Beechwood Park – Page 10 – Auchinleck Talbot Football Club

Auchinleck Talbot v Craigmark Burntonians

Auchinleck Talbot v Coldstream FC

MURRAYS REPORT

Coldstream is barely in Scotland and The Streamers were barely in this year’s Scottish cup as the Bot swept them aside to book their place in Monday’s 1st round draw.

Talbot got the quick start they’d been looking for and won a penalty in the 5th minute. Taylor fed the ball to Samson who cut inside Gay and burst into the area. His square ball across goal was intercepted but came straight back to him and when Fox up-ended him the ref pointed straight to the spot. KIER SAMSON took it himself and coolly sent the keeper the wrong way as he passed it inside the right hand post.

Two minutes later and Talbot doubled their lead with a well-worked goal. Armstrong’s pass found Wardrope who in turn fed it into the feet of ROSS TAYLOR who turned smartly before sending a curling shot beyond the keeper from 25 yards to make it 2-0.

The early goals had all but settled the tie and Talbot began to knock the ball about content to keep possession.

Sixteen minutes in and Talbot added a third. The defence managed to head Ballantyne’s cross clear but Talbot regained it and Armstrong squared the ball into the path of ROSS TAYLOR who hit a low drive from 20 yards that Turnbull got a hand to but couldn’t keep out.

Coldstream tried to rally and created a half chance in the 19th minute. Windram did well on the left wing and hit an early ball into the area that Aitchison laid back toward Ingram but his shot was blocked away.

Talbot came close twice in short order in the 23rd minute as they forced a string of corners. From the 2nd corner Glasgow tried an acrobatic half volley that looked to be rocketing into the top of the net until it cannoned off the head of a defender and over the bar. Wardrope took the next corner short and angled it back into the path of Stafford who clipped a shot just over the bar.

Leishman had been spectating for the most part but was called into action in the 27th minute. Brannan hit an accurate long diagonal ball to find Windram on the left edge of the Talbot area. He drilled a low powerful shot on target but straight at Leishman who had his near post covered.

Talbot kept pressing and had half a chance in the 36th minute when Taylor swept over a dangerous cross from the right toward Samson but he opted to go for the scissor kick rather than with his head and failed to make contact.

A minute later Glasgow brought a good save out of the keeper when he danced past Brannan’s challenge inside the area and fired a shot back across goal from a tight angle that Turnbull did well to stop.

As the half drew to a close Wardrope tried his luck from 18 yards but it lacked the power to test Turnbull and then Taylor pounced on a loose ball following a Bot corner but sent his curling shot over the bar with the Borderers able to hang on to go in 3 down at the interval.

Talbot made a change early in the 2nd period with Crawford coming on for Stafford in the 50th minute.

Two minute later Talbot had a chance to extend their lead. The Bot won a free kick out on the right touchline for Gay’s foul on Armstrong. Wardrope flighted it over toward the back post where Wilson met it but he sent his header over the crossbar.

Coldstream had a decent chance to pull one back in the 55th minute when Aitchison bulled his way through the centre of the Bot defence. The ball broke out wide right to Briggs in space but he failed to take advantage – pulling his shot across goal and wide of the far post.

The visitors defence weren’t doing a great job of guarding their goal and Talbot nearly added a fourth in the 58th minute. Crawford clipped a good ball in behind the defence for Glasgow to chase and he cut it back to find Wilson racing onto it but Turnbull did well to turn his shot away.

The chances were falling thick & fast and Talbot had another go in the 61st minute. A shy from the right was met by Wilson who laid it into the feet of Glasgow who steered a left foot shot wide of goal from the edge of the box.

Two minutes later Talbot came close again. A neat passing move ended with Samson being released down the left. He beat Brannan on the outside and stood a cross up to the back post where Ballantyne glanced a header wide.

In the 66th minute Talbot made a double swap up top with Wilson & Samson making way for Mason & Boylan. The visitors also made a change with Bullen limping from the field after suffering cramp to be replaced by Wright.

68 mins in and Talbot’s pressure told as they added a fourth. McCracken hit a good ball down the right to find Mason speeding in behind the defence and as Glasgow went to meet his cut-back he was bundled over from behind for Talbot’s 2nd penalty of the afternoon. ROSS TAYLOR slotted it away low to Turnbull’s left to complete his hat-trick.

Coldstream now made a further change with Paterson on for Briggs.

