Beechwood Park – Page 13 – Auchinleck Talbot Football Club

Auchinleck Talbot v Clydebank

It’s the first game in a new era and everything is on-the-line, as Samson goes on the attack up the wing.

McCracken watches, as ‘Shankers’ keeps the ball moving in the middle of the park.

Keir Samson tries his luck in front of goal via an awkward header but is then deemed to be offside.

The Bankies defender shields the ball, as he is put under pressure from an in-coming Boylan.

Armstrong looks on, while Robbie McCracken tries his best to win the ball back.

The ball gets fired up the park, as Healy makes sure the danger gets cleared.

Things get heated, as McPherson makes sure his point gets across.

The agony is written all over Bryan’s face, as he fails to find the back of the net from a great position.

First blood to the Bankies! Neil McPherson lies deflated on the ground, as his attempted clearance pushes the ball into the back of his own net instead. 0-1.

A celebratory roar from the Bankies players, as they enjoy taking the lead.

Mark tries to keep hold of the ball while under severe pressure from the Clydebank defense.

Talbot pull level through Kieran Healy’s low curler from the edge of the box. 1-1.

Kieran’s team-mates congratulate him, as they celebrate their equalizer.

WHAT A TURN AROUND!!! Talbot take the lead, as Samson races in on goal and slots the ball past the ‘keeper. 2-1.

Keir looks to the skies, as the Talbot faithful go wild after witnessing his goal.

It’s all smiles for Robbie, as he races to congratulate Keir.

THE GAME AIN’T OVER!!! Clydebank pull level, as they find space at the back post to head the ball home. 2-2.

The Bankies players jump for joy after making the score level.

Samson gets fouled while trying to race away with the ball.

No way through for Boylan, as Clydebank put a stop to the attack.

The crowd hold their breath, as Keir Samson goes for the spectacular.

Bryan has a dig from the edge of the box but fails to find the net.

Did Boylan get fouled here? Possible penalty?

Another chance for Talbot, as Craig McCracken has a go but his shot gets blocked.

OH SO CLOSE!!! A looping header comes very close to creeping in but the ball painfully bounces off the crossbar instead.

WHERE’S V.A.R.??? Talbot think Mark has scored a possible winner but his shot gets headed off the line.

Talbot go on the attack again and try to find a way through inside Clydebank’s box.

Don’t worry Kieran. Your back up is arriving shortly.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY PAUL FLYNN.

MATCH REPORT MURRAY STEELE

Talbot kicked off their league campaign with a hard fought draw against Clydebank at a sun drenched Beechwood park.

The visitors settled the quicker of the two sides and managed to force a couple of early corners without offering any threat to Leishman’s goal.

Talbot’s defence were struggling to cope with the breeze and this almost proved costly in the 6^th minute. Donnelly’s long punt down the centre deceived McPherson as it glanced off the top of his head. The ball spun out to Lynass on the right & he hooked a cross come shot in from a tight angle that sped across the face of goal and wide of the far post.

Lynass had another chance a minute later when the Bankies were awarded a free kick 25 yards out but he drilled his shot straight into the wall.

In the 9^th minute Armstrong won the ball in the centre before releasing Boylan down the left. He burst down the wing but was halted by a well-timed tackle from Darroch.

Talbot had a chance to test the Bankies defence in the 16^th minute when they won a free kick following a nudge on Armstrong. Shankland pinged a good ball into the box which Darroch headed clear. His header came out to Boylan on the left of the area but he was stretching as he hit it and could only fire it wide of target.

Two minutes later another Talbot set piece saw Shankland float a free kick over the defence to find the run of Robbie McCracken but it was just too far in front of him & ran out for the goal kick.

The visitors took the lead in the 19^th minute. Talbot lost the ball deep in the Bankies half and Clydebank quickly counter-attacked, switching the ball out to Lynass on the right touchline. He angled it across the area towards Little & MCPHERSON steered it into his own net whilst trying to put it behind for the corner.

Whilst there was plenty of effort from both sides there was a shortage of goal mouth action for the remainder of the 1^st half. Talbot’s closest call coming on the half hour mark when Shankland found Robbie McCracken at the edge of the area and his bobbling shot had to be turned round the right hand post by Donnelly.

Down the other end Gallagher tested Leishman when he cut in off the right and fired a shot for the near post that Leishman turned behind but that was about it as far as chances went and the Bankies saw it out to half-time.

Talbot needed a spark from somewhere and it duly came in the 52^nd minute when the Bot drew level. A ball up the right saw Darroch head it clear but only to the edge of his own penalty area. Black dawdled on the ball as he got it stuck between his feet & KIERAN HEALY dispossessed him before waltzing around Niven & bending a low shot inside Donnelly’s left hand post.

In the 58^th minute Talbot took the lead. Armstrong headed the ball on in midfield & Boylan flicked it on into the path of KEIR SAMSON who paced clear on the right before drilling a shot across the keeper and into the far corner.

