Beechwood Park – Page 11 – Auchinleck Talbot Football Club

Auchinleck Talbot v Caledonian Braves

Both sides played their part in an entertaining, end to end cup clash played out against a backdrop of unrelenting rain but it was Talbot who proved the more clinical in the final third to beat a young Braves side and advance in the South Challenge cup.

Talbot were given an early warning it wouldn’t be an easy night when Stafford conceded a free kick 25 yards from goal out wide on the left. Lindsay delivered a dangerous ball across the face of goal toward the back post but no one read it & Talbot were able to clear.

The Bot’s first attack exposed defensive frailties when Stafford did well down the wing before slinging a cross into the centre. Henry made a meal of it, flapping it into the path of Graham Wilson 10 yards out but he was closed down just before getting his shot away.

The opening goal came Talbot’s way in the 16^th minute. Aiden Wilson won a corner down the left which Glasgow swept into the near post where GRAHAM WILSON met it to head home.

This proved to be a short-lived lead as within 2 minutes the visitors had won a penalty down the other end. Main turned smartly inside the box and when he was clipped the ref pointed straight to the spot & KELLY gave Leishman no chance with a coolly taken spot kick to level it.

A few minutes later Talbot had a half chance to regain the lead. Leishman launched a ball down field that deflected into the path of Samson just outside the penalty area but he fired wide of the left post.

The visitors very nearly took the lead in the 22^nd minute. They broke down the right and when the ball was cut back into the path of McLear he steered a low shot on target that Leishman saved at full stretch – tipping it wide of his left post.

It was then Talbot’s turn to threaten as they broke down the left. Glasgow found Aiden Wilson on the overlap and when his cross came over Graham Wilson powered a header on target that Henry parried away.

In the 26^th minute it was Talbot’s turn to win a penalty. Glasgow dropped his shoulder & went past a defender and when he was bowled over the ref pointed to the spot. Glasgow took it but Henry guessed correctly and threw himself to his right to make the save. The visitors now sprang onto the counter and won a free kick 25 yards out which Lindsay hit into the wall.

Talbot’s next attack saw Healy go close in the 32^nd minute. Robbie McCracken won a corner down the right which Glasgow took. It was slightly overhit but retrieved wide left by Healy who played a one-two with Aiden Wilson before attempting a curling shot that went just wide of the far post.

A moment of slackness from Main gifted Talbot the lead in the 35^th minute. He inexplicably attempted to pass it back toward his own box from midway inside his own half and KIER SAMSON pounced on it to rifle a low shot past the keeper to put Talbot 2-1 ahead.

In the 39^th minute Talbot extended their lead. A low ball up to the edge of the penalty area was dummied leaving the defence flat-footed and DWAYNE HYSLOP raced in behind to fire it across the keeper to make it 3-1 and give Talbot a two goal cushion going into the break.

The first chance of the 2^nd period went to the visitors in the 51^st minute when they swiftly countered following a Talbot corner. They broke up the left & Craig McCracken had to turn it behind for the corner. When the corner came in it was only partially cleared and fell to Kelly 16 yards out and he tested Leishman with a low drive that Andy saved to his left.

A 4^th goal would have ended it and Talbot came very close in the 55^th minute. Graham Wilson met a floated ball & head flicked it on. Samson was offside but coming back & left it & as the defence hesitated Graham Wilson ran onto his own head flick and fired a shot just wide of the right post.

On the hour mark Talbot caught the Braves on the counter surging up field towards the box. The ball broke to Hyslop 25 yards out & he slipped a pass through to find Samson inside the area but his low drive was smothered by the keeper.

Two minutes later Glasgow had a half chance to kill the tie off. Leishman’s long ball cleared the defence and found him racing in behind down the left. He looked favourite but pulled out of the challenge allowing the defender to knock it clear.

Tucker made his 1^st change on 65 mins with Armstrong on for Healy.

Talbot’s next attack saw the front two combine with Wilson flicking it out wide left to Samson and he tried to find Wilson in front of goal but his cut back went behind him.

With 20 minutes remaining Talbot made a 2^nd change with Mason coming on for Graham Wilson and 2 minutes later the visitors made their 1^st substitution with Gouvenou on for Lindsay.

Aiden Wilson became the 1^st booking of the night in the 76^th minute when he conceded a free kick 22 yards out. Before it could be taken both sides made a further change – McDowall replacing Glasgow for Talbot and Guthrie on for Brown for the visitors.

Walker took the free kick but hit it straight into the wall and then lashed the rebound well off target.

In the 82^nd minute Talbot raced down the left through Mason who got to the bye line before pulling it back to the edge of the area where Hyslop’s low drive at goal was blocked by a defender.

Play then immediately switched to the other end where Stafford conceded a free kick outside the area. Braves now made their final change with Testa on for McLeary. The free kick came into the near post where Armstrong cleared it away.

With 4 minutes remaining McDowall became the 2^nd Bot player in the book when he was penalised for a challenge out on the right. The free kick was delivered into the centre where Leishman came for it amidst a crowd of players but couldn’t claim it. The ball came to Forrester who steered a header goal ward but Leishman reacted to clutch it.

Two minutes from time Talbot almost grabbed a 4^th. Stafford switched play out to the left to find Aiden Wilson bursting into the box and his shot took a slight deflection with Henry doing well to tip it onto the bar.

The visitors kept pushing and in the final minute Walker’s shot from the edge of the area took a deflection and looped toward goal forcing Leishman to turn it over the bar.

Deep into injury time there was one final piece of drama. McDowall clipped Guthrie at the right edge of the area and the ref initially awarded a penalty but the stand side linesman flagged him over & after consulting him he gave a free kick just outside the box which Talbot cleared when it came over and soon after the ref blew for full time.

A good win for Talbot over lively opponents who made Talbot work hard for it. Next up the Bot are back on cup duty – this time in the Scottish Junior cup where they travel east to face Shotts Bon Accord.

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

Subs – Mason, Boylan, Armstrong, Boyd, McDowall, White, Hewitt

Caledonian Braves – Henry, Brown, Walker, Duncan, McDowall, Forrester, Main, Lindsay, McLear, Armstrong, Kelly

Subs – Miller, Guthrie, Gouvenou, Testa, Duffy

Auchinleck Talbot v Irvine Meadow

Andy, Neil and Kieran all vent their collective frustration.

EARLY GOAL!!! Boylan snaps into cheetah mode and races full pelt into the box and smashes the ball home into the far bottom corner. 1-0.

Boylan is all smiles after proving his point in front of goal and putting Talbot into an early lead.

The Talbot two man wall of Healy and Wilson, stand their ground, as Medda fire in the free-kick.

Both benches closely watch the action, as Bryan Boylan legs it up the wing.

HAD-TO-BE, SURELY??? Samson rises the highest and heads the ball towards a half open net and what looked like a certain goal but…

…the Medda ‘keeper manages to claw the ball away from right on the line, however…

…Talbot regain the ball immediately and after a brilliant flick on from ‘Pee-wee’, Graham Wilson calmly fires the ball into the bottom corner of the net. 2-0.

‘Gee’ wheels away in sheer delight after scoring, as his team-mates race to congratulate him too.

Boylan tries to muscle his way past ex-Talbot player Kyle Faulds.

Medda go for the spectacular but ‘Big Neily’ manages to do enough to put off his opponent.

Boyd gets another Talbot attack started and fires the ball up the park.

Martin Findlay gets his point across to his team-mates.

Both players take a tumble, as they fight for possession.

GAME ON!!! Meadow pull a goal back via a brilliant curling effort from Mick Wardrope that hits the sweet spot past Andy Leishman and smashes into the top corner of the net. 2-1.