Talbot grabbed their fifth goal of the afternoon in the 71st minute. Glasgow sent an early ball over from the left to find Boylan inside the box who appeared to be fouled by the defender; however, he kept his feet and got away from him and fired a shot that Turnbull blocked at his near post but he could do nothing to prevent BRYAN BOYLAN passing the rebound into the empty net.

Talbot now made their final change with McPherson coming on for McCracken.

It was nearly six for Talbot soon after when Mason did well out on the left to nip in and rob the ball from Brannan as he tried to let it run out for a goal kick. He angled the ball back into the path of Glasgow who swept a shot just over the crossbar.

Talbot got their sixth goal in the 81st minute. Mason gathered it on the left before cutting in field and driving towards the box before releasing it to JAMIE GLASGOW whose low side-footed effort managed to sneak past Turnbull who got his hand to it but couldn’t prevent it trundling home.

Five minutes from time Boylan almost added to Talbot’s tally. A good early ball in behind found Boylan racing free on the right. He tried to hit it across the face first time and when the defence cut it out it came straight back to him, only this time he cut onto his left foot and fired a shot for the far corner that Turnbull turned round the post.

Three minutes from time Talbot completed the scoring as they grabbed their seventh of the afternoon. Wardrope slipped a good pass into the feet of Crawford who sped forward down the right before squaring it to the unmarked AARON MASON who passed it inside the left hand post to make it 7-0.

A good afternoon’s work for Talbot who did what they had to. Next week its back to league action as Talbot travel through to Springburn to face Petershill.

Auchinleck Talbot – Leishman, Stafford, Ballantyne, Healy, McCracken, Armstrong, Wardrope, Taylor, Wilson, Samson, Glasgow

Subs – Boylan, Mason, Crawford, McPherson, Park, Halliday

Coldstream – Turnbull, Brannan, Fox, Gay, Hume, Heugh, Bullen, Ingram, Briggs, Windram, Aitchison

Subs – Taylor, Wright, Bonnington, Whitehead, Paterson, Ainslie

Auchinleck Talbot v Darvel

MURRAY’S REPORT

A bad day at the office for Talbot who slumped to a 3-0 defeat with the damage being done in the last 5 minutes of the 1^st half.

The game started positively flowing from end to end with both sides having early chances. Darvel had an opportunity in the opening minute when they won a free kick out on the left touchline. It was swept into the centre where Ferguson steered a free header over the bar.

In the 3^rd minute Talbot had a good chance to take the lead. Graham Wilson did well in the build-up holding the ball up before sliding a pass left to send Samson through on goal but Truesdale produced a fine stop – saving with his outstretched leg to deny Samson.

Two minutes later and Samson had a golden chance for the opener. Graham Wilson touched the ball on into his path to send him clear through the centre and in on goal but he took a slightly heavy 1^st touch and Truesdale was quickly off his line to make the block.

It was then Darvel’s turn to threaten when a shy from the right found Mackenzie in the area and he spun McPherson before firing a shot across goal and wide of the far post.

Stafford had his name taken in the 9^th minute when he obstructed Stirling as he burst forward. McShane took the resultant free kick but sent it well wide of target.

Talbot conceded a soft corner in the 16^th minute and nearly paid for it when the corner in ricocheted into the path of Mackenzie but he fired a half volley over the bar from 8 yards.

The Bot’s next attack saw Graham Wilson show good close control before releasing Samson down the left and he saw his shot blocked behind for the corner. When the corner came over deep beyond the far post McCracken glanced a header wide of target.

In the 34^th minute Samson fashioned a chance out of nothing when his persistence saw him close down & dispossess Eadie. He raced into the area and cut it back to Park but he went for the wrong option trying to square it into the centre rather than shooting and the chance was lost.

Three minutes later Graham Wilson angled a good 1^st time ball over beyond the far post where Taylor met it and volleyed wide of the left post.

The game began to slip away from Talbot in the 40^th minute when Armstrong lunged into a tackle on Mackenzie. The referee produced a straight red and things went from bad to worse for Talbot as they conceded the opener a minute later. Darvel won a corner on the right and when it came over a Darvel player headed it on in the crowded 6-yard box and MEGGETT prodded it home from close range to give Darvel the lead.

It was all over bar the shouting deep into 1^st half injury time when Darvel doubled their lead. The ball was switched left to right to find Meechan in space and he had time to look up and drill it across the face of goal where MACKENZIE turned it home at the near post to send Darvel in 2 ahead at the interval.

Tucker made a switch during the break with Wardrope on in place of Park.

