a blatant trip on Graham Wilson as he broke into the Fraserburgh half. Pope angled the free kick to the far side of the box where it broke to McCracken on the right edge of the box. He tried to fire a low ball across goal but it was cut out by a defender at the near post & went behind for a corner. Glasgow knocked the free kick into the near post where Stephen Wilson’s effort at goal was blocked. It came back out to Glasgow who drilled a shot across the face of goal & wide of the right post.

Talbot’s next attack saw Lyle make tracks down the right & swing a good cross into the centre. Christie was caught late as he cleared it resulting in a booking for McIlroy.

McIlroy was involved in Talbot’s next attack when he raced to the bye line before cutting a cross back toward Graham Wilson who bulleted a header wide of the left post.

Shortly after, Talbot had a half chance when a poor clearance came straight out to Hyslop who volleyed it wide from 22 yards out.

Graham Wilson became the 2nd Bot player cautioned when he was penalised for a tussle with Macdonald in the 32nd minute, with the Broch midfielder making the most of the situation.

Talbot were having the best of it without creating too much and the game’s next half chance fell Talbot’s way in the 41st minute. McIlroy forced a corner down the left which Glasgow swept deep beyond the far post. Hyslop guided a header back across goal where McIlroy nodded it goal ward past the stranded Leask but there wasn’t enough on it & the keeper recovered to gather on the goal line.

A minute from half-time and the home side were reduced to 10 men. Pope played it down the line into the feet of Graham Wilson. He shielded the ball from Hay before turning his marker who hauled him to the deck. The ref awarded Talbot the free kick & sent Fraserburgh’s left-back for an early bath for a second yellow card. Glasgow took the resultant free kick & curled it low into the near post. Stephen Wilson got a touch on it & looked to have flicked it home but Hay managed to hook the ball clear off the goal line to ensure the sides went in level at the break.

Talbot started the 2nd half in sprightly fashion & carved out a good chance within a minute of the re-start. Graham Wilson gathered on the left & held off the challenge of Dickson before slipping a pass through for Glasgow who shot wide of the right post.

A minute later Talbot threatened again. McPherson flighted a free kick into the penalty area where Hyslop headed it back across goal & Cowie had to head over his own bar to concede the corner.

Talbot kept the pressure on & it looked as though Stephen Wilson was poised to head Talbot into the lead when Graham Wilson’s cross found him free at the back post but he lifted his header over the bar from 5 yards out; however, it wouldn’t have counted in any case as the assistant had raised his flag for offside.

Fraserburgh had offered very little going forward but tested the Talbot defence in the 52nd minute. An angled ball from right to left nearly found its way through to Barbour but McCracken did well to cut it out & cushion a header back to Leishman.

The action then immediately switched to the other end where it looked as though McIlroy was set to break through on goal but Leask read the danger & hared off his line to clear.

McCracken had his name taken in the 53rd minute for what looked to be an innocuous challenge.

Fraserburgh made the 1st change in the 54th minute when Campbell came on in place of Johnston.

The deadlock was broken in the 59th minute and it was a goal not only worthy of winning any game but a strong contender for goal of the round. A shy from the left came into Graham Wilson who flicked it inside into the path of STEPHEN WILSON who rocketed an unstoppable shot into the top right hand corner to put Talbot 1-0 ahead.

It could have been game over two minutes later. Graham Wilson raced through the centre of the defence but with only Leask to beat he drilled his shot just wide of the left post.

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

Fraserburgh had produced nothing in the final third yet they nearly levelled in the 63rd minute from a set piece. They won a corner down the left & when it came over Christie floated a header goal ward but Stephen Wilson was on the right post to clear.

A second goal for Talbot would’ve ended the contest & Graham Wilson had a great chance to grab it in the 69th minute. Samson did well outside the area, swivelling free of his marker before releasing Glasgow down the right. He burst into the area & pulled it back across goal where it landed at the feet of Graham Wilson 15 yards out but he lifted his shot over the bar with Leask stranded in no man’s land.

