Beechwood Park – Page 14 – Auchinleck Talbot Football Club

Auchinleck Talbot v Kilwinning Rangers

Boylan chases down the ball, as he competes against his former club.

The buffs clear their lines, even though ‘Gee’ does his best to stop them.

1-0 TALBOT!!! Inside the box, Graham Wilson unleashes a hard struck shot towards goal and…

…fires the ball past the Buff’s ‘keeper, who is rooted to the spot.

Graham is all smiles after netting the opener for Talbot.

The defenders stand their ground but ‘Gee’ makes sure he keeps hold of the ball.

Kilwinning have the ball but ‘Shankers’ makes sure he puts the pressure on.

While trying to run up the wing, Mark gets stopped in his tracks by a sliding tackle.

‘Pee-wee’ does his best to meet the threaded pass just outside the box.

Bryan – I don’t think the referee wants to see your best menacing stare.

IT’S ALL LEVEL!!! The Buff’s equalise via a stunning free-kick from the edge of the box from Carlo Monti. 1-1.

Although under pressure, Mark Shankland goes on a blistering run down the middle of the park, which eventually leads to…

…him coolly slotting the ball past the ‘keeper and restoring Talbot’s lead. 2-1.

Mark races away to celebrate, while Kilwinning plead their case for offside.

I think a certain Talbot LEGEND in the crowd enjoyed ‘Shankers’ goal.

THREE FOR TALBOT!!! After some ‘pinball’ inside the box the ball finally falls to Graham who calmly fires the ball into the bottom corner of the net. 3-1.

It’s great to see ‘Gee’ back to his goal scoring ways, as he celebrates scoring his second with his brother, Stephen.

WHAT A FOUR-SE TALBOT ARE!!! With acres of space inside the box, Dwayne Hyslop buries the ball into the back of the net via a brilliant header. 4-1.

Graham Wilson gets deemed to have been fouled inside the box and Talbot get awarded a penalty.

After giving away a penalty, Michael Hewitt goes for an early bath, as he got shown a red card for his foul.

The Talbot bench look on, as ‘Gee’ seals his hat-trick from the spot and increases the ‘Bot’s lead. 5-1.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY PAUL FLYNN.

Auchinleck Talbot v Arbroath

Rab Douglas puts the Arbroath ‘keeper through his paces before kick-off.

The Talbot boys gather round to listen to McLuckie’s team talk.

‘Gee’ gets fouled and the Arbroath player airs his view to the linesman.

Boylan gets beaten to the ball by the ‘Lichties’ defender.

While running through on goal, Keir Samson gets bundled over but no penalty was given.

Big Nielly looks shocked after being deemed to have fouled the Arbroath player.

The Talbot wall does it’s job and blocks the way through for this Arbroath free-kick.

WHAT A STRIKE!!! Talbot open the scoring as ‘Pee-wee’ curls in a beauty of a shot from the edge of the box. 1-0.

The Arbroath ‘keeper does his best but there was NO-WAY he was stopping Dwayne’s shot.

Everybody associated with Black ‘n’ Gold goes wild and celebrates Talbot’s opener.

Craig and Stephen make sure there is little room for manoeuvre for this Arbroath player.

‘Tucker’ roars out the orders from the sidelines.

No-one is gonna beat McCracken to the ball here.

The Talbot players stand their ground, as they try to block this Arbroath strike.

McPherson does his job, as the bumper crowd watch from the terraces.

Samson gets tripped in front of the Talbot dugout while racing up the park.

The large crowd look on, as Keir tries to keep hold of the ball inside the box.

Graham shows great foot work, as he coolly controls the ball in the air.

Another free-kick for Arbroath and Stephen Wilson shouts out the instructions.

In front of the away dugout, Kieran Healy chases after the ball.

Bryan Boylan uses his strength to fend off this challenge and keep hold of the ball.

Healy launches the ball back down the middle of the park.

Dick Campbell and Rab Douglas point out where they want the ball to go.

‘Gee’ takes a hefty challenge in front of ‘Tucker’ and the Talbot bench.

Glasgow goes on the attack and races into the Arbroath box.

‘Shankers’ closely marks his man in the hope of getting the ball back.

Talbot’s heart gets broken, as Arbroath pull level via a late penalty. 1-1.

The Arbroath fans go absolutely beserk (and rightly so) after seeing their team equalise from the spot.

Mark tries to get one final attack motoring for Talbot before the final whistle.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY PAUL FLYNN.

Talbot came oh so close to claiming another SPL scalp in the Scottish Cup but a soft late penalty saw Arbroath live to fight another day.

The Bot nearly made a dream start when Pope let fly from distance inside the first minute & Gaston was forced to turn it wide of the post.

The home support loudly appealed for a spot kick in the 8th minute when Samson appeared to be barged over from behind inside the area but the officials waved it away. The ball was then swept to the other end where Spence was nudged over 30 yards out & this time the ref gave the free kick. Linn took it but drilled it straight into the wall.

With 11 minutes on the clock Talbot took the lead via a special finish. Graham Wilson showed good control out on the left before laying the ball down the line to Boylan. He switched it inside to DWAYNE HYSLOP who curled a peach of a shot beyond Gaston & inside the far left post to put Talbot ahead.

Two minutes later Boylan won Talbot a corner down the left. It was taken short to Stephen Wilson & he whipped a good cross into the centre that O’Brien headed clear.

Arbroath now had a decent spell of pressure but nothing to show for it. Linn gathered on the left & squared it inside to Donnelly whose shot from 20 yards was blocked. The visitors next attack saw McKenna play it into Spence on the right of the area but McCracken was quickly across to snuff out the danger.