Unfortunately, Talbot’s lead proved to be short lived and Clydebank levelled matters in the 61^st minute. Little switched a pass out to the left to find Byrne 30 yards out & he hit an early cross over that caught the Bot defence sleeping with CHRIS BLACK meeting it 8 yards out to direct a free header beyond Leishman.

Talbot looked for an immediate response and Boylan’s lay off saw Samson speeding clear on the right til he was taken out by Byrne who was cautioned. Shankland whipped the free kick into the centre where Donnelly came off his line to punch clear.

Both sides now made their 1^st changes with McPherson coming on for Mulcahy for the visitors and McDowall on for Robbie McCracken for Talbot.

In the 71^st minute Shankland squared the ball to Lyle whose pass sent Boylan scurrying down the right. He crossed it into the centre where Samson’s attempted overhead kick was blocked behind off a defender. Shankland took the resultant corner & his delivery had the Bankies at full stretch to head it clear at the back post. The ball came out to Boylan 15 yards out but he didn’t catch his shot cleanly & it was blocked.

Two minutes later Shankland swung a cross over from the right that Donnelly came to collect but missed but there was no Bot player beyond the back post and it sailed out for a goal kick.

With quarter of an hour remaining Talbot made a further change with Glasgow on in place of Boylan.

Twelve minutes from time Talbot very nearly regained the lead twice in quick succession. Firstly Samson’s shy from the right cannoned off a defender’s head and looped up and over Donnelly only for it to come back off the face of the crossbar. When it bounced out it fell to Shankland whose low drive was cleared off the line.

It was then Talbot’s turn to endure a nervy moment. The Bot conceded a free kick out wide on the right which was delivered beyond the far post where Niven just failed to connect with it.

With 5 minutes remaining Talbot made their final change with Mason coming on for Samson.

Talbot’s next attack saw Glasgow rob Black of the ball but before he could get going Black sent him tumbling; receiving a yellow card for his troubles.

Two minutes from time McDowall headed the ball on into the path of Mason who charged down the right & fired it across the face of goal but there were no takers in the centre.

Deep into injury time the officials angered the home support when the ref initially awarded a throw in to Talbot only to change his mind & award Clydebank a free kick out on the touchline after consulting his assistant. This was particularly galling as the ref had pointedly over ruled both of his assistants on previous occasions. Clydebank fired the free kick into the centre where Leishman safely gathered it and soon after the whistle blew with honours even.

Next up for Talbot it is a midweek visit to Cumbernauld to face Rob Roy.

Auchinleck Talbot – Leishman, Lyle, A Wilson, McPherson, C McCracken, Healy, Samson, Armstrong, Boylan, Shankland, R McCracken

Subs – Glasgow, McDowall, Mason, S Wilson, G Wilson, Boyd, Hewitt

Clydebank – Donnelly, Green, Niven, Darroch, Byrne, Johnstone, Lynass, Black, Mulcahy, Little, Gallagher

Subs – Stevenson, McClair, McLean, McHugh, Holmes, McGonigle, McPherson

Auchinleck Talbot v Penicuik Athletic

After what seemed an endless wait Talbot finally returned to action at Beechwood & it was worth the wait as Talbot ran out convincing winners over Penicuik, with the fans being treated to 7 goals in total.

Talbot got off to a muted start and it was the visitors from the east who shaded the early exchanges without ever threatening to breach Talbot’s defence.

The first effort on target came in the 14^th minute when Glasgow laid the ball back to Healy and he drilled a powerful shot at goal from 20 yards that Watt had to parry.

The game really sparked into life in the 21^st minute when Glasgow came close twice within a minute to breaking the deadlock. Firstly, his dipping shot from the edge of the area clipped the crossbar and shortly after his low right foot drive smacked off the base of Watt’s right post with the keeper well beaten.

Penicuik made a change after 25 minutes when Watson came on in place of Young.

Two minutes later Talbot took the lead. Samson charged down a clearance from the left-back and Shankland chased it down to the corner flag. Nifty footwork left the defender chasing shadows before he looped a cross to the back post where JACK MCDOWALL steered a header down & across and beyond the keeper.

The Bot came close to extending their lead in the 35^th minute. Wilson cut the ball back from the left to find Shankland whose half volley from 18 yards flew just over the bar.

The visitors hadn’t offered much threat in the final third but they did have an opportunity to level after 36 minutes. A cross in from the left was headed clear by Wilson but only as far as Kateleza who lashed a powerful strike wide of target from 16 yards.

Play then switched to the other end where Shankland found Lyle in space down the right. He hung a cross over to the far post where Samson met it but couldn’t direct it on goal from a tight angle.

The last chance of the half came in the 42^nd minute. Shankland evaded a couple of challenges before slipping a pass through to Glasgow. He turned his man & fired on target but straight at Watt and so Talbot reached the interval a goal ahead.

Tucker made a raft of changes for the start of the 2^nd half with Shankland, Glasgow & Armstrong making way for Boylan, Robbie McCracken & White.