Wardrope certainly enjoyed his goal and rightly so.

Glasgow locks on to his opponent and tries to pull his way to regaining possession.

Beechwood Park’s ‘Ant and Dec’ watch from the stand, as Jamie Glasgow tries to race into the box.

The crowd hold their breath, as ‘Gee’ has a dig from the edge of the box but he fails to hit the target.

The referee waves play on, Medda shout in vein and Samson does his best to support Graham Wilson, who goes on a great run down the middle of the park.

GLASG-OH SO CLOSE!!! Jamie finds himself in space inside the box but his shot ends up getting blocked by the Meadow defence.

Hands up if they know the name of the ex-Talbot player in front of them.

No way through for Medda, as Stafford stands his ground.

Samson gets stopped in his tracks in the corner by Findlay, as Talbot see out the win.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY PAUL FLYNN.

MURRAY’S REPORT:

Talbot got back to winning ways with a hard fought win over Meadow to close the gap on league leaders Pollok.

So far this season Talbot have been slow starters against Meadow but that wasn’t the case this time round and Talbot signalled their intent when they won a free kick out wide of the area in the 2^nd minute. Healy swept over a tremendous ball to the back post which only required a touch but no one had gambled & it sped behind for the goal kick.

The opening goal came in the 9^th minute when Talbot swiftly turned defence into attack. Boyd played the ball out from the back to find Graham Wilson in the centre & he quickly switched it to the left to find BRYAN BOYLAN racing in on goal & he drilled a left foot shot past Waters to put Talbot 1-0 ahead.

The Bot threatened again in the 14^th minute when McCracken’s diagonal pas found Boylan on the wing. He cut inside & whipped over a cross that Samson just failed to connect with. The ball ran on through and Graham Wilson was in space at the back post but the Meadow defence just managed to cut it out.

With quarter of an hour gone Samson tried his luck but from a tight angle he arrowed his shot over the bar.

Talbot’s pressure paid off in the 18^th minute when they doubled their advantage. Whyte conceded a cheap corner down the right and when Healy’s corner came over Waters came for it but didn’t claim it. The ball was headed goal wards and looked to have crossed the line before being hooked clear. Talbot appealed for the goal but it wasn’t given. The Bot kept the pressure on though and when the ball was crossed in from the right Hyslop flicked it into the path of GRAHAM WILSON who steered a shot past Winters and inside his right hand post.

Meadow now pushed forward looking for a way back into the match and Willett gave the Bot defence a nervous moment when he angled a dangerous ball over from the left but no one anticipated it & the ball sped across the 6-yard box and behind for the goal kick.

In the 28^th minute Meadow won a corner down the left which Wardrope swung into the back post where McPherson rose to head it to safety.

The game was swinging from end to end but without any end product in the final third. Talbot did stretch the Meadow defence in the 38^th minute when Stafford swung over a good cross from the right. The defence headed clear but only as far as Graham Wilson who slipped it left to Boylan but his shot was blocked by a defender.

Talbot ended the half strongly and had a promising break in the 43^rd minute when Samson won the ball midway inside the Meadow half. He released it to Graham Wilson who burst into the penalty area but couldn’t get his shot away & when he tried to square it inside to Boylan the defence intercepted.

In the closing seconds of the half Talbot won a free kick in a good area when Graham Wilson had his heels clipped just wide of the penalty area but Healy’s delivery hit the wall and the ref blew for half-time.

Meadow made a change at the start of the 2^nd half with Martin coming on in place of McKie and the visitors started the 2^nd half brightly carving out a half chance in the opening minute. A ball from the left flew across the area where C Boyd met it but he was at full stretch and could only send it well wide of Leishman’s left post.

In the 49^th minute G Boyd was cautioned for dissent after Meadow were penalised for an aerial challenge on Samson and he was joined in the ref’s book 3 minutes later by Craig McCracken when he conceded a free kick 30 yards out. Meadow swept the ball over but it was far too near Leishman who gathered easily.

Wardrope then had an effort from distance but he scooped his shot well over the crossbar.

In the 62^nd minute Talbot looked to break through Boylan who looked to be impeded. The ref didn’t give it though and Boylan ended up in the ref’s notebook for his complaints over the decision.

The visitors now made a double switch with 2 ex Bot players coming on – Lyle replacing Faulds & Milliken on for G Boyd.

In the 64^th min a quickly taken shy found Boylan in space on the left & he lobbed a cross over to the back post which McLennan had to head over his own bar.

Talbot made their 1^st change in the 67^th minute with Glasgow coming on for Boylan.

It was game on again in the 70^th minute when Meadow scored a quality goal to reduce the deficit. McLennan squared the ball to WARDROPE on the left of the penalty area and he gave Leishman no chance as he bent a shot inside the left hand post from 16 yards to make it 2-1.

Lyle now had his name taken for dissent.

Meadow won a free kick within striking distance in the 73^rd minute when Talbot were penalised for handball. McLennan took it and got it up and over the wall but it went straight at Leishman.

At the other end Talbot had a chance when Glasgow raced forward and ran for the box. He was challenged but the ball broke loose to Graham Wilson who sliced a shot well wide from the edge of the area.

Talbot now made a further change with Robbie McCracken coming on for Boyd.

Nerves were showing and Talbot conceded a needless shy in the 78^th minute when Stafford sliced a clearance out with Leishman waiting to claim it. The shy was taken short and when the cross came over from the right Milliken had a chance to level. He took it on his chest but McPherson got across quickly to make the tackle and put it behind for the corner.

From the resultant corner Talbot raced onto the counter through Graham Wilson who sped up field before releasing it to his right to find Glasgow but his shot was deflected wide..

With 10 minutes remaining Talbot forced a couple of corners in quick succession from the 2^nd of which Craig McCracken headed over the bar.

In the 83^rd minute Talbot won a free kick 22 yards out when Slooves bundled Hyslop over in a clumsy aerial challenge. Graham Wilson took it and his shot clipped the wall & sped behind for the corner. Glasgow’s corner caused the defence problems, coming off a Meadow head at the near post and angling across the face of goal and beyond the back post for another corner.

Five minutes from time Talbot fans had a scare when Healy hit a poor pass out of defence which was easily intercepted. It was clipped over the defence to find Martin on the right edge of the penalty area but nothing came of it.

Two minutes from time Talbot nearly grabbed a 3^rd that would have put the game beyond doubt. Aiden Wilson’s cross from the left was deflected high into the air off Lyle. It came to a Meadow defender who passed the ball straight to Graham Wilson and his fierce drive from 16 yards was tipped over the bar by the keeper.

Talbot saw out the remainder of the match with no alarms to secure the win and a vital 3 points.

A good win for Talbot who wobbled briefly when Meadow pulled on back but rallied to finish strongly. Next up for Talbot it’s a groundhog day fixture as they travel through to Irvine to face Meadow for the 5^th time this season – this time in the South Challenge cup.

Auchinleck Talbot v Kilbirnie Ladeside

MURRAYS REPORT

Talbot couldn’t break down a stubborn Ladeside defence and had to settle for a share of the spoils in this goal less draw.

It was Talbot who made all the early running without really threatening until they were awarded a free kick in the 9th minute, 25 yards out, for a foul on Mason as be burst forward. Graham Wilson took it and fired a shot on target that Wilton did well to turn round his right hand post.

The resultant corner was played into the near post where it was flicked back into the area and Craig McCracken volleyed over from 10 yards.

Talbot’s next attack saw Graham Wilson sweep a dangerous cross in from the left toward Mason that the defence managed to head to safety.