The referee wasn’t winning any friends at Beechwood and didn’t win any new admirers when two decisions in quick succession went against the Bot. He awarded Arbroath a free kick just outside the Talbot box when an Arbroath player went down. Hamilton took it but slipped as ran up to to the ball & hit it tamely into the wall.

At the opposite end Stephen Wilson fed the ball out right to find Samson & he looked to be impeded by Hamilton as he cut inside him but the referee saw nothing amiss.

Leishman produced a top class save to keep Talbot ahead in the 28th minute. A ball from the right found its way to Murphy 16 yards out & his shot skipped off the turf & was heading inside the right post until Leishman pushed it wide.

Talbot’s keeper produced an equally impressive stop four minutes later. The Bot defence failed to cut out a diagonal ball over from the left & O’Brien ran onto it on the right of the area. He hammered a shot at goal but Leishman had flew off his line to narrow the angle & make the block.

A minute later Talbot won a free kick inside the Arbroath half when Samson was caught. Pope lifted it beyond the back post where Hyslop headed it back across toward Samson but he was crowded out.

The Bot had another half chance minutes later. Hyslop was bundled over in midfield & Pope arrowhead the free kick out to Graham Wilson on the left. He instantly controlled it & slipped a pass into Boylan inside the area but he took a heavy first touch & the chance was lost.

In the 37th minute Graham Wilson latched onto a ball up the right & knocked it inside to Samson who burst into the right of the penalty area. He hit a tempting ball across the face of goal that went a begging as there was no one running in at the far post to supply the finish.
Five minutes before the interval a long throw from the right broke to McKenna 16 yards out; however, he was quickly closed down & had to take it first time, firing well over the bar.

The half ended with a Talbot attack fizzling out and an Arbroath counterattack. Pope lifted it up the line to find Graham Wilson who held the ball up before switching play to the other wing to find Samson breaking into the area but the ball broke away from him. Hamilton now played it quickly into the Bot half where Hyslop bundled Murphy over resulting in a free kick 30 yards out. Linn took it short, squaring it for O’Brien to hit but he blasted it well wide and Talbot trooped off one ahead.

The visitors made a change at half-time with Murphy remaining in the clubhouse & Stewart on in his stead.

Both sides were playing at hammer & tongs pace and the 2nd half started evenly with neither side giving any quarter and neither side making any headway in the final third.

The first opening of the 2nd period came Talbot’s way in the 58th minute. Samson picked up on the right & angled a great early ball over to find Graham Wilson in space on the left. He tried to play in Hyslop on the right of the box but there was too much on his pass.

A minute later Arbroath threatened when Gold got free on the right & whipped a great cross over to the back post but there were no runners at the far post.

On the hour mark Gold was on defensive duties when he did well to cut out Samson’s ball in from the right that was heading for Boylan til he managed to cut it out & slide it out for the shy.

Arbroath were becoming frustrated & this showed when O’Brien carried it forward & tried a wildly ambitious effort from 35 yards that sailed harmlessly over the bar.

The visitors now made a further change with Campbell on in place of Spence.

In the 64th minute Linn raced up the right before firing a low ball into the near post. It was cut out and came to Gold who sprawled over looking for a penalty but the ref wasn’t interested.

A minute later Talbot had a good chance on the break. Space opened up for Boylan as he ran towards the box down the left; he had Graham Wilson in space to his right but failed to pick him out and the move came to nothing.

Donnelly ought to have levelled it in the 66th minute. A good ball over from the left found him stretching to get on the end of it in front of goal. He made contact but somehow lifted it over the bar from inside the 6-yard area.

Tucker now made a double switch with Glasgow & Shankland replacing Boylan & Samson.

Arbroath threatened again soon after when a ball from the left broke kindly for Stewart 20 yards out. He rifled a fierce shot at goal which Pope headed clear.

The game was becoming stretched & Talbot put together a decent move when McCracken flighted a ball down the right to find Glasgow just outside the area. He lifted an early cross in that Wheatley headed clear. Talbot kept the pressure on though & were awarded with a free kick 20 yards out when Graham Wilson was wrestled down out on the right. Shankland delivered it into the danger zone where Stephen Wilson just failed to connect in front of goal but it wouldn’t have counted anyway as the linesman’s flag went up.

Shankland was involved again in the 73rd minute. He slid a pass through toward Glasgow that would have sent him clean through on goal but O’Brien did well to intercept.

A second goal for Talbot would have finished it and the Bot had a half chance with 12 minutes remaining. Leishman launched a free kick down field which Hyslop nodded on to Glasgow on the right. He played it across the area where it fell to Graham Wilson 15 yards out but he sliced his shot wide of target.

With nine minutes remaining Arbroath made their final change when Kader came on for Linn.

Six minutes from time Talbot conceded a soft penalty. A ball from the right came into the area & Graham Wilson went to challenge Stewart. There didn’t appear to be any contact but the ref judged that his boot had been raised and pointed to the spot. MCKENNA stepped up to the plate & although Leishman guessed right he had no chance as he drilled it low inside the left post.

Talbot now made their last change with McDowall coming on for Healy.

Right at the end Arbroath had a late chance to sneak the win. Stewart got away on the right & delivered a dangerous cross into the centre that Leishman stretched to punch away. It came out to McKenna 15 yards out but his shot was charged down by McPherson.

The final whistle saw the Bot fans with mixed feelings, pride at the display warring with disappointment the Bot hadn’t held out for the win and so now Talbot make the trek north to Arbroath this Wednesday coming for the replay at Gayfield.