The changes almost paid off immediately with Robbie McCracken nearly doubling Talbot’s lead. His shot from a tight angle caused Watt an anxious moment as the keeper turned it round his left post.

A minute later McCracken had another effort on target when Watt dived low to his right to save his effort from 20 yards.

It was all Talbot now and the Bot had a penalty appeal waved away in the 52^nd minute. McDowall’s cut back found Boylan on the left of the area and his fierce drive was blocked en route leading to a shout for hand ball.

Talbot did double their lead in the 54^th minute courtesy of a wonderful strike from a set piece. Lamb upended McDowall as he raced forward resulting in a free kick 35 yards out. KEIR SAMSON stepped up and curled an unstoppable shot over the wall that flew inside Watt’s left hand post to make it 2-0.

Penicuik tried to respond and Reid tested Hewitt in the 58^th minute with a well struck effort from 30 yards that he held low to his left. The visitors now made a double change with Kateleza & Edwards making way for Furness & Hope.

Before the subs had a chance to look at the ball Talbot extended their lead. McDowall pounced on a slack pass midway inside the Penicuik half, carrying it forward before releasing BRYAN BOYLAN on the left & he slotted it past the keeper to make it 3-0.

In the 64^th minute Talbot won another free kick within shooting range when Boylan was fouled 30 yards out but this time Samson’s effort went just too high.

Talbot now completed their changes with youngsters Murphy & Smith from the development squad replacing Samson and McDowall.

The visitors pulled a goal back in the 72^nd minute following a good passing moved which ended with REID racing onto a pass in behind down the left & coolly passing the ball beyond Hewitt.

However any hopes of a comeback proved short-lived as Talbot added to their lead in the 75^th minute. Lamb, who was anything but meek, caught Boylan late inside the area & the ref pointed to the spot. WILLIE LYLE stepped up and his spot kick sent the keeper the wrong way to put Talbot 4-1 ahead.

Talbot had to play out the closing ten minutes a man short after McPherson took a heavy knock and couldn’t continue.

Penicuik took advantage of the extra man to exert some pressure on Talbot and forced a string of corners in succession which Talbot successfully defended.

With 2 minutes remaining Penicuik reduced the leeway with a well-constructed goal. Finnie flighted a good ball over the defence to find TANSEY inside the area & he smashed his shot past Hewitt to make it 4-2.

Talbot weren’t quite finished though and completed the scoring with the final kick of the game. Boylan’s tenacity saw him win the ball out on the right and his cut back from the bye line was met by KIERAN HEALY who lashed it first time inside the keeper’s left post.

A good win and performance from Talbot who will be back in action next Saturday when they host Clydebank in a tough opening fixture to the league campaign.

Auchinleck Talbot – Hewitt, Lyle, A Wilson, McPherson, C McCracken, Armstrong, McDowall, Healy, Glasgow, Samson, Shankland

Subs – Boylan, R McCracken, White, Smith, Murphy

Penicuik Athletic – Watt, Baptie, Young, Edwards, Kateleza, Tansey, Neave, Lamb, Collins, Forbes, Reid

Subs – Watson, Furness, Finnie, Hope

The Penicuik ‘keeper pulls off a great save, as a legendary ‘keeper watches from the terrace.

Samson gets stopped in his tacks, as he tries to race up the wing.

Talbot take the lead, as McDowell pops up at the back post to head the ball home into the far bottom corner of the net. 1-0.

Samson congratulates Jack, as Mark and Kieran celebrate in the background.

I think Jack is practicing for the upcoming Olympics, as he goes hurdling over the incoming defenders.

Keir does his best to block the clearance by Penicuik.

Samson collides with the upright, as he has a go with a header from a very awkward angle.

Aiden Wilson tries to speed past his opponent on the outside.

Kieran takes a tumble in the box while having a go at goal.

After going on a great run up the middle of the park, Shankers threads a clever ball through for…

…for Armstrong, who skips past the ‘keeper but is deemed to be offside.

An early second half chance for Talbot but the ‘keeper thwarts the effort.

Talbot get awarded a free-kick in a dangerous area after Jack McDowell gets tripped while racing through on goal.

Samson stands poised, 25 plus yards out, as he looks to send the ball…

…flying spectacularly into the top corner of the net and extend Talbot’s lead. 2-0.

Keir, quite rightly, gets swamped by his team-mates after scoring an absolute stunner.

From the left hand side of the box, Boylan makes it three for Talbot, as he slots the ball past the ‘keeper. 3-0.

From the spot, Wullie Lyle smashes home Talbot’s fourth goal. 4-0.

Healy is all smiles after seeing Lyle score.

Penicuik score their second, as the ball gets fired into the back of the net from a difficult angle. 4-2.

The scoring is rounded off, as Kieran Healy finds the net and leaves the Penicuik ‘keeper rooted to the spot. 5-2.

The beaming face of a man that loves scoring for the ‘Bot!

PHOTOGRAPHS BY PAUL FLYNN.