Pope became the 4th Talbot player cautioned when he conceded a free kick 25 yards from goal in the 78th minute. Cowie took the set piece but made a hash of it; curling his shot well over the bar.

In the 83rd minute Pope surged up the left & slung over a cross that Samson met at the near post; diving to meet it & send a header wide of target.

Young then picked up a caution for the home side for a late challenge on Hyslop.

The game was becoming stretched & Talbot twice had the opportunity to catch the home side on the counter-attack. On both occasions Talbot broke down the left & had Stephen Wilson free at the back post but couldn’t find the final ball.

With a minute remaining Tucker made a further change with McDowall coming on for Graham Wilson.

There was one final moment of drama when Fraserburgh almost produced an equaliser a minute into added time. The Bot defence were caught out by a ball over the top that found Davidson inside the area & he steered a 1st time shot from 15 yards that came back off the base of Leishman’s right post before Lyle put it behind for a corner which Talbot successfully defended.

Fraserburgh threw men forward deep into injury time but it was too little too late & Talbot held on to claim the win. A fantastic achievement for the Bot who have now made the 4th round of the senior cup for the 2nd time in their history. Next week it is back to the defence of the Scottish Junior trophy when Talbot travel through to South Lanarkshire to face Blantyre Vics.

Fraserburgh – Leask, Dickson, Hay, Cowie, Christie, Macdonald, Davidson, Young, G Buchan, Johnston, Barbour

Subs – C Buchan, Harris, Campbell, Butcher, Combe, Simpson

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

Subs – Samson, McDowall, White, Kemp, Waite, Harvey, Hewitt

Largs Thistle

Auchinleck Talbot

Benburb FC

MURRAYS REPORT
Talbot recovered from a shaky start to earn a hard fought replay against Cove Rangers in this 2nd round Scottish cup tie.

The Bot made the worst possible start when they conceded a soft goal after only 5 minutes. McIlroy attempted to hook the ball up field but shanked it back toward his own penalty area. It landed at the feet of MEGGINSON whose snap shot from 20 yards skipped off the surface past Leishman & inside the right post.

Talbot’s first meaningful attack came in the 7th minute. Glasgow swept a deep corner over from the left which Armstrong nodded back across the 6-yard area where McIlroy prodded the ball wide of target.

The Bot had shaken off the early goal & had a decent chance to level matters in the 10th minute. McIlroy won it in the air to flick it on into the path of Graham Wilson. He shoved it through to Glasgow who burst into the area but toe poked his shot straight at McCafferty.

McIlroy was inches away from restoring parity in the 14th minute. Glasgow whipped over a great cross from the left & McIlroy met it in the centre & sent a volley goal ward that clipped the top of the bar.

Cove’s McCafferty had a good day in nets but made his one & only blunder in the 22nd minute. Stephen Wilson lifted the ball down the right to find Graham Wilson on the wing & he lofted a high cross into the centre. McCafferty came for it & missed it & it came to Hyslop who headed for goal but he didn’t get enough power behind it & McCafferty had recovered to gather the ball.

Talbot won a free kick within shooting distance in the 27th minute after Graham Wilson was barged in the back. Glasgow took it but skied his effort well over the bar.

Megginson became the 1st player in the book when he picked up a caution on the half hour mark. He should have received it for going through the back of Harvey as he shepherded the ball out of play but having got away with only a free kick against him he proceeded to talk his way into the book.

Talbot had a lucky escape in the 35th minute when Cove nearly doubled their lead. Yule swung a cross over from the right that landed right on the head of Brown who ought to have scored from 6 yards out but steered his header onto Leishman’s right hand post.

Graham Wilson had a half chance for Talbot in the 38th minute. McIlroy gathered on the left of the area & touched it inside to Wilson who burst through on goal but the ball broke away from him & McCafferty was quickly off his line to smother it.

The home side won a free kick 35 yards from goal in the 40th minute. The ball was flighted into the centre where Watson rose to head it but he didn’t make a clean connection & it looped harmlessly straight to Leishman.