Auchinleck Talbot – Leishman, Lyle, Pope, McPherson, McCracken, Healy, Hyslop, Stephen Wilson, Graham Wilson, Boylan, Samson

Subs – Glasgow, Shankland, McDowall, Young, White, Aiden Wilson, Hewitt

Arbroath – Gaston, Hamilton, Little, O’Brien, Wheatley, Gold, McKenna, Murphy, Spence, Donnelly, Linn

Subs – Doris, Swankie, Kader, Stewart, Stirling, Campbell, Jamieson

Auchinleck Talbot v Forth Wanderers

Hamish races in, as he tries to get to the ball before the ‘keeper.

Aiden Wilson does his best to muscle past his opponent.

Talbot come very close to scoring, as Boylan slides in but fails to reach the ball.

A long range effort from Kieran Healy but the ball goes wide of the post.

McCracken rises the highest but sends the ball well over the crossbar.

Jamie Glasgow runs ‘full pelt’ into the Forth box.

Corey Pearson fires the ball up the park and then skips past his man.

Dylan charges forward and tries to get through the Wanderers’ defence.

The deadlock is finally broken, as Hamish pounces onto the ball and prods it home. 1-0.

Blink and you’ll miss it! Talbot double their lead very quickly, as Big Jack heads the ball into the back of the net. 2-0.

From the edge of the box, Jamie tries his luck.

Bryan Boylan fires a powerful cross into the danger zone.

It’s three for Talbot and two for Jack, as he smashes the ball home. 3-0.

‘Gee’ looks stunned and McCracken looks dejected, as they both rue a missed opportunity.

Dylan Young tries to pick somebody out with this cross.

Talbot round off the game’s scoring, as ‘shankers’ rounds the Forth ‘keeper before slotting the ball into the back of the net. 4-0.

The Talbot bench and Kieran watch, as Mark has a go at goal with this free-kick.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY PAUL FLYNN.

Auchinleck Talbot v Clydebank FC

I think the referee is not interested in what the joke is, Mark.

Keir gets stopped in his tracks, as he races in on goal.

Samson has a go from a difficult angle but his shot goes wayward.

Big Andy does his job and gathers the ball comfortably inside his own box.

The ball gets cleared from danger by McCracken.

Gareth sees his low powerful cross get blocked by the Bankie defender.

‘Gee’ makes sure he’s got this licked, as he goes hunting after the ball.

Stephen Wilson tries to get his head to the ball.

Make sure you do as your told when Big Neily dishes out the orders.

The Clydebank players shout for handball, as they let the ref know how they feel.

Both players here go chasing after the ball in the middle of the park.

‘Pee-wee’ takes a sore one, as he gets bundled over in this challenge.

The Bankies ‘keeper makes sure the wall is lined up properly.

Another screamer of a goal from Talbot to break the deadlock and guess who scored it….Gordon Pope. 1-0.

The Bankies players slump to the floor, as Popey and the Talbot faithful go wild.

Another great goal for the camera then Gordon.

Well…I think ‘Shankers’ is happy with ‘Popey’s’ goal.

Lyle makes sure he closely marks his man.

Armstrong does his best to stop this Clydebank attack.

A great chance for Talbot but Keir’s header goes well wide of the post.

The pain is etched on Gareth’s face, as the ball goes too far beyond him.

The ‘keeper stands his ground and saves Samson’s close range strike.

Talbot get given a free-kick and the Bankies players show their frustrations.

Kieran Healy has a dig from outside the box.

Boylan finds acres of space inside the box but fails to hit the target.

The photographer’s man of the match, Graham Wilson, tries his luck from the edge of the box.

Boylan’s determination pays off, as he manages to steal the ball and poke the ball into the back of the net. 2-0.

Jamie Glasgow finishes off the game’s scoring, as he heads the ball home from close range. 3-0.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY PAUL FLYNN.

Auchinleck Talbot v Forfar West End

Samson gets stopped in his tracks in the middle of the park.

Gordon looks on, as McCracken fires the ball forward.

‘Shankers’ fools the opposition with a neat turn inside the box.

‘Gee’ threads the ball past the defender and into the danger zone.

Graham finds the back of the net but, unfortunately, he is deemed to be offside.

I think Keir is ‘expecting’ something good from the next attack.

Stephen Wilson heads the ball straight at the ‘keeper but is flagged for offside.

‘Big Neily’ gets another Talbot attack started.

I think Stephen is getting scunnered with all the orders getting dished out.

Talbot finally break the deadlock through Mark’s low strike from the edge of the box. 1-0.

Within a blink of an eye Shankland doubles Talbot’s lead and he is clearly happy with it too. 2-0.

Keir gets bundled over while chasing after the ball.

Graham Wilson seals the win for Talbot, as he makes it three. 3-0.

El Capitano gets the Talbot machine motoring again.

Samson does his best to get his point across to the linesman.

Keiran looks stunned, as he rues a missed opportunity for Talbot.

Stephen Wilson fires a hard cross into the Forfar box.

Boylan tries to muscle his way to winning the ball back for the ‘Bot.

Glasgow tries his luck from just inside the box.

Keir Samson hurdles over the danger of this challenge.

Ahem…I think this ball boy has obviously had a hard paper round.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY PAUL FLYNN.

Talbot cruised into the 4th round of the Scottish Junior cup with a routine win over a toothless Forfar West End.

The Bot tested the visitors keeper early on when Samson won a corner down the left in the 2nd minute. Shankland whipped it over & Thain had to claw it away as it swung in under the bar.

Shankland had a half chance in the 6th minute. A quickly taken shy released Stephen Wilson down the right & he switched it in to find Graham Wilson. He laid it to Shankland who stepped inside George & drilled a low shot at goal that was blocked by a defender.