The 2^nd half was a bit of a non-event with Darvel content to keep possession for the most part. Taylor picked up a caution in the 55^th minute for clipping the heels of Stirling and he was joined in the book a minute later by Meggett who was penalised for kicking the ball away after shoving over Samson.

Darvel nearly added to their lead in the 57^th minute. Ferguson beat Leishman to a ball down the left and slid it for goal from a tight angle but Aiden Wilson got back to clear.

Talbot were offered a glimmer of hope in the 64^th minute. Taylor met Aiden Wilson’s hanging cross only to be bundled over inside the box. The ref pointed to the spot but when it’s not your day it’s not your day and Graham Wilson’s tame spot kick was easily saved by Truesdale.

Two minutes later and Darvel completed the scoring. STIRLING gathered the ball 30 yards out and surged forward into the area before firing a shot in off the underside of the bar.

With the game gone Talbot made a slew of changes bringing on Glasgow and Boylan for Taylor and Samson and late on making a further double change with Ballantyne and Crawford getting a run out in place of Stafford and McPherson.

A disappointing afternoon but Talbot will look to dust themselves down and get back to winning ways next Saturday when they travel through to Somervell Park to face newly promoted Cambuslang Rangers.

Auchinleck Talbot – Leishman, Stafford, Aiden Wilson, McPherson, McCracken, Armstrong, Park, Healy, Graham Wilson, Samson, Taylor

Subs – Glasgow, Boylan, Wardrope, Crawford, Ballantyne, Heaney

Darvel – Truesdale, Eadie, Allan, Meggett, McShane, Stirling, Mackenzie, Meechan, Ferguson, Robertson, Caldwell

Subs – Ferguson, Miller, C Truesdale, Moore

Auchinleck Talbot v Johnstone Burgh

TALBOT: Leishman, Crawford (Stafford), Ballantyne, McPherson, McCracken, Armstrong( Heaney), Wardrope, Healey(Park), G.Wilson, Glasgow(Mason), Taylor (Miller).

Talbot entertained a young Johnstone side who to be honest were under the cosh for long periods, but when they did attack they put the Talbot defence under severe pressure. Things had went to plan early for the home side when new signing Taylor rushed into the box and gave the visiting keeper no chance to make it 1-0.

Jamie Glasgow was being extremely busy in the half and on two occasions the keeper thwarted him. Just before half time Talbot went 2-0 ahead when Taylor was up-ended in the box and wilson made no mistake from the spot.

The second half saw Talbot introduce Stafford, Park and Mason to switch it up, but as usual it took the new boys a bit of time to bed into the game.

With the game becoming as dull as dishwater, like Saturday the last five minutes proved the big talking point when Mason was carded minutes from the end and Sterling pulled a goal back and with three minutes remaining the home fans had to endure a big push by the visitors.

Auchinleck Talbot v Tranent Juniors

Talbot lost their opening friendly in an enthralling match that certainly entertained the shirt sleeved crowd. Sadly two rookie errors in the last 5 minutes cost them the match, but overall it was a decent performance considering Talbot introduced five new faces to the fray. Crawford started at right back with Aiden Wilson on the left and a new central pairing of Stafford and trialist Ballantyne in the centre. The central midfield consisted of Park and Healy with Samson and Glasgow on the wings with Mason as the lone striker.

The opening 30 minutes was a ding dong affair with both sides playing attractive football, and it was on the half hour mark that Mick Wardrope put Talbot ahead with a 25 yard raker that gave the keeper no chance. Shortly after the home support thought that their favourites had doubled their lead when Healy forced the keeper to parry his shot and Samson slid the ball home only to be flagged offside. Talbot kept pressing for another goal and although Tranent had their moments they failed to trouble Leishman in goals.

Talbot switched it up a bit by replacing Healey, Mason, Glasgow and Wilson with Boylan, Armstrong, McCracken and new signing Taylor. With Ballantyne moved to cover Wilson and McCracken in the centre the visitors started find small chinks in the Talbot armour, and one long ball up the park had to be saved by the legs of Leishman as the Tranent striker dealt with the high ball better than the Talbot defence.

It was easy to see that the visitors were getting the upper hand in the match and it was no surprise that they equalised with what can only be described as a screamer that even had the home fans applauding.

Samson was replaced by Heaney and trialist Miller took over from Wardrope, but it was Tranent who were still dominant as Boylan proved to be Boylan as he chased every loose ball trying to get a sniff of goals. On the 83rd minute and against the run of play a Miller free kick was glanced into the net by the head of none other than Bryan Boylan.