The referee appeared of the view that football is a non-contact sport & handed out a very soft yellow card to McIlroy in the 42nd minute for an innocuous aerial challenge.

The final chance of the half came Talbot’s way a minute from the interval. Stephen Wilson was fouled by Ferguson as he raced clear on the right & the ref awarded Talbot the free kick 30 yards from goal. Pope took this set piece & aimed it for the far top corner but Yule was well-positioned in front of the back post to head it clear and so Talbot left the field a goal down at the break.
Cove started the 2nd half sharply & carved out an early chance in the 50th minute. A good passing move ended with Ferguson sliding the ball to Brown on the right side of the area but he hit a weak effort at goal from 10 yards.

Talbot picked up their 2nd booking of the afternoon in the 56th minute when Graham Wilson received a caution.

Leishman came to the rescue a minute later. Yule raced onto a ball down the left of the area & knocked it wide of the advancing Leishman. He retrieved it near the bye line & back-heeled it into the centre where Megginson drilled a low shot at goal that Leishman saved with his feet.

Talbot’s first effort of the 2nd half came in the 64th minute. Hyslop gathered out on the right & angled it back into the path of Stephen Wilson whose shot glided past a crowd of players & wide of the right post.

Tucker now made a change with Kemp coming on in place of McIlroy.

Kemp’s first involvement came soon after joining the fray when he was cynically up-ended as he raced forward inside the Cove half; resulting in a booking for Scully.

Hyslop took the free kick & his effort clipped off the wall & went behind for a corner. Glasgow whipped the corner into the near post where it was headed behind for a 2nd corner. This time he hit it deep & again it came off a Cove head for Talbot’s 3rd successive corner. When this one came over the defence headed it out but only as far as Stephen Wilson who hammered a shot from the edge of the area. His shot was blocked by Watson’s arm & the referee immediately pointed to the spot. GRAHAM WILSON stepped up & looked the coolest head in the pitch as he sent the keeper the wrong way to make it 1-1 in the 68th minute.

Teams are often at their most vulnerable soon after scoring & so it proved for Talbot who had a lucky escape two minutes after equalising. Yule raced away down the right & pulled a dangerous ball back across the box. Megginson dummied it leaving Masson in space 15 yards out but he side-footed it just wide of Leishman’s left post.

McCafferty denied Talbot the lead with a super stop in the 73rd minute. Kemp robbed Kelly of the ball outside the area before cutting in off the left & firing a right foot screamer that the keeper tipped wide of the left post.

Cove’s keeper came to his side’s aid again a few minutes later. Glasgow showed a great burst of pace to surge straight into the penalty area & through on goal. He attempted to prod it past the advancing keeper but McCafferty was able to block.

Action then switched to the other end where Brown stretched out a leg to get on the end of Masson’s cross & steer a shot just wide of the left post.

As the game entered the closing stages Talbot were looking the more likely side. Graham Wilson broke into the penalty area in the 87th minute but was blocked by a wall of players before he could get his shot away.

Glasgow took one for the team in the 89th minute. Megginson looked set to race deep into the Talbot half before Glasgow tugged him back & received a caution for his trouble.

As the game moved into injury time Talbot pressed forward and nearly snatched a late winner. Firstly Armstrong sent Graham Wilson away down the right & McCafferty had to parry away his effort. Shortly after, with virtually the last kick of the ball, Kemp thundered a shot from the right edge of the area that forced an acrobatic stop from the keeper who flew to his right to push it away.

A fine performance from Talbot who gave as good as they got & nearly nicked the win right at the end. Next week it’s back to Beechwood for the replay with both sides playing for the chance to face Fraserburgh in the 3rd round.

Cove Rangers – McCafferty, Yule, Redford, Ross, Watson, Kelly, Ferguson, Scully, Megginson, Brown, Masson

Subs – Strachan, Milne, Macleod, Carnie, Ellis

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

Subs – Shankland, Kemp, McDowall, McCracken, White, Samson, Hewitt

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