After the buzz of last week there was a slightly flat atmosphere with Talbot dominating their east coast opponents but lacking the final ball to open up the defence.

The Bot came close to taking the lead in the 19th minute. Pope played it to Shankland & when he slung a cross over to the back post Hyslop climbed highest but his header clipped the top of the bar on its way over.

The game then went into a lull with little to keep the watching fans warm on a bitterly cold day. The Bot had the ball in the back of the net when Hyslop curled it home from the left of the area but the linesman’s flag had already went up and the goal didn’t stand.

Having waited for a goal Talbot fans got two for the price of one as the Bot scored twice in quick succession to put the game to bed. In the 35th minute Lyle played it up the right to find Graham Wilson. He laid it out to the wing to Stephen Wilson who knocked it across the area where Hyslop helped it on into the path of MARK SHANKLAND who steered a shot inside the right post to put Talbot 1-0 ahead.

Within a minute Talbot doubled their lead. Forfar lost the ball deep in their own half & Talbot punished them with Stephen Wilson sweeping a ball over from the right that Hyslop dummied to allow MARK SHANKLAND to stride onto it & stroke the ball home.

The remainder of the half was played out in the Forfar half but Talbot couldn’t add to their lead and went in at the interval with a two goal cushion.

Talbot made a change during the break with Healy starting the 2nd half in place of Hyslop.

Any slim chances of Forfar making a game of it ended in the 54th minute when Talbot grabbed their third. Samson pounced on a loose pass & broke forward before feeding it into Lyle. He slipped it back out to Samson on the overlap & he cut the ball back to GRAHAM WILSON who took a touch before drilling a low shot inside the left post.

Healy had a chance to add to Talbot’s tally in the 58th minute. Shankland whipped over a free kick from the right that Healy met in the box but he sent a free header well wide of target.

Next to have a go for Talbot was McCracken who tried his luck from distance, hitting the target, but unable to beat Thain at his right post.

It took until the 62nd minute before Forfar had an effort at goal. A Walls picked up on the right & burst into the area where he fired over the bar.

There was now a raft of substitutions with Talbot making a double switch with Boylan & Glasgow coming on for Shankland & Graham Wilson. The visitors made all their changes at once throwing on Bachelor, Cruikshank & McLeavey.

Armstrong set up Talbot’s next attack sliding a pass through to release Samson down the right but this time the defence managed to cut out his ball at the near post.

Glasgow came close in the 68th minute when he gathered just insidethe box & flashed a shot just over the bar.

Talbot nearly added a fourth in the 70th minute. Samson fired over a dangerous cross that just eluded Boylan & McCracken at the back post.

Boylan tested Thain from distance in the 76th minute. Firing a shot from 25 yards that the keeper gathered at the 2nd attempt.

A minute later Stephen Wilson spurned a decent chance when he ran onto Samson’s pull back but fired past the right post from 15 yards.

In the 83rd minute Thain did well to prevent Glasgow adding a fourth. Stephen Wilson’s pass sent Glasgow haring clean through on the keeper but Thain was quickly off his line & able to block Glasgow’s low drive.

The visitors had a chance to grab a late consolation when a ball up the right found McLeavey in space. He knocked a good ball across to the near post which Cruikshank met but he couldn’t get enough on it to beat Leishman. Talbot now quickly broke down the other end where Stephen Wilson found Glasgow on the left of the area. He hit it early and only a superb stop by Thain at his right post prevented Glasgow from getting on the score sheet.

When the corner came over Boylan’s header appeared to be drifting in only for a defender to clear it off the line. The ball came out to Healy on the 18 yard line and he drilled it just past the left post.

A straightforward win for Talbot who eased past their opponents without ever really hitting top gear. Next up for Talbot it is back to league duty where they host Clydebank who will be looking to bounce back after exiting the Scottish at the hands of Petershill.

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

Subs – Boylan, Glasgow, Healy, Young, White

Forfar West End – Thain, George, Wilson, Rae, Robertson, Timmons, Weir, McMahon, Hart, Godfrey, A Walls

Subs – Bachelor, Cruikshank, McLeavey, C Walls, Morrison

Auchinleck Talbot v Cove Rangers

Pre-kick-off team talk for the Cove players.

Gordon shouts for a foul, as Mark tries to get the ball back.

Mark goes racing up the wing, as Paul Hartley roars at his players.

‘Shankers’ fires a low cross into the box.

The bumper crowd watch the action unfold.

Graham Wilson puts pressure on his opponent.

Big Andy makes his presence known and clears the danger.

‘Popey’ sends the ball back up the park.

Shankland tries his luck from inside the box.

Samson races in and tries to win the ball.

The Talbot wall stands firm and blocks the Cove free-kick.

Gareth Armstrong wins this aerial midfield battle.

The Cove ‘keeper bravely gathers the ball at the feet of McCracken.

Big Neily makes sure he blocks this Cove shot.

Stephen Wilson vents his frustration after being fouled.

Craig looks to where he wants to clear the ball to.

Talbot and ‘Gee’ come inches away from scoring, as he just misses connecting with Samson’s cross.

Gareth keeps the attack going for Talbot.

‘Tucker’ roars out the orders from the dugout.

Boylan fires in a cross into the Cove box.

Bryan and Graham try to double the pressure on this Cove player.

The moment every Talbot fan will ALWAYS remember. Dwayne Hyslop bullets the ball into the back of the net and sends the ‘Bot into the next round. 1-0.

‘Pee-wee’ laps up the applauds from the Talbot faithful.