With the fans making their way to the exits, Tranent were thrown a lifeline on the 88th minute when Chris Stafford made a schoolboy challenge at the edge of the box with the resulting penalty being stroked past Leishman. As the referee checked his watch another blunder lead up to Tranent winning the tie, this time an over hit back pass by Gareth Armstrong flew over Leishmans head for a corner. The delivery was dropped right into the six yard box and after a couple of attempts to clear the ball it was finally poked over the line.

Overall it was a decent performance where the ball spent most of the time on the carpet, and although defeated we played a right good side who played some excellent football.

Auchinleck Talbot v Kirkintilloch Rob Roy

Auchinleck Talbot v Sauchie Juniors

Talbot were down to the bare bones for this semi final due to injuries, suspensions and cup tied players which forced Tucker into putting Steven White and Under20 player Greg Smith on the bench. With Craig McCracken still injured Gareth Armstong teamed up with Neil McPherson in the centre of defence while there was a starting place for Dwayne Hyslop in the middle of the park.

The visitors were quick off the mark forcing two corners which the Talbot defence dealt with, while in the fifth minute Hyslop tried his luck from 20 yards out but sliced the ball well over the bar. Minutes later the big man proved to be more deadly when Aiden Wilson’s quick throw in found Glasgow who put in a pin point cross that HYSLOP headed into the net via the clawing fingers of keeper Clark.

Talbot were finding space down the left side and on 14 minutes Aiden Wilson flung in a dangerous cross that forced Clark to touch the ball into the path of Boylan who smashed a shot from a few yards but Tully somehow headed the ball off his crossbar before it was cleared by Comrie for a corner. On the 17^th minute Talbot doubled their lead when after collecting a Glasgow throw in Stafford burst into the box leaving at least three Sauchie defenders in his wake before picking out GRAHAM WILSON who slammed the ball past Clark from 12 yards.

If it wasn’t bad enough that Talbot were short of players, worse was to come when Boylan was injured on the 20^th minute after Carroll naughtily body checked the striker into the hoardings where he suffered injuries to his head and knee. The player didn’t recover after a visit from the physio and was replaced by Robbie McCracken.

The youngster was soon involved in the match when he picked up a Glasgow pass and threaded a superb ball through to Graham Wilson whose shot was parried by the feet of Clark before being cleared by Docherty.

Beechwood was silenced on the half hour mark when Comrie cut out a Glasgow pass which fell to Smith who found out he had options either side of him as the Talbot players try to get to him and he played in Ross Kavanagh who beat Armstrong to the ball and slid a shot under the onrushing Leishman.

Minutes later Talbot should have restored their two goal cushion when the impressive Stafford again caused havoc in the Sauchie defence picking out Healy who faltered to get a shot away but got the ball to Hyslop whose pass was knocked into the path of Samson by Comrie but the striker was robbed of a goal when Clark made a superb one handed save with Columbine clearing the loose ball for a corner.

The remainder of the first half saw both sides cancelling out each other as Sauchie chased an equalizer while Talbot were happy to hit on the break.

The second half was hardly started when a Robbie McCracken clearance was headed on by G.Wilson which landed at the feet of Glasgow who outstripped Tully but Clark did well to block his first time shot. The game started to see a bit of niggle creep in that saw Kavanagh carded for going straight through the back of Hyslop. Morgan followed his team mate into referee Curran’s book for constant mouthing.

Talbot had a good penalty claim turned down when a corner was cleared into the path of Armstrong whose volley came off the arm of Scott Davidson, but was waved aside by referee Curran who had a great view of the infringement.

Talbot were now in the ascendency as they started to pick holes in the Sauchie defence. Robbie McCracken was unlucky not to get on the score sheet when he thundered a Graham Wilson back heeled pass from 18 yards but it was well parried by Clark. Graham Wilson became the first Talbot player in the book after a theatrical head injury by Comrie.

The game was over as a competition with 15 minutes to go when Aiden Wilson fired a long ball into the edge of the box where Glasgow turned Tully and as Clark advanced to avert the danger the Talbot midfielder lobbed the ball over his head and into the net.

The visitors seemed to run out of ideas and stamina after Glasgow’s goal and the player had another chance before the final whistle when Healy’s pass into the box gave Glasgow a clear run at goals but his shot slipped past the post.