The Bot got in behind the Ladeside defence in the 23rd minute when Boylan sent Robbie McCracken free down the right. He swung a cross over to the back post but again a Ladeside head managed to clear under pressure.

A minute later Leishman sent the ball up field where it was controlled by Glasgow who cut in off the left & drove forward before firing a low shot on target that flew straight at Wilton.

It was one-way traffic but Talbot couldn’t find the killer touch. In the 35th minute Armstrong slid a pass through to Robbie McCracken who whipped a great cross over to the far post that just eluded Glasgow.

In the closing seconds of the half Talbot were gifted an opportunity by a rare mistake from the visitors defence. Robbie McCracken’s pass up the right was left by the defender who thought it was running out for the goal kick only for Mason to nick in & steal it. He carried on toward goal & tried to pass it into the net from a tight angle but Wilton had his post covered and made the block and the sides went in level.

Kilbirnie made a change at the break with Sharpe replacing Frizzell up front.

The visitors had their 1st effort at goal in the 49th minute when McWaters let fly from 25 yards sending his effort over Leishman’s crossbar.

Glasgow came close to breaking the deadlock in the 54th minute when he jinked in off the left wing & raced to the edge of the area before drilling a shot inches over the bar.

Talbot made a double switch in the 62nd minute with Mason & Robbie McCracken making way for Samson & Shankland.

Kilbirnie hadn’t offered much going forward but did have a half chance in the 70th minute. Bamford’s ball from the left wing was met by Girvan but he was stretching to reach it & slid his effort well wide.

The visitors now made a further change with Pearson on for Bamford.

Talbot had a decent chance in the 76th minute when Kilbirnie failed to deal with a long ball down the centre. It broke to Samson who shoved it right to Boylan in space inside the area but his angled drive was smothered by Wilton.

A few minutes later Shankland did well down the right to force a corner. Before it could be taken Talbot made their final change with Hyslop on for Boylan.

When the corner came in Hyslop rose to head it on into a crowded goal mouth but Wilton gathered under pressure.

In the 81st minute Talbot came close to grabbing a goal. Armstrong slid a pass out right to find Glasgow in space and he was taken out by a defender. The ball broke to Shankland and the ref allowed advantage & his shot from 18 yards clipped the bar on the way over. The ref then booked Ladeside’s defender for the earlier foul.

With 6 minutes remaining Talbot won a free kick 30 yards out on the right when Glasgow’s burst forward was halted by a handball. Shankland delivered it to the far post where Craig McCracken steered a header off the right hand post and the subsequent rebound was blocked as well.

Talbot kept pushing and their next attack saw Samson’s long shy from the left arrow into the box. It was headed clear but only as far as Armstrong who sliced his shot well wide from 15 yards.

Two minutes from time Talbot had another effort on target. Stafford raced up the line and swung over a deep cross that Craig McCracken gathered & cut back into the path of Shankland who smacked a shot on target from 20 yards that flew straight at Wilton.

As the game headed into injury time Talbot kept pressing and Aiden Wilson’s shot from the left of the area was deflected away across goal. As it headed behind Glasgow appeared to be bundled over and for a moment it looked as though the assistant ref was signalling for a penalty but after the ref consulted with him it ended with a corner kick. The corner was helped on by Samson’s head but the defence managed to scramble clear and Ladeside held on for the point.

A frustrating night for Talbot who now move onto Saturday’s league encounter where they host Irvine Meadow at Beechwood.

Auchinleck Talbot – Leishman, Stafford, Aiden Wilson, McPherson, Craig McCracken, Armstrong, Robbie McCracken, Graham Wilson, Glasgow, Boylan, Mason

Subs – Samson, Shankland, Boyd, Healy, Hyslop, McDowall, Hewitt

Kilbirnie Ladeside – Wilton, Girvan, Taylor, McGuinness, Murphy, Meechan, McWaters, Muir, Frizzell, Scullion, Bamford

Subs – Lightfoot, Pearson, Gallagher, Sharpe, Anderson

Auchinleck Talbot v Kilbirnie Ladeside

Auchinleck Talbot v Pollok

Pollok go searching for a very early opener, as they try their luck from distance but they fail to find the back of the net.

Boylan ‘legs it’ round the outside, while Mason hurdles over his opponent to avoid the challenge.

GOOOAAALLL!!! Talbot open the scoring where Craig McCracken heads the ball towards goal, as the ball smacks off the underside of the crossbar and…

…Pollok fail to clear their lines and the ball ends up in the back of the net. 1-0.

It’s all high fives for Craig after helping Talbot to open the scoring.

Pollok go for the spectacular but fail to hit the target.

‘Gee’ goes on the attack, as he races up the middle of the park.

Armstrong stays strong in the air and clears the danger.

CHANCE!!! Talbot go looking for a second and Aiden Wilson has a dig from outside the box but to no avail.

Boylan gets in on the action and has a go at goal himself.

The chances are starting come fast for Talbot and Stafford sends a powerful header towards goal but the ball goes wide of the post.

ANOTHER CHANCE!!! Boylan pops up at the back post and gets on the end of a great cross but he can only send his header wide of the mark.

Pollok give away a free-kick and the players discuss what went wrong.

‘GEES’ OH, THAT WAS CLOSE!!! Graham Wilson finds himself with a free header but, again, the ball fails to find the back of the net.

Three Talbot players are free in the box and it is Boylan that gets his head to the ball but fails to score.

Bryan Boylan gets into a tussle for possession in the middle of the park.

Healy digs his heels in and does his best to block the Pollok pass.

WHAT-A-CHANCE!!! Andy Leishman roars out his anger after seeing Pollok miss a glorious chance to equalise.

‘Big Neily’ is all smiles at half-time and…

…so is Kieran, Aiden and Graham. Want to share the joke lads?

Boylan rises the highest and fires a header towards goal.

Pollok look over their shoulder, as Talbot keep up their search for a second and Aaron tries his luck from distance.

Tucker and the Talbot bench look on, as Glasgow has a go from just outside the box but he can only send the ball high over the bar.

Mason stays strong and manages to race away from this challenge.

Pollok are at full stretch, as they try to stop Jamie in his tracks.

GLAS-GO GO GO!!! Jamie goes it alone, as he dances his way through the red wall.

With opponents closing in from all sides, Boylan is under pressure but he still manages to fire off a shot at goal.

Aaron Mason surges forward with ‘Gee’ roaring him on.

Craig and Gareth double up and help to clear the danger for Talbot.

Talbot Player of the Month, Gareth Armstrong, does his best to win back the ball.

WHAT-A-TACKLE!!! Pollok home in on goal and look set to pull the trigger but up steps Aiden Wilson who pulls off an absolutely brilliant tackle to prevent them from scoring.

‘Pee-wee’ stands his ground and comes away with the ball.

OUCH!!! Bryan Boylan takes a sore one from Pollok’s Grant Evans in a challenge where…

…Pollok are reduced to ten men, as Grant gets shown a straight red by the referee.

As Grant Evans walks off, ‘Pee-wee’ lets his feelings known about the incident.

Grant states his case, as he heads for an ‘early bath’.

‘Tucker’ gets interviewed after the game against the club’s new sponsors’ board.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY PAUL FLYNN.

MURRAY’S REPORT

Talbot produced a big performance when needed to eke out a hard fought but well deserved win over Pollok to narrow the gap at the top of the table.

The game had a cagey opening and the first half chance went the way of the visitors in the 7^th minute when Horne tried his luck from 25 yards; sending a right foot shot flying over the bar.