I think ‘Gee’ is happy with Dwayne’s goal.

‘Pee-wee’s team-mates race to congratulate him.

Is there a better feeling than seeing your team score a very late winner……I don’t think so.

The Talbot bench erupts at hearing the Full-Time whistle.

The players celebrate yet another famous win.

Indecent exposure after seeing a decent win for this Talbot fan.

A picture that sums up what this type of win means to El Capitano, Wullie Lyle.

The victorious smiles keep getting wider for the Talbot boys.

As always…these types of occasions are always best celebrated with your family.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY PAUL FLYNN.

MURRAYS MATCH REPORT

Talbot defied the odds and proved the bookies wrong yet again as the Bot secured a narrow win over high-flying & big spending Cove Rangers to book a place in the 3rd round draw of the senior cup.

Cove started slickly and had Talbot on the back foot with some neat passing. The visitors tested Leishman in the 3rd minute when they worked a short corner on the right. When it was crossed in the Bot defence headed clear but it came to Scully 15 yards out & he volleyed it into the turf. It was heading inside the left post til Leishman dived across to turn it wide.

The Bot’s first glimpse at goal came in the 8th minute. Shankland lifted it up the left where Graham Wilson headed it back toward Shankland who fired well over the bar from 25 yards.

The visitors were dominating possession but had little to show for it other than a few corners which the Bot defence successfully defended.

On the quarter hour mark Talbot tested McKenzie. Armstrong found Shankland on the left of the area & he drilled a low shot on target that McKenzie blocked with his legs at his right hand post.

Fyvie was impressing for Cove & he dinked a dangerous ball down the centre that McCracken did well to intercept & head it back to Leishman.

In the 26th minute Fyvie popped up on the right & fired a dangerous ball across the face of goal that sped behind for what everyone in the ground thought was a goal kick but the referee pointed for a corner. When the corner came over it was cleared out to Scully who blazed a wild shot over.

Talbot nearly got in on the half hour mark. Hyslop slid a well-weighted pass up the right toward Samson but Milne did well to slide in to intercept it.

The Bot had a good shout for an indirect free in the Cove box when Samson got the better of Milne and cut a low ball across the box. A defender knocked it back to the keeper who picked it up but the ref waved away Talbot’s appeals.

Cove stretched the Bot defence in the 38th minute. Smith whipped a cross over from the right that found Scully racing in on the left of the area but before he could get a shot away Lyle got across to knock it behind for the corner.

When the corner came over Leishman took it & launched it down the centre straight into the opposition box. Graham Wilson challenged McKenzie in the air & the keeper failed to claim it; however the loose ball didn’t fall for Samson & the defence were able to clear.

Scott squandered a golden chance to give Cove the lead in the 40th minute. Smith’s cross found him unmarked in front of goal but he steered his header over the bar.

Two minutes later Cove won a free kick 25 yards out for a foul on Megginson. Higgins took it but blasted his shot straight into the wall.

Talbot ended the half on the front foot, winning a free kick out on the left when Graham Wilson was shoved over. Shankland curled it into the box where Ross headed it clear. It came to Pope on the right & he fired it into the centre where McKenzie spilled it but was able to clutch onto it at the 2nd attempt and so the sides went in level at the break.

The opening effort of the 2nd half came in the 48th minute. Scully tried his luck from 35 yards out, striking it well enough, but it flew straight at Leishman.

Two minutes later Talbot nearly paid for slack play when they lost the ball deep in their own half. Aird fired over an early cross & Smith glanced a header just wide of Leishman’s left post.

Down the other end Talbot had a half chance when Pope’s ball found Graham Wilson on the left of the area. He hit it 1st time but saw his volley deflected behind for the corner. Shankland hit the corner deep where it was retrieved beyond the back post by Samson. He knocked it back across goal where Pope met it to hook a shot over the bar.

In the 52nd minute Cove passed up a decent chance to take the lead. Megginson gathered out on the right & cut it back to find Aird running onto it in the centre of the area but he passed it wide of Leishman’s left hand post.

Stephen Wilson became the first name in the ref’s notebook when he was cautioned for clipping the heels of Megginson as he burst forward.

In the 56th minute Graham Wilson lifted a good early ball down the right to find Samson racing clear on the right side of the box but he blazed over from a tight angle.

A minute later Fyvie received a caution when he tripped Stephen Wilson resulting in a Bot free kick 25 yards out. Shankland whipped it over the wall but it didn’t dip in time & flew just over the bar.

In the 61st minute the action switched from end to end. Smith flicked the ball out right to release Megginson and he delivered a good cross that forced Leishman to dive to punch it away. Talbot now launched a swift counter through Stephen Wilson who raced forward before sliding it right to Samson. He played a great ball across the goal mouth but Graham Wilson just couldn’t reach it at the back post.

Cove gave Talbot a helping hand soon after. They had a shy midway inside their own half which they threw straight into the feet of Shankland. He duly accepted the gift & surged forward & passed it to Armstrong who released it out right to Samson. He cut it back across goal but it sped just behind Graham Wilson & Shankland in the centre.

The home support loudly appealed for a free kick in the 64th minute when a free kick from Talbot’s half was flighted up toward Hyslop who was nudged in the back just outside the area but the ref gave nothing.

Cove made the first change in the 69th minute when Masson came on in place of Smith.

McPherson came to Talbot’s aid in the 71st minute when Aird’s cross from the right eluded Leishman but McPherson headed it clear at the back post.

A minute later Scott came as close as Cove were to come to breaking the deadlock. He turned just inside the box & lobbed it for goal & his shot clipped the top of the bar on its way over.