Auchinleck Talbot v Rossvale

Auchinleck Talbot v Hurlford United

Auchinleck Talbot V Hurlford United

Auchinleck Talbot v Tayport FC

Graham goes on a blistering run up the park, while evading sliding tackles.

Samson tries to slip through the gap left by the Tayport defence.

Stephen Wilson gathers the ball and sends it up the park.

Boylan evades this challenge and keeps the attack going.

Tayport try their best but they fail to stop Keir going on brilliant run.

Kieran Healy passes on some tactical information to his team-mates.

The players look on, as they all wait for the ball to be thrown back into the game.

Samson does his best to fend off this challenge and keep hold of the ball.

‘Pee-wee’ does his best to get on the end of this cross but just can’t stretch far enough.

I think Stephen seems a bit perplexed with the referee’s decision here.

The Talbot bench watch, as Keir Samson tries to muscle his way through the defence.

‘Gee’ slots the ball into the back of the net, however, he is deemed to be offside.

Aiden Wilson gets stopped in his tracks inside the Tayport box.

Bryan watches, as Graham Wilson fires a powerful shot at goal but fails to find the back of the net.

Boylan tries a volley from inside the box but can’t quite keep the shot down.

All eyes on the prize , as ‘Gee’ manages to out jump the defence.

The Talbot attack keeps motoring through Healy, as he fires the ball forward.

Samson gathers the ball inside the box, as the Tayport players shout for offside.

Tayport try their luck from the edge of the box, as ‘Shankers’ makes a last ditch attempt to block the strike.

TAYPORT PULL LEVEL!!! From a corner, Tayport manage to poke the ball home from right in front of the goal. 1-1.

The Tayport players celebrate their goal and you can see just what it means to them.

Samson finds himself in acres of space but just can’t head the ball home.

WHAT A CHANCE!!! Aiden manages to sneak round the back of the defence but he some how sends the ball high over the crossbar.

Aiden can only sink his head into his hands, as he knows that was a great chance for Talbot.

ANOTHER GREAT CHANCE!!! With acres of space and right in front of goal but Jamie Glasgow fails to burst the net and can only watch the ball go skyward instead.

‘Pee-wee’ ushers his way into the box and keeps hold of the ball.

WHAT A SAVE!!! ‘Big Andy’ does what he does best and pulls off a wonder save to thwart Tayport and stop what looked like a certain goal.

Leishman vehemently vents his anger, as he brilliantly keeps Talbot in the tie.

Glasgow fires in the cross and tries to pick out Dwayne.

LATE WINNER FOR TALBOT!!! Just when the game looked certain to go to a replay, up steps ‘Pee-wee’ who heads the ball into the back of the net and sends the ‘Bot into the quarter finals. 2-1.

Que the utter Black ‘n’ Gold mayhem in the terraces!

The smile of a man that just simply LOVES scoring big goals for Talbot.

Dwayne gets swamped by his team-mates, as Aiden shows his best Cheshire Cat smile.

Relief, smiles and utter joy all round for the Talbot players and fans, as everybody continues celebrating Dwayne’s late winner.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY PAUL FLYNN.

MURRAYS MATCH REPORT

There was a time when Tayport were Talbot’s bogey team and for a while yesterday it looked like the past repeating itself but although Talbot made heavy work of it they managed to book their place in the last 8 of the Scottish.

The Bot couldn’t have asked for a better start; taking the lead within half a minute. Armstrong pinged a ball into the box & the visiting defence put on a slapstick routine, getting in one another’s road & allowing the ball to run through to BRYAN BOYLAN who passed it into the empty net from 6 yards.

The early goal didn’t open the floodgates with Talbot struggling to find their feet in the final third.

It took until the 19th minute before either goal was threatened again. McCracken played it into the feet of Samson & he cut in off the left before firing a low shot wide of the right hand post.

Talbot had a good chance to double their advantage in the 24th minute. Boylan gathered down the left & fed it back to Healy. He swept a low ball across the area which Hyslop met 12 yards out but he steered his shot over the bar.

Stephen Wilson had his name taken in the 29th minute when he halted a Tayport counter-attack down the right wing.

Tayport hadn’t offered much of a threat but they did come close in the 31st minute. Wilson won a corner down the left & when Shaw whipped the corner over Robertson met it. The ball hit him rather than the other way round but it was heading goal ward until McCracken cleared it from the goal mouth.

The visitors grew in confidence & caused a fright in the 38th minute when a ball was pinged down the left. It flew over McPherson and found Robertson breaking in behind; however he was beaten to it by Leishman who’d read the danger & raced out his box to clear.

Two minutes later Talbot put together a neat move. Healy played it into Hyslop inside the area & he laid it off first time for Graham Wilson but there was a yard too much on it & the keeper was able to gather. Talbot finished the half on the front foot but had nothing to show for it and went in at the interval with a one goal lead.