This was a workmanlike performance by Talbot which was peppered by some sheer brilliance from the players. Sauchie were a tough outfit and good opponents but rarely bothered the Talbot defence. Next up a do or die match with Rob Roy on Wednesday night.

TALBOT: Leishman, Stafford, A.Wilson, McPherson, Armstrong, Hyslop, Healy (Boyd), G.Wilson, Boylan (R.McCracken), Samson, Glasgow(Smith). Subs: R.McCracken, Boyd, Smith, White, Hewitt GK.

SAUCHIE: Clark, Scott Davidson, Tully, Columbine(Kelly), Comrie, Smith, Sam Davidson(Dickie), Kavanagh(Crawford), Docherty, Carroll, Morgan SUBS: Greenhorn, Dickie, Crawford, Fisher, Syme, Kelly, Columbine GK.

Some Sauchie fans out singing in the rain before kick-off.

EARLY GOAL!!! Talbot take an early lead in the game, as ‘Pee-wee’ does what he does best and smashes home a great header. 1-0.

It’s all smiles from Dwayne Hyslop, as he gets congratulated by his team-mates after scoring.

Boylan gets his point across to the linesman.

TALBOT DOUBLE THEIR LEAD!!! Graham Wilson slams home a great low strike that leaves the ‘keeper rooted to the spot. 2-0.

‘Gee’ gets all the plaudits after doubling Talbot’s lead.

After crashing into the advertising boards, Boylan’s game comes to an abrupt end, as he receives treatment after sustaining a very nasty head wound.

Sauchie try their luck from distance but fail to find the back of the net.

WHAT-A-CHANCE!!! ‘Gee’ goes very close to scoring again but the Sauchie ‘keeper pulls off a great save to stop him from scoring.

GAME ON!!! Sauchie pull a goal back, as Ross Kavanagh slides the ball past Leishman and into the back of the net. 2-1.

Glasgow goes on a great run but gets stopped in his tracks by the opposition.

The crowd shelter from the elements, as they watch Healy winning the ball back for Talbot.

CLOSE!!! Samson goes very close to scoring but the ‘keeper manages to keep out his powerful strike.

I wouldn’t like to be on the receiving end of his shouting.

‘Gee’ goes all ‘Usain Bolt’, as he races down the wing.

Robbie McCracken tries to state his case to the man in the middle.

Both Healy and ‘Tucker’ vent their frustration to the referee.

OUCH!!! ‘Big Neily’ takes a sore one, as he blocks this Sauchie strike.

GAME, SET & MATCH!!! Talbot seal the win through a sensational strike from Jamie Glasgow. 3-1.

Glasgow races away to celebrate with the Talbot faithful after scoring, as Sauchie feel deflated.

Glasgow gets swamped by his team-mates after scoring his wonder goal.

Jamie Glasgow vents his frustration after getting bundled over.

CHANCE!!! Talbot go close to extending their lead but Glasgow fails to find the back of the net with his shot.

Talbot try to go on one final attack, as Boyd offloads the ball in the middle of the park.

As the final whistle gets blown, Armstrong and ‘Gee’ are all smiles after helping to put Talbot into their first final of the South Challenge Cup.

Healy and ‘Pee-wee’ applaud the fans as they walk off the park.

It’s a celebratory thumbs up from Talbot Captain Andy Leishman, as the Talbot faithful applaud their heroes off the park.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY PAUL FLYNN.

Auchinleck Talbot v Rossvale

Auchinleck Talbot v Rutherglen Glencairn

MURRAY’S REPORT

Talbot hit top gear to cruise past Rutherglen and move 5 points clear at the top after recording their biggest win of the season; knocking 6 past the visitors to no reply.

The Bot were in the ascendancy from the off and nearly opened the scoring in the 7^th minute. Wardrope found Wilson out on the left & he fizzed a great ball across the face of goal that both Healy then Glasgow just failed to connect with.

11 mins in Talbot won a free kick just outside the penalty area for a foul on Boylan. Shankland took it and his shot clipped off the wall and behind for the corner. Glasgow’s corner was fired into the near post where it broke back to MARK SHANKLAND who turned and lashed a left foot shot home to put Talbot 1-0 ahead.

Two minutes later Talbot were back on the attack – Shankland’s ball through the centre nearly finding Wardope’s run.

The visitors had a rare foray into the Talbot half in the 14^th minute when the ball was pulled back from the right wing into the feet of Lone and he drilled a low shot straight at Leishman.