Tucker made his first change in the 73rd minute with Glasgow coming on for Shankland.

Cove’s next attack saw them win a corner on the right which Fyvie took short to find Masson. He tried to curl it on target but his effort sailed over the bar.
Talbot won a free kick 35 yards from goal when Masson shoved Hyslop in the back & Pope hit it but suffice to say it wasn’t one of his better efforts and flew well over the bar.

Tucker now made a double switch with Healy & Boylan replacing Stephen Wilson & Samson.

With five minutes remaining Pope went from distance only to see his shot loop over the bar off the head of Yule. Glasgow took the corner & aimed for Hyslop beyond the back post but there was too much on it & although he got a touch it skidded off the top of his head & behind for the goal kick.

Just when it looked as though we were heading for a replay Talbot grabbed a late winner. Graham Wilson latched onto a ball down the right channel, holding off his man, before laying it wide to Boylan. He carried it forward before floating over a cross that DWAYNE HYSLOP bulleted beyond the keeper, sparking wild celebrations amongst the crowd.

Cove now piled bodies forward and Talbot had one last anxious moment deep in injury time. Milne raced down the left before back-heeling it into the path of Higgins who swung over a dangerous cross that Leishman touched away. It came to Glasgow who headed it out toward Aird who controlled it with his arm to take the pressure off.

The referee kept the Bot fans waiting, finding 4 minutes of injury time from somewhere but when the whistle finally sounded the celebrations began in earnest.

A hard fought win for the Bot who now return to their defence of the Scottish Junior cup next Saturday when they face Forfar West End at Beechwood.

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

Subs – Glasgow, Boylan, Healy, Young, McDowall, White, Hewitt

Cove Rangers – McKenzie, Milne, Scully, Ross, Yule, Megginson, Scott, Higgins, Aird, Smith, Fyvie

Subs – Masson, Redford, Redman, Brown, Robertson, Demus

Auchinleck Talbot v Lanark United

Talbot players head up to receive their winning medals.

Andy Leishman gets presented with the League Cup trophy.

Andy lifts the trophy, as his team-mates celebrate.

League Cup Winners 2019 – Auchinleck Talbot FC

Some of the winning goalscorers pose with the trophy.

Auchinleck Talbot Goal 2 (Gareth Armstrong)

Talbot get awarded a penalty via this foul, very early in the second half.

The Lanark players let their feelings known after Talbot gets given a penalty.

Auchinleck Talbot Goal 3 (Mark Shankland, penalty)

Auchinleck Talbot Goal 5 (Jack McDowell)

Auchinleck Talbot Goal 6 (Craig McCracken)

A bad injury for one of the Lanark players.

Talbot mascot for the day, Jake Drummond, walks out with the teams before kick-off.

‘Big Jack’ does his best to win the ball.

Jamie Glasgow fires the ball low into the Lanark box.

McCracken has a go at goal with a strong header but…

…the ball gets stopped on the line by the Lanark defence.

No way through here for the boys in blue.

The defender cuts out the pass before it lands to Jamie.

Talbot have a dig from the edge of the box.

Gareth ducks, as Leishman punches the ball away.

An unfortunate slip, as you’re about to pull the trigger.

A hefty challenge from the players in front of the bumper cup final crowd.

Hamish shouts for the ball but Jack decides to have a go himself, to no prevail.

Graham’s shot gets blocked inside the box.

Hamish does his best to get the ball back for Talbot.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY PAUL FLYNN.

MURRAYS MATCH REPORT

Talbot claimed the first silverware of the season in emphatic style; living up to their billing as favourites with a thumping 6-1 win over Lanark United.

Lanark couldn’t have made a worst start as they conceded the softest of goals within 3 minutes of kick off. Young pinged a ball up the right for Glasgow to chase. Johnson raced out his area to clear but made a complete hash of it, knocking the ball straight into the feet of BRYAN BOYLAN who passed it into the empty net to put Talbot ahead.

With 9 minutes gone Talbot had a great chance to double their lead. Healey won the ball in midfield before feeding it on to Glasgow. He in turn slid a pass through the defence to release McDowall through on goal & he steered a shot just wide of the right post from the edge of the area.

McDowall had another opportunity in the 17th minute as Talbot cut open the Lanark defence. Shankland released Boylan down the left & his cutback found McDowall in space 15 yards out but he opted to take a touch & was closed down before he could get his shot away.

The Bot’s next goal threat came in the 22nd minute. Aiden Wilson slotted a pass through to find Glasgow racing clear down the left and his angled drive took a slight deflection on its way just wide of the far post. When the resultant corner came over McCracken steered a header on target that Johnson parried at his right post.

Lanark hadn’t offered much of a threat but reminded Talbot they were in a contest in the 26th minute. They won a free kick out on the right which was flighted into the centre where it was headed clear. It came out to Martin on the edge of the box & his powerful drive was heading on target but was blocked en route by a wall of bodies.

A one goal lead was scant reward for Talbot’s early dominance but another howler from the keeper saw Talbot double their advantage in the 28th minute. Aiden Wilson played it to Shankland on the left & he cut back onto his right foot before crossing into the centre. It skipped off a defender’s head & floated back toward goal where a static Johnson was out-jumped on the goal line by GARETH ARMSTRONG who nodded in Talbot’s second.

It now looked like a question of how many for Talbot & the Bot had two opportunities in quick succession. Shankland’s quickly taken throw in found Boylan racing free on the left. He might have hit it but tried to square it to the unmarked Glasgow only for Haddow to intercept & slide it behind.