A minute later, Talbot took the lead. Boylan did well down the left & fired a dangerous ball across goal that Sideserf turned behind for the corner. Glasgow whipped the corner over to the far post where CRAIG MCCRACKEN rose to crash a header home via the underside of the bar to put Talbot 1-0 ahead.

In the 10^th minute Pollok had a chance to put the ball into the Talbot box when they were awarded a free kick out wide on the right. Horne lifted it into the area where it was cleared but only as far as McCann whose attempted scissor kick sliced well wide of target.

The referee got his cards out for the 1^st time in the 13^th minute. Wharton lost control of the ball and lunged into the tackle resulting in a booking for the Lok player.

He was joined in the ref’s notepad in the 23^rd minute when Stafford was booked for a challenge on Fraser.

Talbot then caught the Lok out with a swift counter – Armstrong playing it from deep in his own half to find Mason breaking free & he raced forward before firing a shot on target that was held by Longmuir.

The Bot’s next attack saw Boylan’s shot deflected behind for a corner. This time Glasgow took it short to Mason & he bent a cross toward the far post looking for McCracken but it sailed over his head & behind for the goal kick.

On the half hour mark Talbot won a free kick down the right when Boylan was caught by Fraser. Glasgow opted to shove it down the line for Stafford and his ball across was cut out for a corner. Glasgow swung it across goal where Stafford met it but he glanced his header well wide of the right post.

Longmuir then came to his defence’s rescue when he raced outside his area to narrowly beat Mason to a ball up the right. His clearance cannoned off Mason but it didn’t break for Talbot and the defence were able to clear.

The Bot had a chance to double their lead in the 34^th minute. Aiden Wilson swept over a pinpoint cross to the far post to find Boylan but his header flashed wide of target.

The pressure was telling on Pollok and McGregor picked up a yellow card when he took Mason out off the ball.

Talbot thought they’d won a penalty in the 37^th minute when Boylan was caught on the right edge of the penalty area but the referee awarded a free kick inches outside the area. Glasgow delivered it to the far post where Graham Wilson met it unchallenged and directed a powerful header back across goal that Longmuir turned past his right post.

The Bot were looking comfortable in their lead but a momentary lapse almost saw Lok draw level a minute before the interval. McCracken took a touch too many & was robbed of the ball allowing Pollok the chance to break. Grant got free down the right and when he slid it across the area it came to Fraser in acres of space in front of goal but fortunately for Talbot he pulled his shot well wide and Talbot went in ahead at the break.

Talbot started the 2^nd half positively and had an effort on target within a minute of the re-start. Mason sent it out right to Glasgow and when his cross came over Boylan met it but his header went straight at Longmuir.

In the 50^th minute the Bot turned defence into attack with a swift counter. McGregor hurled a long throw into the centre that Leishman gathered & he then sent it out to Glasgow who released Boylan down the right. He squared the ball across to the in rushing Graham Wilson but the ball got caught between his feet and the chance was lost.

Moments later Talbot had another chance when a ball up the left found Mason running up the wing & he cut inside McGregor before lashing a shot over the bar.

Grant became the 3^rd Lok player booked when he petulantly threw the ball away when a decision went against him.

In the 53^rd minute Mason found himself in a bit of space and surged forward before firing a left foot effort well over the bar from 25 yards.

Esplin joined the Pollok crime count in the 55^th minute when he was cautioned for barging Healy over with a clumsy aerial challenge resulting in a Bot free kick 30 yards out. Glasgow shaped as though to hit it but instead threaded it out left to find Aiden Wilson whose cross to the back post was headed clear. It came out to Glasgow at the edge of the area but his shot at goal was blocked.

The visitors had a half chance in the 57^th minute when Grant’s cross sped across the area and was gathered by Fraser on the left. He beat Glasgow and cut into the area but tried a curler from a tight angle that flew well over.

Talbot tested the visiting keeper on the hour mark. The Bot were awarded a free kick in their own half that McPherson floated up field. Graham Wilson won the header on and it came to Mason inside the box who rolled it back to Glasgow and his powerful strike was parried away by Longmuir.

The Bot’s next attack saw a lovely bit of skill from Glasgow that was worth the admission alone. He gathered the ball out on the left & through quick feet & close control managed to jink his past 3 Lok defenders before releasing the ball to Mason inside the area whose low drive was saved by the feet of Longmuir.

Pollok were feeding off scraps but had a half chance in the 65^th minute. A long ball down the centre saw McCracken hesitate for a second & the ball broke to Forde 20 yards out and he fired a shot over the bar.

A minute later Pollok won a free kick out wide on the left that saw Glasgow booked for a professional foul. Fraser whipped in a dangerous delivery that just cleared the head of Sideserf before hitting off McPherson. Talbot scrambled it out the box but conceded another free kick by the right corner flag for Graham Wilson’s challenge. The free kick was whipped into the centre where Leishman punched it clear under pressure. The ball came out to Horne 20 yards out but he couldn’t keep his shot down.

Both sides made a change in the 69^th minute – Talbot bringing on Samson for Mason and Pollok replacing Horne with Weir. The Lok sub was involved immediately after coming on when McGregor’s long shy from the right glanced off a head and came to him 6 yards out but his header lobbed well over the bar.

Down the other end Talbot had another effort on target when Healy gathered it 25 yards out and spread the ball out right to find Glasgow who tried to place it beyond Longmuir but the keeper did well.

Lok now made a 2^nd change with Evans coming on for Grant.

With quarter of an hour remaining Talbot put together a good move down the right that ended with Glasgow making it to the bye line & firing a great ball across the face of goal that only needed a touch but there were no takers in the centre.

Pollok had a half chance in the 77^th minute. They won a corner down the left which was played into the space in front of the near post where Lyon attempted to flick it home but his shot cleared the bar.

Action then switched to the other end where Graham Wilson won a corner down the left. Glasgow’s in swinger caused Longmuir problems but he managed to flap it away. The ball came out to Stafford but he took a heavy touch and Pollok were away on the counter down the left. Talbot’s defence recovered but then gifted the ball back to Pollok via a poor attempt at a pass back to Leishman. Forde read it and gathered wide on the left but could only force a corner that Talbot defended well.

Tucker now made a further change with Hyslop coming on for Glasgow.

With 5 minutes remaining Talbot had a scare when McPherson & Aiden Wilson left the ball to one another. The Lok player looked set to burst through on goal but Wilson made a fantastic recovery tackle to clear the danger.

Lyon then became the latest Lok player booked when he was cautioned for dissent.

Both sides completed their changes late on with Pollok bringing on G McCann for Forde and Talbot replacing Healy with Boyd.

As the game moved into injury time Talbot had a chance to seal it. Boylan gathered on the right and knocked a good ball inside for Samson to chase but he was just beaten to outside the area by Longmuir.

Deep into added time Pollok were reduced to 10 men when Evans cleaned out Boylan with a terrible tackle. The Bot saw the clock down and claimed all 3 points to narrow the gap at the top to 8 points with 5 games in hand.

A good win in front of an impressive crowd. Next up for Talbot it’s back to Beechwood for a midweek fixture against Kilbirnie.

Auchinleck Talbot – Leishman, Stafford, Aiden Wilson, McPherson, Craig McCracken, Armstrong, Healy, Mason, G Wilson, Boylan, Glasgow

Subs – Hyslop, Samson, Boyd, Robbie McCracken, Shankland, McDowall, Hewitt (gk)

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

Subs – Weir, Graham, G McCann, Bradley, Duff, Evans, Lumsden (gk)

Auchinleck Talbot v Hearts of Midlothian

PHOTOGRAPHS BY PAUL FLYNN.