Talbot started the 2nd half as though they meant business and should have had the game out of sight within 5 mins of the re-start. In the 46th minute Samson launched a long shy in from the right that Hyslop head flicked on. It came to Graham Wilson whose drive was blocked. It rebounded to Hyslop but his effort in turn was blocked by a defender before Graham Wilson had another go; only to see a defender in the road for the 3rd time..

Two minutes later Healy found Samson out on the right & he fed it on to the overlapping Armstrong. He floated a cross onto the head of Healy who headed it down and back across goal only for it to hit the heel of a defender before being cleared.

In the 50th minute Talbot ought to have doubled their lead. Graham Wilson met a ball up the left & headed it on into the path of Boylan who raced in behind the defence but blazed over the bar from 12 yards.

Action then switched to the other end where Tayport won a free kick just outside the area. Shaw curled it to the back post where it was headed behind for a corner. When the corner came in it was only cleared as far as Wilson who cut in off the right before drilling a shot for goal that took a deflection off Robertson en route to Leishman.

Talbot’s next attack saw Healy spread play with a great pass to release Samson down the right. He sped down the touchline before firing a dangerous ball across the face that found no takers.

The first change of the afternoon came after 66 mins with Shankland coming on for Boylan.

The officials called it wrong in the 72nd minute when they awarded Tayport a corner down the right. Robertson clearly screwed his shot well wide of target but the ref saw a nonexistent deflection. When the corner came over it was only partially cleared; falling into the path of J Mackie whose shot from 18 yards was deflected over. The Bot defence were caught sleeping at the corner as Shaw played it into the near post where Robertson’s head glanced it on for ROLLO to tuck home from close range to level the score.

Healy became the 2nd Bot player in the book when he received a caution in the 77th minute for a late challenge in midfield.

A minute later Talbot came close to regaining the lead. A quickly taken free kick saw Stephen Wilson release his brother Graham down the left. He flighted it over to the back post where Samson’s header almost squeezed past Shaw at his left post.

With 10 minutes remaining Talbot spurned another good chance to move ahead. A free kick was awarded out on the right & Shankland whipped it over. Aiden Wilson ran onto it & met it 5 yards out but lifted his shot over the crossbar.

Tucker now made a 2nd change with Glasgow on in place of Samson.

Glasgow was barely on the pitch when he had a gilt edged chance. Graham Wilson fed the ball out to Shankland on the left flank & he slung over a great ball that Glasgow met at the back post but with the goal gaping he made a poor contact & it flew over the bar.

With 5 minutes remaining Talbot nearly paid for their missed chances. Gill paced away down the right & slid it across the face of goal. Robertson ran onto it & looked certain to score but Leishman showed why he’s the best keeper in Junior football; diving full length to his left to turn his shot over the bar.

Just when it looked like we were heading for a replay Talbot snatched a late winner in the final minute of regulation time. Graham Wilson did well on the left before slipping a pass through to Glasgow whose shot from a tight angle was blocked behind by the keeper for a corner. Shankland swung it into the back post where DWAYNE HYSLOP shrugged off his marker to head home and send Talbot into the quarter-finals.

Not one of Talbot’s best performances, not by a long chalk, but mission accomplished as they enter the draw for the quarters. Next up, Talbot are back on league duty as they travel through to Govan to face Rossvale.

Auchinleck Talbot – Leishman, Armstrong, Aiden Wilson, McPherson, McCracken, Healy, Hyslop, Stephen Wilson, Graham Wilson, Samson, Boylan

Subs – Shankland, Glasgow, McDowall, White, Pope

Tayport – Jack Shaw, Strachan, Sturrock,, Ness, Whyte, Rollo, Lyall Shaw, Jamie Mackie, Dayle Robertson, Gill, Wilson

Subs – D Robertson, O’Brien, Breen, Middleton, Marc Mackie

Auchinleck Talbot v Benburb

‘Big Andy’ takes in the pre-kick off coin toss, as he steps into the Captain’s role for the day.

Out on the wing, ‘Shankers’ fires the ball back up the park for Talbot.

TALBOT TAKE THE LEAD!!! Talbot open the scoring via a low awkward header by Samson, as he sends the ball towards…

…an open goal, left vacant by the Benburb ‘keeper. 1-0.

Keir races away to celebrate, as the Benburb players vent their frustration.

Samson puts the head down and shifts himself into top gear, as he takes on the opposition defence.

The ‘keeper stands his ground, as Stephen Wilson keeps hold of the ball inside the box.

Mark Shankland goes chasing after the ball.

PENALTY TO TALBOT!!! Mark gets set-up to take the penalty, while the Benburb players argue their case to the referee.

Talbot double their lead from the spot, as ‘Shankers’ fires the ball home. 2-0.

The Benburb players try to sort things out after losing two early goals.

The two benches look on, as ‘Gee’ manages to keep the ball in play…just.

Aiden Wilson gathers the ball and goes on a run up the park.

Stephen Wilson does his best to block the pass.

Armstrong goes on a brilliant run from deep inside his own half.

Samson tries to muscle his way in between the defenders.

Benburb get their wall set-up after Talbot get awarded a free-kick.