Any hopes Glencairn harboured were effectively ended in the 16^th minute. O’Byrne won a 50/50 with Hyslop but when the ball broke away from him he lunged into a straight legged lunge on McCracken – leaving the ref no option but to show him a straight red.

It didn’t take Talbot long to take advantage of their extra man and the Bot doubled their lead in the 19^th minute. A ball up the left found Wardrope racing free and he cut it back into the path of AIDEN WILSON whose powerful drive squeezed past McGinley at his right post.

Two minutes later it was déjà vu as once again Wardrope headed for the bye line down the left before pulling it back for Wilson to hit but this time his shot was blocked.

The chances kept coming and moments later Healy found Stafford in space on the right. He swept a dangerous cross beyond the far post where Wilson met it but McGinley managed to parry his effort.

In the 26^th minute Glencairn put together a good counter as they moved the ball swiftly from right to left to send Schoneville scurrying free. He fired it across the 6-yard area where Wilson managed to bundle it clear.

Talbot looked certain to grab their 3^rd in the 33^rd minute. Shankland charged down an attempted clearance and the ball broke to Boylan on the right of the area. He swept it across goal to the far post where Glasgow looked set to prod it home but he got his feet tangled and the ball hit off him and deflected clear.

The goal wasn’t long in coming though and Talbot moved 3^rd ahead in the 38^th minute. Wardope’s first attempted cross was headed back out to him and he released Wilson on the overlap. He hit the bye line before pulling it back for MARK SHANKLAND to fire a low drive inside the right post.

The Bot moved 4-0 ahead in the 42^nd minute. McCracken swung over an inch perfect cross from the right to find MARK SHANKLAND beyond the far post and he guided a header back across goal to complete his hat-trick.

A minute before the interval Shankland came close to adding another. Healy got free on the right and swept over an early cross that broke into the path of Shankland who was only denied his 4^th by a fingertip save from McGinley who turned it past his left post. When the corner came over Boylan met it but his glancing header was held by the keeper and Talbot trooped off 4 goals to the good.

The visitors made a change at the start of the 2^nd half with Lone making way for Murray.

Talbot started as they’d left off – piling forward in numbers and soon after the restart Shankland tested the defence with a dangerous ball in from the right that was turned behind for a corner. Shortly after, Glasgow had a half chance when Stafford laid the ball off into his path but he blazed his shot well over from the edge of the area.

In the 51^st minute Healy clipped the ball down the left to find Boylan racing forward. He lifted a cross into the centre where Shankland thumped a header against the crossbar from 6 yards out.

Within a minute Talbot won a free kick out on the left as the pressure told on the visitors. Shankland swept it to the back post where it was only half cleared. The ball came to McCracken who was impeded and the ref pointed to the spot. MARK SHANKLAND stepped up to take it and drilled the penalty beyond McGinley and inside the right post to put Talbot 5-0 ahead.

With the game long since won Tucker now made a double switch with Shankland & Hyslop making way for Mason and Crawford who came on for his debut.

Talbot’s next effort at goal came in the 56^th minute when they were awarded a free kick inside the Glencairn half for Leitch’s late challenge on Mason. It was taken short to Wardrope and he carried it forward before firing narrowly past the right post from 30+ yards.

Rutherglen now made a further change with Maley coming on for Leitch.

Talbot completed their changes in the 62^nd minute when Robbie McCracken replaced Boylan.

In the 64^th minute Mason gathered the ball on the left of the area and traversed a couple of challenges before finally being brought down by Coleman just outside the area. Mason took the resultant free kick but fired it low into the wall.

McGinley did well to deny Talbot a 6^th in the 72^nd minute. Wilson’s chip into the area found the head of Glasgow who glanced it across the area to pick out Crawford on the right. He rolled it back to Mason whose shot was well saved by the keeper.

Glencairn now made their final change with Cummins replacing McIlveen.

The sub had a decent chance to grab a consolation in the 76^th minute when he met Schoneville’s corner from the right but he glanced his header beyond the far post.

Talbot completed the scoring with 6 minutes remaining. A Rutherglen player went through the back of Mason resulting in a booking and a free kick to Talbot 30 yards from goal. Wardrope took it and clipped a great ball through the centre where LEWIS CRAWFORD steered a diving header past McGinley to make it 6-0.

The Bot kept pressing but couldn’t add to their tally.

A great performance and good confidence booster as next up for Talbot it’s a Scottish Junior semi-final against in form Rob Roy at Meadow Park.