Auchinleck Talbot v Irvine Meadow

VERY EARLY GOAL!!! With the game not long started Meadow take the lead, as a close range header fails to hit the back of the net but…

…the ball falls kindly for Meadow and they manage to bundle the ball home. 0-1.

Glasgow and Samson get ready to pounce but the defender clears the danger.

SO SO CLOSE!!! Keir Samson finds space inside the box and sends a very powerful header towards goal however…

…the ball is fired straight at the ‘keeper and thankfully for Meadow, he keeps hold of the ball.

Boylan does his best to race away from ex-Talbot player Kyle Faulds.

Jamie Glasgow gets stopped in his tracks, as the crowd look on.

Synchronicity is obviously the key to get your point across to the referee.

CLOSE AGAIN FOR TALBOT!!! The Medda ‘keeper pulls off a great save in order to stop Boylan from scoring from very close range.

Bryan Boylan tries his luck from distance but fails to find the back of the net.

The Talbot bench closely watch the action, as ‘Gee’ evades a challenge.

McCracken keeps his opponent at arms length while going on the attack.

Talbot come straight out the traps at the start of the second half and Graham Wilson goes close from inside the box.

The steely eyed Glasgow skips past his man and races down the park.

Faulds has a dig for Meadow but Craig McCracken blocks the way through.

TALBOT PULL LEVEL!!! ‘Gee’ gets onto the end of a great cross and coolly slots the ball home. 1-1.

Aiden Wilson goes for the spectacular from the edge of the box but…

…he can only vent his frustration, as he watches the ball sail over the bar.

MEDDA REGAIN THE LEAD!!! Meadow get awarded a penalty and they are spot on with sending Andy the wrong way and firing the ball home. 1-2.

Samson takes a tumble while winning the aerial battle.

TALBOT PULL LEVEL AGAIN!!! Samson rises the highest inside the box and finds the back of the net with a great looping header. 2-2.

Big Andy gets a big fist to the ball and clears the danger.

And moments later he does the exact same thing again to stop Meadow.

GOOOOAAAALLLL!!! And the comeback is complete! Talbot seal their place in the next round, as Craig McCracken fires a cracking late header into the top corner of the net. 3-2.

Graham and Craig are in Cheshire Cat mode after the final whistle, as they celebrate a very good victory.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY PAUL FLYNN.

MURRAYS MATCH REPORT

The fans were well entertained in this thrilling cup tie as for the third time this season Talbot came from behind to beat Meadow and claim their place in the Scottish Junior quarter-finals.

Talbot got off on the wrong foot and fell behind after only 6 minutes with the first real attack of the game. McCloy stole a yard on Aiden Wilson and whipped a cross into the near post where WARDROPE steered a header off the underside of the bar that spun back over the line.

The Bot’s first threat came in the 12^th minute when Armstrong found Glasgow in space on the right. He played it first time into the near post where McLennan dived to head it past his own post.

It should have been all level in the 16^th minute when Talbot spurned a great opportunity to equalise. McCracken’s long diagonal picked out Glasgow down the left & he skinned Findlay before lifting a cross straight onto the head of Samson who headed it straight at Waters from 5 yards out.

It was then Meadow’s turn to threaten the Bot defence when Connor Boyd managed to wriggle past a couple of challenges. He broke free down the left & slid it across the face of goal but there was no support in the centre.

The visitors had the next shot on target on the half hour mark. The ball broke to Connor Boyd 25 yards out & he drilled it on target but straight at Leishman.

Talbot came close to levelling in the 38^th minute. Aiden Wilson’s deep cross found Boylan at the far post & Waters produced a good stop to keep it out at his left post before Willet bundled it behind for the corner.

A minute later the Meadow keeper was back in the thick of it. Glasgow won the ball and slid a pass through to Boylan on the left. He skipped inside onto his right foot and lashed a shot at goal that Waters tipped over his crossbar.

Talbot ended the half on the attack. Boylan did well out on the right and swung over a cross to the far post toward Samson who claimed that his shirt was being held as he tried to reach it but the officials weren’t interested and Meadow went in a goal to the good.

Tucker’s half-time team talk did the trick & Talbot came out all guns blazing at the start of the 2^nd period. Within a minute of the re-start Graham Wilson was denied by Waters as he let fly from 18 yards only to see the Meadow keeper parry his effort away.

A 2^nd goal would’ve left Talbot with a mountain to climb and Meadow had a half chance in the 48^th minute to double their lead. Connor Boyd was in space on the right edge of the area but couldn’t beat Leishman from a tight angle with Andy turning his shot wide of the left post.

Talbot squared the tie in the 55^th minute. Armstrong slipped the ball into the path of the overlapping Aiden Wilson whose low cross into the centre was converted by GRAHAM WILSON to make it 1-1.

In the 58^th minute Talbot had a half chance to take the lead. Stafford’s cross found its way to Aiden Wilson in a bit of space inside the area but he lashed his shot well over the bar.

Having fought their way back into it Talbot found themselves facing a spot kick in the 59^th minute in what must surely be a contender for softest penalty award of the season. A shy from the right was thrown into Wardrope who crumpled to the ground under the flimsiest of challenges from Armstrong. Not only did he fall over at the slightest pretext it looked to be a foot or so outside the penalty area but the ref pointed to the spot and MCLENNAN made no mistake from 12 yards to put Meadow back in front.

Talbot dusted themselves down and were back on the attack in the 61^st minute when they won a free kick 35 yards. Glasgow hit it into the area where it broke into the path of Healy who fired a shot just over from 15 yards.

Meadow made the game’s first change in the 64^th minute when Graham Boyd was replaced by McNab.

In the 67^th minute Aiden Wilson swung a cross beyond the far post which Stafford headed back across goal. Waters came for it & dropped it but unfortunately no Bot player was close enough to take advantage & the defence were able to clear it out for a shy. The shy was taken quickly to Aiden Wilson who lifted a cross toward the far post where KIER SAMSON glanced a header beyond Waters inside the left post to make it 2-2.

It was then Meadow’s turn to exert some pressure when they forced a couple of corners in quick succession but Talbot withstood the inswinging deliveries.

Meadow made their 2^nd change in the 71^st minute with McCloy going off to be replaced by McKie.

The first card of the afternoon appeared in the 72^nd minute with ex-Bot midfielder Faulds receiving a caution for a challenge on Glasgow.

Talbot had a let off in the 79^th minute when Meadow broke and the ball was passed out to McNab in space on the left of the area. He lifted a cross towards the far post which Wardrope managed to head wide from a yard out.

Tucker now made a double substitution with Healy & Boylan making way for Mason & Hyslop.

It looked next goal the winner & Talbot nearly grabbed it in the 81^st minute. Glasgow cut in off the left & powered a right foot shot on target which brought out a top save from Waters who dived to his left to turn it wide of the post.

Two minutes later Talbot won a free kick in a good area after Faulds bundled Armstrong over 22 yards out. Armstrong clipped it toward the far post but Meadow defended it well & were able to clear.

The woodwork came to Talbot’s rescue in the 86^th minute when Meadow broke down the left. The ball was played into the near post where McNab’s shot from a tight angle hit the right post. The rebound came back to him but his follow up effort was blocked by Leishman.

This proved to be pivotal as Talbot went down the other end and went in front for the first time. Glasgow’s cross from the right saw Mason bundled over in the area as he went to meet it but the referee waved play on. The ball came out to Graham Wilson & he chipped a cross toward the back post where CRAIG MCCRACKEN rose to head it home off the underside of the bar. This proved to be his last involvement as he’d taken a knock and was replaced for the closing stages by Lyle.