Shortly after Shankland chested the ball down into the path of Glasgow on the left and he lifted over a superb cross that landed at the feet of McDowall who flashed a low drive just past the left post.

Just when it looked like Talbot were in complete control Lanark were thrown a lifeline with a wonderful individual effort to reduce the deficit in the 34th minute. O’DONNELL beat Healey to it in the centre, knocked it past Armstrong & rushed forward before crashing an unstoppable shot past Leishman from 30+ yards that flew inside the left post.

The goal galvanised Lanark who for the first time pushed bodies forward and exerted some pressure in the Talbot half but all they had to show for it was a half chance for Martin on the left of the area when a free kick found its way through to him but he fired well wide of target.

A minute later Talbot nearly restored their two goal lead. Aiden Wilson won the ball inside the Lanark half & it broke forward into the path of Glasgow who surged forward before drilling a low shot from distance just wide of the right hand post.
The closing stages of the 1st half were pretty even with neither side able to produce a telling moment in the final third and the sides trooping off at the interval with Talbot a goal ahead.

Lanark must have entertained hopes of making a game of it when play re-commenced but within a minute of the restart Talbot extended their lead without Lanark touching the ball. Right from kick off Talbot pushed forward into the Lanark half & Armstrong shoved a pass into the box toward Healey. He was unceremoniously bundled over by Watt leaving the ref with the easy decision to point to the spot. Stonewaller that it was, this didn’t prevent both Watt & Lawson from talking their way into the book disputing the award before MARK SHANKLAND slotted the ball low inside the keeper’s right post to make it 3-1.

A couple of minutes later Talbot had another chance to test the visitors defence. Shankland nearly got a free haircut courtesy of a raised boot resulting in a Bot free-kick out on the stand side. Shankland whipped over a tremendous delivery & Young got his head to it but couldn’t direct his header on target.

Lanark had a rare chance in the 51st minute. Kerr turned smartly on the left of the area & drilled a low shot across goal that Leishman held.

The game was then held up for a lengthy stoppage when Watt was injured in a 50/50 challenge with Aiden Wilson. The Lanark man took a sore one & initially fans of both sides feared the worst but fortunately after treatment he was able to hobble to his feet & left the fray to be replaced by McHugh.

By the time play restarted an hour had gone and Talbot came within a whisker of adding to their tally. A shy from the right came across to Healey and from 20 yards out he cracked a shot off the right hand post with the keeper well beaten.

The next effort on target came after 68 minutes. McDowall pinged a diagonal ball to find Boylan on the left & he was carried it forward before firing a shot from 20 yards that Johnson held.

The game was ended as a contest in the 73rd minute when Talbot moved 4-1 ahead. Shankland switched play from left to right to find McDowall & he touched it on into the path of BRYAN BOYLAN who drilled a low shot back across & into the opposite corner.

Tucker now made a double switch with Glasgow & Shankland making way for Pearson & Graham Wilson.

O’Donnell picked up what was to prove a costly yellow card in the 75th minute for a late challenge. Talbot now completed their substitutions with McKinlay coming on for Boylan.

With 12 minutes remaining Talbot passed up a chance to extend their lead. McKinlay’ slide rule pass sent Healey clean through on goal but he mis-hit his shot & sent it well wide.

In the 81st minute Haddow joined the growing Lanark crime count when he was cautioned for up-ending Graham Wilson as he surged down the right.

Talbot were now in total control and breached the Lanark defence in the 82nd minute. McDowall touched the ball inside to send McKinlay racing through on goal but he squeezed his shot wide of target under pressure..

Lanark now made a further change with Conlon on in place of Hill.

With five minutes remaining Talbot made it 5-1. Healey spread the ball out left to JACK MCDOWALL who nutmegged Fraser before angling into the box & firing a low shot past Johnson at his near post.

Things went from bad to worse for Lanark when they were reduced to 10 men late on. O’Donnell was already on a caution when he caught Armstrong with a late challenge. The referee duly produced a 2nd yellow then a red and McDowall had his name taken for his angry reaction to the challenge.

With two minutes remaining Talbot completed the scoring and sealed their win with a sixth goal. The Bot won a free kick out on the right which Healey lobbed toward the back post. Johnson came to claim it but missed it & CRAIG MCCRACKEN was lurking at the back post to turn it home from close range.

A good win for the Bot in front of a healthy home gate bolstered by a large travelling contingent through from Lanark. Next up for the Bot it is back to cup action where Talbot will face a much sterner test as they lock horns with big spending Cove Rangers who currently top Division 2 of the SPL.

Auchinleck Talbot – Leishman, Young, Aiden Wilson, McPherson, McCracken, Armstrong, Healey, Shankland, Boylan, Glasgow, McDowall

Subs – Graham Wilson, Pearson, McKinlay, Samson, White

Lanark United – Johnson, Fraser, Gracie, Haddow, Lawson, Lindsay, Watt, O’Donnell, Hill, Kerr, Martin

Subs – Conlon, McHugh, Harrison, Hamilton, McGraw

Auchinleck Talbot v Pollok FC

MURRAYS MATCH REPORT

It has been a year since Talbot last lost a Super League match and that record was extended thanks to a 3-1 win over league leaders Pollok.

Talbot made a strong start, forcing a corner in the opening minute that Shankland dropped onto the roof of the net.

A few minutes later Stephen Wilson tested Lumsden from distance with the Lok keeper having to tip his shot over the crossbar. From the resultant corner Pollok cleared their lines & sprang onto a swift counter attack down the left. Duff burst into the area and fired a powerful low drive on target that Leishman stopped but couldn’t hold, with Lyle completing the clearance.