A break in the game allows Mark and Craig time to discuss tactics…or what they want at the bar after the game.

An aerial battle for Mark, as he aims to win the ball back for Talbot.

An early second-half chance for Samson but he puts the ball agonisingly wide of the goal.

THREE-SY FOR TALBOT!!! From the narrowest of angles, ‘Pee-wee’ manages to squeeze the ball home with a very close range header. 3-0.

Aiden congratulates Dwayne for his goal, while the Benburb players claim the ball was already out the park during the build up.

All eyes on the ball for Dwayne in order to stop this Benburb attack.

Gareth tries his hand at hurdles, as he tries to skip past his opponent.

Stephen Wilson races down the park, sees the space and threads the ball through the gap.

Obviously Keir finds something funny here while waiting for the corner kick to be taken.

Bryan Boylan does his best to navigate through the Benburb defence.

McCracken tries to sneak in at the near post but Benburb manage to clear the danger just in time.

FOUR-SOME FROM TALBOT!!! Although surrounded, Keir Samson still manages to fire the ball into the back of the net from inside the box. 4-0.

A celebratory pose from Samson, as he laps up the praise after netting his second of the game.

Keir tries his luck but his shot gets blocked by the defender.

FIVE STAR TALBOT!!! Samson seals his hat-trick by slotting the ball past the ‘keeper and into the bottom corner of the net. 5-0.

Keir races away to celebrate scoring Talbot’s fifth and netting his hat-trick.

It’s ‘copy cat’ stuff from ‘Shankers’ and the referee, as they both point out where McCracken got injured in a late challenge in the game.

The referee winces, as he watches Craig receiving treatment for a badly cut lip/mouth.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY PAUL FLYNN.

Talbot continued with their assault on the league leaders with an emphatic 5-0 win over league strugglers Benburb.

They went 2-0 ahead in the opening five minutes when poor defending gave Gareth Armstrong to pick out Kier Samson who glanced a header into an empty net.

A few minutes later Mark Shankland increased the lead when he scored from the spot. Talbot continued to dominate and some stout defending and a goalkeeping display of the highest order kept Talbot at bay

In the second half it was business as usual as Talbot went on the hunt for more goals. Their third one came from the head of Dwayne Hyslop, and then a brace by Kier Samson who was a constant thorn in the Benburb defence.

Kier had the honour of scoring Talbot’s 100^th competitive goal this season and going by Talbot’s recent expoits, its not to say we could score another 100. However next league match is away to Rossvale.

Auchinleck Talbot v Beith Juniors

Stephen Wilson gets bundled over inside the box. Possible penalty for Talbot?

‘Big Sean’ out jumps all the Talbot players and heads the ball on.

The linesman flags Talbot for offside and then takes some ‘finger-wagging’ slaggings from the Talbot faithful.

Gareth Armstrong tries his best win back the ball.

Samson fires in a brilliant cross into the box but ‘Gee’ can only slide in and fire the ball over the bar.

Beith win a free-kick and then, vent their frustration at the referee.

Byan Boylan looks back at a missed opportunity, while Beith question what went wrong.

Bryan races into the box and tries to beat the defenders but…

…he can’t beat the Beith ‘keeper, who makes a brave save at Bryan’s feet.

Keir Samson has a go at goal from very close range but gets flagged for offside by the linesman.

Samson tries his best with an awkward strike from just inside the box.

The Talbot wall does it’s job and blocks Beith’s free-kick.

Graham goes for the spectacular from distance but fails to hit the target.

DEADLOCK BROKEN!!! Samson races away to celebrate opening the scoring for Talbot. 1-0.

‘Big Neilly’ and co race to congratulate Keir for putting Talbot into the lead.

TALBOT DOUBLE THEIR LEAD!!! Graham fires home Talbot’s second after executing a very clever free-kick move with ‘Shankers’. 2-0.

‘Gee’ roars with delight, as he celebrates netting Talbot’s second goal.

Mark Shankland finds space at the back post, fires home a ferocious shot but…

…the ball hits off the ‘keeper and can only trickle along the goal-line, where ‘Gee’ then races in to make sure the ball ends up in the back of the net. 3-0.

At least Mark could see the funny side of Graham ‘nicking’ his goal.

Graham and ex-Talbot player Kier Milliken, manage to find time to share a joke during the game.

With every Talbot fan willing ‘Whitey’ to score, he fails to hit the target and can only drag the ball harmlessly back across the face of goal.

HAT-TRICK FOR ‘GEE’!!! Graham finishes the game’s scoring and also completes his hat-trick, as he easily strokes the ball home very close range. 4-0.

Graham gets congratulated by his team-mates after scoring Talbot’s fourth.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY PAUL FLYNN.

MURRAYS MATCH REPORT

A 2nd half surge saw Talbot race through the gears & put Beith to the sword as the Bot started the new year in style with a 4-0 win.

The first purposeful attack of the match saw Stephen Wilson play a one-two with Boylan outside the area & attempt to run onto the return pass. He tumbled over in the area but the ref waved away his appeal.