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

Subs – Armstrong, Samson, Mason, Robbie McCracken, Crawford, Hewitt

Rutherglen Glencairn – McGinley, Coleman, Schoneville, Shields, O’Byrne, Leitch, Lone, McGuire, McIlveen, Pearson, Mitchell

Subs – Cummins, Murray, Maley, McNeill, Imrie, McLellan

Auchinleck Talbot v Pollok

Healy makes his presence known, as he goes in with a hefty challenge in order to win the ball back.

Come on lads! Is it left or right the ball is going?

While trying to go on the attack, Glasgow loses possession.

CHANCE!!! Pollok go very close to opening the scoring via a close range header but although Big Andy makes sure, the ball goes over crossbar.

Stafford and McCracken team up and make sure they make Pollok go in the wrong direction.

TALBOT CHANCE!!! ‘Pee-wee’ some how squeezes his shot through a crowded box but gets thwarted by a great save from the ‘keeper.

HOW DID THAT NOT GO IN!!! Pollok find themselves with space right in front of goal and send a downward header towards goal but…

…they can only rue a missed opportunity, as Leishman gathers up the ball.

Robbie McCracken tries to muscle his way past his opponent.

Although the ball is heading out of play, Samson still gives his all to chase after it.

Glasgow has got this licked, as he threads the pass through.

Hyslop helps out McCracken by clearing the danger.

While under pressure, Jamie Glasgow still manages to win the aerial battle.

SO CLOSE!!! Samson tries to squeeze the ball home from a very tight angle but the ‘keeper manages to block the way through.

After being penalised by the referee, ‘Pee-wee’ vents his frustration.

POLLOK GOAL!!! Pollok make the breakthrough, as they send the corner in and head the ball home from very close range. 0-1.

It’s joy all round for the boys in red, as they celebrate taking the lead.

Talbot walk back to the centre circle for the re-start, while Pollok continue celebrating.

There’s got to be a LOT of caption ideas for this one!

‘Shankers’ goes on the attack and fires the cross in.

TALBOT PULL LEVEL!!! Samson gets on the end of Shankland’s low cross and fires the ball home. 1-1.

Keir Samson wheels away to celebrate his goal.

WHAT-A-CHANCE!!! Talbot go very…VERY close to taking the lead, as Samson lobs the ball towards goal but…

…with the ‘keeper rooted to the spot, the ball goes AGONISINGLY over the crossbar.

OFFSIDE!!! Samson gets on the end of Boylan’s pass and slots the ball home, however, the flag goes up for someone being offside.

The ball gets lobbed forward and Samson manages to muscle past his opponent where…

…GOOOAAALLL!!!! Samson keeps a very calm head and slots the ball home past the ‘keeper. 2-1.

Keir gets swamped by his team-mates, as they all celebrate his and Talbot’s second goal.

Pollok get awarded a very late free-kick and one last chance, while the Talbot players let their feelings known to the man in the middle.

‘Shankers’ still protests his innocence but he still receives a yellow card for the foul.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY PAUL FLYNN.

MURRAYS MATCH REPORT

Talbot’s never say die attitude saw the Bot come from behind to dump Pollok out the South Challenge cup in an entertaining quarter-final clash.

Talbot had an early chance to test Lok’s defence when Brownlie conceded a free kick just wide of the area following a barge on Samson. Glasgow swept a good ball over that Stafford managed to get his head onto but he headed it back across goal where it was cleared.

Pollok’s liveliest player, Grant, caused Talbot’s defence problems in the 7^th minute when he charged down Aiden Wilson’s attempted clearance & burst down the right wing before slinging a dangerous ball across goal but fortunately there was no one on the end of it.

The visitors came close in the 15^th minute when Wharton’s long throw from the left was headed on inside the penalty area and came to McCann who glanced a header just over.

Pollok were on top at this stage and threatened again when Lyon cut in off the left & curled a ball toward the far post which was headed behind for a corner.

Pollok’s next attack saw a ball out of defence find McGregor down the left. He fired it across the face of goal but there was no one in the centre to take advantage.

Despite Pollok making the early running it was Talbot who came closest to breaking the deadlock. In the 24^th minute Mason won a corner down the left and when Glasgow delivered it into the centre the Lok defence failed to clear their lines. It came to Stafford 15 yards out and his low drive was heading in but was cleared off the line inside the right hand post. It came out to Hyslop and his effort on target was turned round the post by Longmuir.