Meadow pushed hard in the closing minutes – piling bodies forward to snatch an equaliser – but Talbot held firm for the win and will now face a trip to Shotts Bon Accord in the last 8. Next up for Talbot it’s the senior cup where for the first time in Beechwood’s history Talbot will host top flight opposition when they face Hearts.

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

Subs – Mason, Hyslop, McDowall, Boyd, Robbie McCracken, Lyle, Hewitt

Irvine Meadow – Waters, Whyte, Willet, Slooves, Findlay, McLennan, Faulds, Wardope, G Boyd, C Boyd, McLoy

Subs – McNab, McKie, McMillan, McLaughlin, Sivewright, McFadyen, McLean

Auchinleck Talbot v Benburb

Healy both clears the danger and starts another Talbot attack.

GOAL!!! Talbot open the scoring, as ‘Gee’ finds himself in acres of space inside the box and calmly slots the ball home. 1-0.

Graham wheels away with celebratory clenched fists, while Benburb can only bury their heads in their hands.

I think ‘Shankers’ is quite happy with the opening goal.

Gareth Armstrong gets his head to the ball and sends it back up the park.

While trying to win the ball, Boylan is deemed to have fouled his opponent.

Mark takes a sore one while still keeping the Talbot attack motoring.

The animated Benburb manager lets his feelings known during the game.

IT’S TWO!!! Talbot double their lead, as the Benburb ‘keeper fumbles the ball during a challenge and the ball falls very kindly at the feet of Graham, who pokes the ball home. 2-0.

It wasn’t just ‘Gee’ that got a lift after scoring his and Talbot’s second goal.

Boylan finds the way through blocked, as he gets double teamed.

I think the linesman is looking for the pass here.

THREE-SY FOR TALBOT!!! Three for Talbot and Graham Wilson, as he gets onto the end of Shankland’s corner and smashes the ball home past the ‘keeper. 3-0.

No wonder Graham is all smiles after netting a hat-trick.

Benburb vent their anger after giving away a free-kick.

Kieran Healy proves he’s always got Talbot’s back, as he uses his own to block this Benburb long range effort.

Although under pressure, Aiden Wilson still manages to offload the pass.

Will one McCracken watches, the other McCracken has a crack at clearing the danger.

WHAT-A-CHANCE!!! Mark sends a powerful header towards goal and although everybody was waiting to see the net bulge, the ball didn’t make it home.

Although ‘Gee’s’ header finds the back of the net, the linesman flags him for being offside.

Healy shows great control while racing down the park.

The Talbot bench watch from afar, as ‘Shankers’ races into the box.

Talbot show they are a ‘fourth’ to be reckoned with, as young Mason smashes the ball home from the edge of the box. 4-0.

Aaron gets congratulated by his team-mates after netting Talbot’s fourth.

WHAT-A-SAVE!!! The Benburb ‘keeper goes into full ‘Superman mode’, as he pulls off a great save to stop McDowell from scoring.

Samson ponders what could have been, as he rues a missed opportunity.

It’s a five star performance from Talbot and ‘Gee’, as he heads home the fifth and final goal of the game late on. 5-0.

Hands up who scored four goals today? I think we all know Graham.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY PAUL FLYNN.

MURRAYS MATCH REPORT

Talbot romped to a comfortable win over Benburb at Beechwood with the visitors barely able to muster a threat all afternoon.

The Bot were a little slow to get warmed up but took the lead with a training ground move in the 10^th minute. Shankland switched the ball out right to find Boylan wide and he paced up the wing before pulling it back to GRAHAM WILSON who ran onto it to pass it into the net.

Benburb tried for an early response and they forced a corner in the 13^th minute when Dawson’s shot from 20 yards was deflected wide off McPherson’s head. When the corner came over Docherty got his head to it but couldn’t generate the power to trouble Leishman.

The next goal threat came in the 18^th minute. Shankland was bundled over 22 yards out and Talbot took the free kick quickly catching the Bens defence napping. It was shoved through to Glasgow on the right of the area and he flashed a shot across goal that McLean touched wide.

In the 28^th minute Talbot doubled their lead with the visiting defence posted missing. A free kick was worked out to Glasgow in space on the right and he had the time to float a cross beyond the back post where Craig McCracken rose unchallenged to nod it back across goal for GRAHAM WILSON to tap home from close range.

It was all over bar the shouting in the 34^th minute when Talbot moved three goals clear. Shankland won a corner down the left that he took quickly – pulling it back to find GRAHAM WILSON rushing to meet it and he thumped a shot into the roof of the net to complete his hat-trick.

Talbot were now on easy street and Benburb were unable to offer any real threat to the Talbot defence with McPherson and McCracken in the centre winning all the battles.

On the stroke of halftime Talbot came close to extending their lead. Healy sent a good pass up the left to release Boylan and he swept a cross over that looked destined to be headed home by Shankland in front of goal but Rough did well to stretch & nick the ball away.

The 2^nd half had barely started when Talbot threatened a 4^th goal. Shankland sent a great diagonal pass from midway inside his own half to find Boylan racing clear on the left of the area but McLean did well to block his low drive.

In the 53^rd minute the visiting keeper produced a top class save to deny Shankland. When Boylan whipped a cross in from the right Shankland looked a certainty to score but McLean acrobatically leapt to his left to touch Shankland’s header wide of the left post.

Benburb made a change in the 56^th minute when Dawson made way for McTaggart and a few minutes later Tucker made a double switch with Shankland & Boylan leaving the field to be replaced by Samson & Mason.

Talbot moved 4-0 ahead in the 63^rd minute. Mason picked out Graham Wilson on the left and he returned the ball back inside to AARON MASON who placed a good finish beyond McLean and inside his left post.

Benburb made their 2^nd change in the 68^th minute with Jarvie replacing Aitken and with 72 mins gone Talbot made their final change when McDowall came on for Glasgow and Benburb also completed their changes with Ocholi on for Duncanson.

With 8 minutes remaining Robbie McCracken’s ball down the line found McDowall & he cut into the penalty area but was well-tackled before he could get his shot away; resulting in a Talbot corner. When Mason’s corner came in McDowall met it only to see McLean dive to his left to claw his header away.

There was nothing the Bens keeper could do though to prevent Talbot from grabbing their 5^th of the afternoon in the 83^rd minute. Mason burst into the area & tried to dribble his way through to goal but the defence managed to crowd him out and put it behind for a corner. When the corner came over GRAHAM WILSON ghosted onto it for a free header to grab his 4^th goal of the game.

Talbot kept pushing but Benburb managed to hold out without conceding any further goals as Talbot eased to a win that won’t have done the goal difference any harm.

Next week – weather permitting – Talbot are back on the road and back in cup action as they travel through to Cumbernauld to face Rob Roy in the West of Scotland cup.

Auchinleck Talbot – Leishman, Robbie McCracken, Aiden Wilson, McPherson, Craig McCracken, Healy, Armstrong, Graham Wilson, Boylan, Glasgow, Shankland

Subs – Samson, Mason, Hyslop, Lyle, McDowall, Hewitt

Benburb – McLean, O’Hear, Leadbetter, Rough, Docherty, Dawson, Duncanson, McCrone, McDonald, Livingston, Aitken

Subs – Jarvie, Ocholi, McTaggart, McKenzie, McFarlane

Auchinleck Talbot v Hamilton Academicals

The Talbot Young Team out in force before the big kick off.

The teams and the officials run out onto the pitch in front of a packed Beechwood Park.

A couple of very happy Hamilton chaps before the kick off.

The Young Team look on, as Hamilton fire in the cross.

Hamilton try to go on the attack but Aiden Wilson makes sure the ball doesn’t get threaded through.