The opening spell was highly competitive but neither side had anything to show for it other than an exchange of corners.

It looked like Graham Wilson had got in behind Beith’s defence in the 14th minute when he raced onto Samson’s pass but a marginal offside call went against him.

The Bot threatened Beith’s goal in the 19th minute. Sheridan was penalised for barging over Graham Wilson 35 yards out & Stephen Wilson swept in a good free kick to the back past. Beith couldn’t properly clear it & it came to Lyle on the touchline. Graham Wilson met his cross & looped a header beyond the far post where Samson dinked it back into play before it was bundled behind for a corner.

In the 22nd minute both sides came close in quick succession. Firstly, Christie slid a pass through toward McKenzie that forced Leishman off his line to smother at the striker’s feet. Leishman then launched a counterattack when he hurled the ball out to the right to find Samson racing away. He sped down the touchline before firing a cross beyond Sheridan that Graham Wilson met on the stretch 6 yards out but he couldn’t keep his shot down.

Two minutes later Talbot had a lucky escape. Ramsay squared the ball to Wilson just outside the penalty area and his shot was travelling on target before taking a major deflection & speeding just wide of the left post.

The first booking of the afternoon came in the 29th minute when Graham Wilson cut inside Wilson who obstructed him resulting in a caution for Beith’s midfielder & a Bot freekick 20 yards out that Talbot failed to make the most of.

Graham Wilson came close to breaking the deadlock when he met Aiden Wilson’s cross but glanced his header wide of the left post and a minute later he was inches from connecting with Boylan’s low ball in from the left at the near post.

Talbot’s next effort came in the 35th minute. Beith failed to deal with Samson’s long throw & the ball broke to Boylan 20 yards out & he stroked a shot narrowly past Grindlay’s right post.

Boylan was soon involved again. He raced onto a ball over the top & burst into the area only to take a heavy touch & was forced wide by Grindlay. He retrieved the ball at the byline and cut back in field before trying a shot from a tight angle that was blocked.

With 40 mins gone Boylan had his name taken for a late challenge on Ramsay.

In the closing minutes of the half the visitors were forced into a change when Sheridan limped off to be replaced by McMahon and that was it for a keenly contested 1st half.

The 2nd half was only 6 minutes old when Talbot made the crucial breakthrough. Stephen Wilson ploughed past a couple of weak challenges down the left. It fell to Boylan inside the area & he pulled it back & across to KEIR SAMSON who stroked it past Grindlay from 15 yards.

The goal galvanised Talbot who began to push Beith back in search of a second.

Beith made a 2nd change, in the 59th minute, when McLean replaced McKenzie.

Talbot made their first change in the 64th minute with Shankland coming on for Boylan and Beith soon completed their changes with Prior replacing Ramsay.

The next goal was going to be pivotal & it went Talbot’s way in the 71st minute. McCracken was caught as he burst forward resulting in a free kick 30 yards out. With everyone anticipating a direct shot, Shankland instead slid a pass wide of the wall to GRAHAM WILSON & he steered a left foot shot across Grindlay to make it 2-0.

With quarter of an hour remaining Talbot nearly added a third. Aiden Wilson carried out of defence before finding Graham Wilson in the centre of the pitch. He hooked it over his shoulder to release Samson who outpaced the defence but was unable to beat Grindlay who raced off his line to make the block.

Tucker now made a further change with Healy on for Samson & the switch paid off as Talbot extended their lead in the 76th minute.

Shankland lifted a cross over from the right that was retrieved on the far side by Healy. He whipped it back over where Shankland met it on the volley & his shot back across goal squirmed past Grindlay & GRAHAM WILSON followed up to rifle it home from close range.

With 10 minutes remaining Talbot made their final change when Lyle was forced off injured to be replaced by White.

Talbot were sitting comfortably & looking to add to their tally which they nearly did in the 82nd minute. Docherty swept the legs from Shankland resulting in a free kick out on the right. Shankland delivered the free kick across the face of goal where Graham Wilson just failed to connect with his head.

Five minutes from time & Talbot cut open the Beith defence again. Shankland gathered on the left & played a great ball across to find White free on the right of the area; however he didn’t catch his strike cleanly & McGlinchey cleared from the goalmouth.

The goal wasn’t long delayed though & a minute later Talbot completed the scoring. Shankland cut in off the left & swept over a cross. Two Beith defenders went for it & only succeeded in getting each other’s way as they knocked it straight to GRAHAM WILSON who tucked it home from close range to complete Beith’s misery & his own hat-trick.

Another excellent home win for the Bot who are back on cup duty next Saturday as they travel through to Kilwinning to face the Buffs in the West.