Two minutes later Pollok threatened via one of Wharton’s long throws. He hurled it into the area where it flicked off Aiden Wilson’s head and came to Fraser inside the 6-yard box but he made a poor contact with his head and it was easily saved by Leishman.

On the half hour mark Fraser fed it out to Grant on the right and he went for goal from a tight angle but drilled his shot over the bar.

In the 35^th minute Brownlie picked up a caution when he bowled over Samson.

The half then meandered to a close with neither side looking like breaking the deadlock.

Pollok made a change at the start of the 2^nd half with Horne being replaced by Forde.

It was Talbot who started the 2^nd half the brighter and the Bot threatened in the 51^st minute when Samson whipped a great ball over from the left that was just taken off the head of Glasgow as he lurked at the back post.

Two minute later Samson was involved again when his low drive from the left of the area was blocked by Longmuir. The rebound came back to him and the Lok keeper did well to recover and save his follow-up effort at his right hand post.

Talbot kept the pressure on and Robbie McCracken played a good ball into the near post from the right touchline toward Samson but his effort was blocked behind for a corner.

Hyslop received what appeared to be a harsh yellow card in the 56^th minute when he slid in and won the ball in midfield but the referee thought otherwise and gave Lok the free kick. The free kick was lifted up the right where Grant raced to the bye line before cutting it back and Healy blocked it behind for the corner. When the corner came into the near post GRANT nicked in to bullet a header into the roof of the net to put Pollok a goal ahead.

In the 61^st minute Pollok came close to doubling their lead. Once again it was a long throw-in that caused the problem. The ball came to Forde whose overhead kick sailed just wide of the left post.

Mason picked up a caution in the 66^th minute for a foul on Sideserf.

In the 69^th minute Hyslop found Samson on the left & he darted into the area past Sideserf but his ball across was blocked behind for a corner. Before the corner could be taken Talbot made a triple substitution with Shankland, Boylan and Graham Wilson coming on for Glasgow, Robbie McCracken and Mason.

Shankland was involved in the 71^st minute when McPherson found him in space on the left. He hit a good early ball across the face of goal that Brownlie sliced behind for a corner.

With quarter of an hour remaining Talbot drew level with a well-worked move. Boylan gathered on the right before squaring it across to Graham Wilson outside the area. He flighted it behind Sideserf to find Shankland racing free on the left of the area and his low ball across goal was turned home by KIER SAMSON from close range.

A minute later Talbot nearly moved in front. Samson won a free kick 35 yards out when he turned Brownlie who flattened him with a clumsy challenge. Shankland shaped up to hit it but instead angled it to the left to free Aiden Wilson on the overlap. He fizzed a ball across the face of goal which Samson met in the centre but his flick flew just over the crossbar.

In the 80^th minute Boylan had his name taken for a foul on Lyon out on the left touchline. When the free kick came over it broke to Wharton 15 yards out. He hooked a shot towards target but it was blocked in the crowded box.

Two minutes later Talbot had the ball in the back of the net but the goal didn’t stand. Boylan slipped the ball through to Samson on the right of the area and he slid it past Longmuir but the assistant’s flag went up and it was chalked off.

However, 3 minutes from time Talbot again found the back of the net and this time it counted. Graham Wilson lifted a ball down the left in behind the defence to find KIER SAMSON running through and he coolly slotted it past the keeper to put Talbot 2-1 ahead.

In the final minute of regulation time Talbot threatened again. Boylan played it into Shankland who laid it off into the path of Samson whose low drive was held by Longmuir at the 2^nd attempt.

As the game moved into added time Pollok won a free kick 30 yards from goal following a handball by Graham Wilson. Forde managed to get it up and over the wall but Leishman was well positioned to pluck it out the air.

Deep into injury time Shankland picked up a ludicrous yellow card for winning a header against Grant and shortly after the final whistle sounded and the celebrations began. Talbot will now face Sauchie in the semi-final.

Next up for Talbot it’s a midweek trip to face Darvel in a match which could go some way to deciding the outcome of the league title.

Auchinleck Talbot – Leishman, Stafford, Aiden Wilson, McPherson, Craig McCracken, Healy, Hyslop, Robbie McCracken, Samson, Mason, Glasgow

Subs – Shankland, Boylan, Graham Wilson, Armstrong, White, Halliday

Pollok – Longmuir, Grant, Sideserf, Wharton, Brownlie, Horne, Fraser, Esplin, S McCann, McGregor, Lyon

Subs – Forde, Bradley, Braonan, Krol, Shelvey, Evans, Lumsden