Hamilton wonder what could have been, as they squander a great chance.

McPherson makes sure the danger gets cleared.

HAD TO BE, SURELY!!! Kieran Healy finds himself in acres of space right in front of goal but fails to properly connect with the ball and to find the back of the net.

Boylan does his best to break free with the ball.

All eyes on the ball for Jamie Glasgow, as he fires the ball up the park.

WHAT-A-CHANCE!!! ‘Shankers’ cross finds Glasgow at the back post but his sliding shot gets batted away by the Hamilton ‘keeper.

Bryan Boylan does his best to keep hold of the ball and find a way through.

OFFSIDE! Boylan is deemed to have been offside, as he races through on goal.

Wilson watches, as Mark tries to muscle out his opponent for possession.

‘Tucker’ and Allan look on from the sidelines, while Boylan tries to keep the ball in play.

A chance for Hamilton but ‘Gee’ makes sure the route through gets blocked.

OUCH!!! Glasgow takes a sore one while racing away with the ball.

The Black ‘n’ Gold conga line keep their eyes firmly on the ball, as Hamilton go on the attack.

Robbie McCracken sticks closely to his man, as the Talbot faithful pack the terraces.

It may be two against one but Mark Shankland still takes them both on but…

…gets bundled over, as he tries to skip past them.

A couple of young Talbot fans take a break from watching the action at half-time.

Two Talbot fans made the trip from Perth to watch the big game and were happy with the half-time scoreline.

Boylan shouts for the foul, as Hamilton feel frustrated after giving away a free-kick.

Big Neily, again, makes sure the danger gets cleared.

Samson gets set to come on, as ‘Tucker’ discusses tactics with his bench.

Gareth Armstrong wins the header inside the box, where something special was about to happen…

GOOOAAALLL!!! UNBELIEVABLE JEFF!!! Armstrong’s header lets the ball fall to the feet of Graham Wilson, where he fires off a powerful low strike that…

…smashes into the back of the net putting Talbot into the lead. 1-0.

No caption required to describe this image.

Samson sticks to his man and makes sure his opponent is facing away from goal.

Craig McCracken tries to race away but gets stopped in his tracks by a great tackle.

Samson makes it look easy, as he skips past one opponent and then…

The goalscorer, Graham Wilson, uses his pace to break away and go on the attack.

Neil and Kieran look on, as Gareth wins the ball and starts another attacking move.

May be a slight height difference but I know where my money is going.

Hamilton try their luck from distance but it fails to trouble Andy Leishman.

Another chance for Hamilton but Neil and Craig make sure the ball doesn’t get through.

Jack McDowell stands his ground and races down the park.

Final chance for Hamilton, as they find space in front of goal and send a great header towards goal where…

…although Leishman makes sure, the ball sails harmlessly over the crossbar.

Jamie does his best to encourage his team-mates from the sidelines during the closing minutes of the game.

The anxious Talbot bench look on, as ‘Gee’ keeps hold of the ball in order to run down the clock.

And it’s not just the Talbot bench that are looking anxious while Graham keeps hold of the ball.

WHAT-A-RESULT!!! The final whistle gets blown and Talbot can finally begin to par-ty!

Bryan and Jamie can’t stop smiling after helping Talbot to achieve another big scalp in the Scottish Cup.

Jack and Bryan continue to celebrate the victory under the glorious Beechwood floodlights.

The Talbot Young Team ‘gie it laldy’ after the final whistle.

Big Neily shows off his dance moves in front of the adoring Black ‘n’ Gold faithful.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY PAUL FLYNN.

MURRAYS NATCH REPORT

Talbot once again made a mockery of the bookies odds with another giant-killing win at Beechwood park as they deservedly beat Hamilton Accies to book their place in the 4^th round draw of the Scottish cup.

The Bot made a slightly nervy start and Accies forced a couple of corners in the opening minutes but both deliveries were poor and sailed straight behind for goal kicks.

Glasgow had his name taken in the 4^th minute for a late challenge in midfield.

Hamilton had a half chance in the 6^th minute. A bout of heady tennis ended with the ball breaking to Ryan on the right of the area but his half volley under pressure sailed over the crossbar.

Talbot showed they weren’t just there to make up the numbers in the 8^th minute when they carved out a great opportunity to take the lead. Robbie McCracken clipped a ball up the right to release Glasgow and his cross to the far post found Healy in space 8 yards out but he didn’t connect cleanly and his left foot shot trundled straight at the keeper.

In the 11^th minute Talbot caught Hamilton cold on the counter-attack. An Accies corner from the right was headed clear by Armstrong and Talbot swiftly broke up the pitch. Shankland swept a great cross in from the left which Glasgow met beyond the back post and Hilton did well to turn his volley round the left hand post.

Talbot had settled well after the early wobble and it was the Bot who threatened again in the 26^th minute. Robbie McCracken’s pass sent Boylan clear on the right and he crossed it to the far post where Shankland headed it back down into the path of Graham Wilson whose shot was deflected behind off Stirling.

Hamilton hadn’t offered much but the visitors did have a clear sight of goal in the 29^th minute. There appeared to be a foul on Glasgow in the build-up but the ref waved play on and Hamilton worked it to Ryan inside the area but his low drive was smothered by Leishman.

The Bot fans were up in arms in the 33^rd minute when Boylan was taken out late as he flicked the ball on. The ref played advantage but when the move broke down no card was produced for what had been a cynical foul and the referee didn’t make himself any more popular a minute later when Stirling bowled Glasgow over near the touchline and no foul was given.

Talbot won a set piece 35 yards out in the 35^th minute following handball by Shields. Shankland swept the ball into the heart of the area where it was headed clear. The ball came straight to Armstrong at the edge of the area and he met it on the half-volley; firing on target but straight at Hilton.

A minute later Glasgow’s ball up the right forced Hilton to race out of his box to beat Shankland to the ball and fire it out for a shy.

As the half drew to a close it was Talbot who were pushing forward. Armstrong did well to win the ball then released a good early pass for Boylan. He raced forward down the left but Want got back to deny him with a perfectly timed slide tackle and the sides headed in goalless at the break with Talbot the happier of the two camps.

Hamilton were quickest out the blocks at the start of the 2^nd half and it took Leishman at his best to prevent them moving ahead in the 46^th minute. Munro cut in off the right and let fly from 20 yards and his shot was heading into the roof of the net but for Leishman stretching to touch it away. The ball came out to Ryan on the corner of the 6-yard area and he looked set to smash home the rebound but Leishman again rose to the challenge; blocking his low drive with his outstretched leg to complete a fantastic double save.

Accies tails were up and for the first time they pressed forward but the Bot defence gave nothing away.

Talbot made the first change in the 57^th minute when Samson came on in place of Glasgow.

In the 59^th minute Talbot nearly found a way through on the counter. Shankland won the ball in the tackle and sent a good early ball out to the right towards Samson who was haring into the box but Shields did well to cover his run and usher it back to the keeper.

Beechwood erupted on the hour mark when Talbot took the lead. The Bot won a shy out on the right which Samson launched into the area. Armstrong flicked it on at the near post and GRAHAM WILSON ran onto it and coolly sidefooted it past Hilton to make it 1-0.

Accies were rattled and there was a hint of desperation about Ryan’s effort at goal in the 62^nd minute when he fired a left foot shot well off target from distance.

The visitors made a change in the 63^rd minute with Redfern making way for Moyo and the sub had an early chance to make an impact. Hamilton won a free kick on halfway which was floated up to the edge of the penalty area. Talbot failed to clear it and the ball broke to Moyo 20 yards out in space but his angled drive went wide of the right hand post.