Auchinleck Talbot – Leishman, Lyle, Aiden Wilson, McPherson, McCracken, Armstrong, Hyslop, Stephen Wilson, Graham Wilson, Boylan, Samson

Subs – Shankland, McDowall, Healy, Pope, White

Beith Juniors – Grindlay, McGlinchey, Milliken, Docherty, Sheridan, Wilson, Christie, Frize, McIlroy, McKenzie, Ramsay

Subs – Noble, McLean, McMahon, Prior, Zaliska

Auchinleck Talbot v Kilbirnie Ladeside

MURRAYS MATCH REPORT

The Bot fans got an early Christmas present as Talbot brushed aside Ladeside to narrow the gap at the top.

The visitors made the brighter opening but had nothing to show for it but for a long range McGuinness effort straight at Leishman within the opening minute and Talbot showed them the way to goal when they took the lead in the 13th minute.

Graham Wilson surged through midfield before sending it right to STEPHEN WILSON who knocked it round Mitchell, gathered it on the other side & slotted a low shot past Hughes inside the right post.

Minutes later C Hughes came to the Blasties rescue. Shankland’s reverse ball sent Glasgow through & he drilled it across goal where Hughes stretched to turn it behind.

Talbot came close to doubling their lead in the 24th minute. Hyslop won a 50/50 & knocked it on to Glasgow who raced clear of the defence before firing a shot just wide of the right post.

A minute later the Blasties threatened at the other end. Mitchell cut in past Stephen Wilson & prodded a shot straight at Leishman from the edge of the area.

Kilbirnie gave Talbot a scare when they won a free kick out on the stand side. It was angled deep beyond the far post where Mitchell climbed to head it back across goal & it had to be cleared behind for the corner.

A swift passing move by Talbot saw the Bot work the ball down the right between Glasgow & Stephen Wilson before it was laid back to Lyle. He slung a high cross beyond the far post where Shankland volleyed off target.

The next goal was going to be crucial & it went Talbot’s way in the 41st minute. Glasgow’s cross field ball floated over O’Byrne & was gathered by Shankland on the left of the area. He promptly squared it for GRAHAM WILSON to side-foot it home from 12 yards to put Talbot 2 goals ahead.

Kilbirnie pressed hard to try & grab a goal back & McGuinness blasted a shot at goal from 30 yards that was blocked en route to target. It fell to Mitchell on the left & he lobbed over a cross that Leishman couldn’t take under the challenge of Dickie but he recovered swiftly to smother the ball & Talbot went in 2-0 ahead at the interval.

Talbot made a change during the break with Healy replacing Shankland.

The game could have been done & dusted 4 minutes into the 2nd half. McPherson pinged a ball out from the back to find Graham Wilson & he switched it into the path of Glasgow who burst into the area but he slid his shot just past the right post.

Two minutes later the Bot came close again. Healy found Stephen Wilson speeding clear down the right & he hammered a shot over the bar.

The visitors now made a change with McLaren replacing Muir.

Against the run of play the Blasties pulled a goal back after 57 mins. Slack defending allowed MITCHELL the chance to stab a shot at goal that came off the foot of the post & he followed up to slam home the rebound.

Talbot responded in the best way, regaining their two goal cushion within a minute. Stephen Wilson whipped over a dangerous cross that flew across the face of goal. Healy retrieved it at the by line & floated a cross onto the head of DWAYNE HYLSOP who nodded home from close range.

On the hour mark Talbot turned defence into attack. Leishman easily gathered a Ladeside corner before bowling the ball out to McCracken. He carried it up the right before switching play to Graham Wilson on the opposite wing. He tried to square it across to McCracken who’d continued his run into the area but it was cut out.

With 20 minutes remaining Tucker made a double switch with Graham Wilson & Glasgow making way for Samson & Boylan.

Samson was involved not long after joining the fray. Stephen Wilson’s persistence paid off when he robbed C Hughes & knocked it out to Samson. He cut inside onto his left foot & angled a shot across the keeper & wide of the far post.
It was game over in the 77th minute when O’BYRNE met a cross from the right & shanked his clearance over his keeper and into his own net to make it 4-1.

The dust hadn’t settled before Talbot grabbed their fifth. Hughes took fractionally too long dealing with a back pass & was closed down by BRYAN BOYLAN who blocked his clearance & rolled it into the empty net.

With six minutes remaining Kilbirnie snatched a late consolation effort. Mitchell looked to be caught as he nicked inside Armstrong & Talbot stopped as though expecting a free kick. MITCHELL played on & let fly from 20 yards & his shot skimmed off the surface & bobbled over Leishman’s outstretched arm to complete the scoring.

Another good home win for the Bot who are back on their travels next Saturday when they visit Cumbernauld to face Rob Roy.

Auchinleck Talbot – Leishman, Lyle, Aiden Wilson, McPherson, McCracken, Armstrong, Hyslop, Stephen Wilson, Graham Wilson, Glasgow, Shankland

Subs – Boylan, Samson, Healy, White, Young

Kilbirnie Ladeside – K Hughes, Woods, Mitchell, C Hughes, O’Byrne, McGuinness, Finlay, Muir, Craig, Dickie, Ramsay

Subs – McVey, Longworth, Scullion, McLaren, Wilton (gk)