In the sixth minute Talbot won a free kick in their own half which Pope flighted onto the head of Hyslop. He flicked it on into the path of Samson who raced down the right before sliding a ball into the near post which McLauchlan bundled behind. Shankland whipped the corner over and CRAIG MCCRACKEN bulleted a header home to give Talbot an early lead.

With quarter of an hour gone Hyslop received a caution for clipping the heels of Gary McCann.

The visitors came close to levelling two minutes later. Dallas won a header on to Gary McCann on the right wing. He lifted a cross over to find Duff in space at the back post. He could’ve headed for goal but instead cushioned a header back to Fraser whose shot from 10 yards out was blocked by McPherson.

With 21 mins gone Pollok paid the price for McLauchlan’s clumsy challenge through the back of Samson. The Lok centre half received a booking and then MARK SHANKLAND curled a beauty of a free kick beyond the keeper & inside the left post to double Talbot’s lead.

Five minutes later Lumsden prevented Talbot from adding to their lead. Hyslop spread it left to find Graham Wilson and he drilled a shot on target that Lumsden blocked at his right hand post.

The Lok keeper was back in action on the half hour mark. Graham Wilson laid it out to Lyle on the touchline & he swept over a tremendous cross that saw Lumsden diving full length to punch it clear.

Talbot’s next effort on target came from another Shankland free kick after Boyle fouled Graham Wilson. Shankland got it over the wall but this time it flew straight at Lumsden.

The Lok keeper was being kept busy & produced a fine stop in the 37th min. Hyslop won the ball midway inside the Lok half & squared it inside to Samson. He carried it forward and spotting Lumsden off his line smashed a shot from 30 yards that Lumsden touched over the bar.

Talbot were pressing hard and threatened again a minute later when McPherson lifted a ball over the defence. Shankland cut in off the left only to see his shot deflected over by Gallagher.

The chances kept coming Talbot’s way and the Bot had a chance to move three ahead in the 40th min. McLaughlan misjudged a high ball & Graham Wilson nicked in behind him. He carried it forward before spotting Shankland in space on the left and he lobbed it back across goal and just wide of the left post.

The temper of the game grew heated in the final minute of the half. Henry crumpled to the deck with no one near him but his acting was sufficiently convincing to hoodwink the referee who gave a foul against Armstrong. Ex Bot player Boyle then got involved, ranting in the referee’s face in an attempt to pressure the official. Once the dust settled, Boyle was booked for dissent & Armstrong was booked for hee haw and Talbot left the field 2-0 ahead.

Pollok came out fighting after the break and won a free kick in a dangerous area in the 49th minute when Dallas was fouled just outside the box. Duff took it but fired straight into the defensive wall.

The visitors ought to have pulled a goal back in the 51st min. Lumsden punted it up the left where McPherson lost it in the air. It came through to Duff in space on the left of the area but rather than shooting he played it across the face of goal where Dallas took a fresh air swipe at it.

Talbot hadn’t got started and Leishman was called upon a minute later when Gary McCann’s cross deflected off a defender forcing Leishman to turn it round his left post.

In the 55th minute Talbot had a chance to move further ahead. Hyslop passed it to Graham Wilson who switched it out to Samson on the right touchline. He arrowed a cross to the back post where Armstrong put a free header over the bar.

Talbot made sure of the win with an outstanding strike on the hour mark. Armstrong, finding the route to the box blocked off turned back & slid a pass across to GORDON POPE who rocketed a screamer past Lumsden from 25 yards.

Twice in as many minutes Boyle collapsed to the turf when challenged in the air by Graham Wilson and his histrionics paid off with Wilson ending up in the book.

In the 67th minute Graham Wilson raced up the right, continuing on despite several late challenges before finally winning a free kick for a foul by Henry. Shankland took it quickly releasing Samson down the right of the area. Samson was brought down by Fraser but there was no penalty as the ref hadn’t been ready and pulled play back; although Fraser was booked for the tackle. This time Shankland angled a low ball across goal that McLaughlan had to turn behind.

With 20 mins remaining Pollok made their 1st change with Esplin on for Fraser and Tucker made a triple substitution with Graham Wilson, Samson & Armstrong making way for Boylan, Glasgow & White.

Talbot’s next attack came as a result of a free kick following Boyle’s barge into the back of Boylan. It was taken short to Stephen Wilson who played it to Glasgow on the wing and he whipped a great cross over to the back post which was well defended.

Shankland earned a well deserved round of applause in the 76th min after turning Gallagher inside out with a couple of shimmies to earn a corner. When the corner was cleared it came out to White who teed up for Glasgow whose low strike was blocked.

With 13 mins remaining Pollok pulled a goal back. They won a free kick out on the right that Henry flighted into the box. Boyle headed it back across where ESPLIN turned it home.

Pollok took encouragement from the goal and Talbot had a couple of late scares. A cross from the right was missed at the back post by Leishman but Lyle was able to clear.

In the 86th minute Glasgow conceded a free kick on the left. It was played low into the near post where it broke to Stuart McCann whose shot was turned round the post by Leishman.
Talbot’s last chance came a minute later when Glasgow won a free kick midway inside the Lok half. Shankland delivered it into the area where Hyslop got his head to it but his header deflected off a defender and looped over the bar.

Talbot saw the closing stages out to record the win and can now look ahead to next Sunday when they host Lanark United in the Sectional League cup final with the first silverware of the season at stake.

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

Subs – Glasgow Boylan White Healy Young

Pollok – Lumsden Gallagher Sideserf McLauchlan Boyle Henry Gary McCann Fraser Stuart McCann Dallas Duff

Subs – Forde Russell Esplin Morton Mackenzie