Hamilton were struggling to cope with Talbot at set plays and in the 66^th minute another shy from the right caused them problems. This time the defence managed to partially clear it but only as far as Graham Wilson whose fierce drive from 20 yards looked to be heading on target but was blocked by Martin’s head.

Two minutes later Samson surged up the right touchline evading two lunging challenges before sliding the ball toward the near post and the waiting Boylan but it was cut out by an Accies defender.

Talbot now made a 2^nd change with Boyd coming on to replace Shankland.

In the 73^rd minute Hamilton made their 2^nd change with Virtanen on for Martin and six minutes later the sub was in the ref’s notebook for a late challenge on Boylan.

With 10 mins remaining Samson did well wide on the right to burst free and his attempted ball across the face won Talbot a corner. When the corner came in Hamilton could only clear it out to the edge of the area where Boylan met it but he was falling back as he hit it and sent his shot over the bar.

Hamilton had a half chance in the 84^th minute when Moyo’s back-heel flick found Ryan in space 20 yards out but his shot went well wide of the right hand post.

As the game neared its conclusion Hamilton appeared bereft of any ideas and Talbot fans began to believe that another SFL scalp was there for the taking.

With 3 minutes remaining Talbot made their final sub with McDowall coming on in place of Boylan.

The visitors had one final half chance to level in the final minute of regulation time. Moyo rose to meet a cross from the right but his header looped up and over the bar and his frustration boiled over in injury time when he was fortunate only to be shown a yellow card for a two armed shove off the ball.

The Bot fans were made to wait for it as the ref added on 5 minutes of injury time but finally the final whistle went and the celebrations started – at least in the home end – those Accies fans who hadn’t left early headed for their own dug out to tongue lash their management team.

A fantastic display by Talbot who worked their socks off from first to last and now have Monday night’s 4^th round draw to look forward to for their efforts. Next week it’s back to Beechwood on league duty when Talbot host Benburb.

Auchinleck Talbot – Leishman, Robbie McCracken, Aiden Wilson, McPherson, Craig McCracken, Healy, Armstrong, Graham Wilson, Boylan, Shankland, Glasgow

Subs – Hyslop, Samson, Boyd, Mason, Lyle, McDowall, White, Stafford, Hewitt

Hamilton Academical – Hilton, Popesu, Stirling, Martin, Ryan, Want, Hughes, Mimnaugh, Munro, Redfern, Shields

Subs – May, Virtanen, Hamilton, Smith, Mullin, Winter, Moyo, Matheson

Auchinleck Talbot v West Calder United

MURRAYS REPORT

Talbot made a number of changes to their starting line-up but still ran out comfortable winners in this South Challenge cup tie.

The first chance of the afternoon came in the 5^th minute when Samson’s cross from the right was met beyond the back post by Hyslop who steered a half-volley over the bar.

Ten minutes in and the referee produced the first card of the afternoon when cautioned Baird for a late challenge on Hyslop.

A minute later Talbot had the first effort on target. Craig McCracken’s long pass found Samson on the left & he controlled it before turning his man & drilling a shot at goal from 20 yards that flew straight at McDougall.

The Bot took the lead in the 14^th minute & it was a cracking goal. Hyslop found Robbie McCracken in space down the right & he carried it forward before feeding it on to Glasgow. He rolled the ball back into the path of JACK MCDOWALL who hammered a right foot drive inside the right post with the keeper spectating.

In the 22^nd minute Talbot opened up the visiting defence when Wilson found Samson on the left and his ball across the face of goal fell just behind Glasgow as he raced in to tap it home.

Shanks became the 2^nd West Calder player in the book when he was cautioned for dissent after 28 minutes.

Talbot appeared on easy street but a defensive fubar gifted West Calder an unlikely equaliser in the 31^st minute. A high crossfield ball from the right saw ROBBIE MCCRACKEN try to head it back but with Leishman stranded off his line the header sailed inside the right post to level the score.

Two minutes later only a great stop from Leishman prevented West Calder from taking the lead. A ball in from the right found Shanks inside the area & he turned smartly before firing a shot which Leishman stretched low to his left to turn round the post.

After this wobble Talbot were back on the attack and the lead was restored in the 36^th minute. Boyd retrieved an over-hit cross and teed it up for Aiden Wilson. His low drive was blocked by McDougall but KIER SAMSON was on hand to lash the rebound into the roof of the net to put Talbot 2-1 ahead.

Two minutes later Talbot added a third. AARON MASON met a ball in from the left to steer it into the far corner to make it 3-1.

Three minutes before the interval Talbot came within a whisker of grabbing their fourth. Mason got away on the right but pulled his shot across the face of goal. Boyd retrieved it on the far side & passed to Wilson whose ball across goal was met by Mason who struck it against the base of the right hand post. Talbot kept pressing but the visitors held out without conceding any further goals.

The 2^nd half got off to a fairly slow start with neither side offering much of a threat. The first real opportunity came the way of West Calder in the 56^th minute when Craig McCracken conceded a free kick just outside the penalty area resulting in a booking for Talbot’s centre-half. Shanks too it but his shot hit a Bot player and went behind for the corner.

Talbot then turned defence into attack as they broke away on the counter from the corner through Mason who was up-ended by Gillespie who was booked for his challenge. Mason took the resultant free kick and swept a good ball in from the right which McDowall headed just past the left post.

The game was over as a contest on the hour mark when Talbot got their fourth of the afternoon. WILLIE BOYD cut in off the left wing & passed it toward goal where it trundled past the keeper with the aid of a slight deflection off Livingstone.

Tucker now made a change with Shankland coming on for Glasgow.

In the 61st minute Talbot won a penalty and the visitors were reduced to ten men. Mason got free down the right & his ball across goal was blocked by the arm of Gillespie. He’d already been booked so made the short walk to the clubhouse after his 2^nd yellow and AARON MASON gave the keeper no chance from the spot – burying his penalty inside the right post to make it 5-1 to Talbot.

Mason nearly had his hat-trick in the 65^th minute. Boyd came in on off the left & curled over a right foot cross that Mason glanced off the left hand post.

Two minutes later Talbot did move further ahead. A deep cross found Craig McCracken beyond the far post and he headed it back across goal where KIER SAMSON ran onto it to nod home from close range.

The scoring was completed in the 69^th minute. Shankland delivered an inch perfect cross from the left and DWAYNE HYSLOP guided a header back across goal and inside the right post to put Talbot 7-1 ahead.

In the 74^th minute Talbot made their 2^nd change with Healy on in midfield in place of Boyd.

Talbot had a chance soon after to extend their lead when Samson raced away on the right before laying it inside to Mason. He touched it on to McDowall whose shot flew across goal and wide of the right post.

With 10 minutes remaining Talbot made their final change with McDowall making way for White.

In the closing minutes Talbot came close on two occasions. Firstly, Shankland met Wilson’s cross only to see his header come back off the crossbar and a minute later a short corner from the right saw Robbie McCracken cross it into the centre where Healy directed a free header over the bar.

A convincing win for Talbot who will face a totally different challenge next Saturday when they host Hamilton Accies in the senior cup.

Auchinleck Talbot – Leishman, Robbie McCracken, Wilson, Armstrong, Craig McCracken, McDowall, Boyd, Hyslop, Samson, Mason, Glasgow

Subs – Boylan, Shankland, Healy, Lyle, White, Hewitt

West Calder United – McDougall, Gillespie, Wilson, Shanks, Taylor, Livingstone, Baird, Easton, Macauley, Fallon, Stevenson

Subs – Hay, Johnston, Kennedy, Miller, Wilkins