Beechwood Park – Page 20 – Auchinleck Talbot Football Club

Auchinleck Talbot v Kilwinning Rangers

Kilwinning score the opening and only goal of the game, as it leaves Talbot stunned while they run off to celebrate. 0-1.

Time to be the judge again folks! Penalty or no penalty? Was Jamie Glasgow fouled and should Talbot have been given a penalty? You decide.

Emotions run high between the players after the incident between Craig Pettigrew and Jamie Glasgow.

‘Petti’s’ team-mates tell him to calm down, while Jamie gets a second yellow and subsequently gets sent off, as the referee deemed him to have dived.

Jamie tries to race into the box but gets sandwiched by two ‘Buffs’ players.

As the Kilwinning players try synchronized defending, ‘Pee-wee’ tries an audacious lob from an awkward angle.

Obviously this Kilwinning player is trying to make friends, as he flashes a smile towards ‘Gee’.

Glasgow fires a low shot at goal from inside the box…

…but the pain is etched on his face, as he sees the ball go wide of the post.

Andy Leishman pulls off a brilliant finger-tipped save to deny the ‘Buffs’ from very close range.

Hyslop gets out of the way of Jamie’s low strike but, unfortunately, the ball fails to find the back of the net.

This player chooses to vent his fraustration after he is deemed to have fouled Shankland.

Neil tries to get his point across to his team-mates.

Armstrong tries his best to muscle his way through but he finds that all roads are blocked by the defence.

Graham Wilson gets stopped in his tracks.

McPherson races up the park from deep within his own half.

Kilwinning try a shot from right in front of goal but is deemed to be offside.

Jamie gets hacked down in this challenge…

…and the ‘Buffs’ player obviously disagrees with the refs decision after the challenge.

McIlroy does his best to go on the attack up the wing.

Both managers have a heated debate after the final whistle about the games major talking points.

Photographs by Paul Flynn.

MURRAY’S MATCH REPORT

Talbot ended the year on a downer losing 1-0 at home to Kilwinning in a game of few chances.
It took until the 10th minute until either side mustered a threat. Glasgow paced away down the left & slung the ball into the near post where Hyslop flicked it just over the crossbar.
Two minutes later Talbot had another effort at goal. Steven Wilson lifted a good ball over the top that sent Glasgow free. He went for the early shot & fizzed an effort from 20 yards just wide of the upright.
Kilwinning’s 1st attack came in the 13th minute. Monti cut inside & fired for goal & his effort took a big deflection, going just wide of the right hand post. Talbot were caught napping at the resultant corner. It was pulled back to the unmarked Pettigrew & Leishman had to tip his volley over the bar.
Coleman had his name taken in the 15th minute for a cynical trip on Hyslop as he broke down the right. Pope took the free kick & curled it into the centre. The ball broke back to Glasgow 15 yards out & he dug it out his feet to stab a shot on target that Strain parried to his left before a defender put it behind for the corner. When the corner came over Hyslop met it at the far post but steered a free header over the bar.
The game’s only goal came in the 18th minute & it was a poor one to lose. Lewis lifted a cross in from the left that White headed away. It came to Stephen Wilson inside the box but he sclaffed his clearance sending it straight into the path of BOYLAN who fired a low volley on target that squirmed through the arms of Leishman into the net.
The goal changed the complexion of the game & Talbot dropped right out of it for a long spell.
Armstrong picked up a caution in the 22nd minute for a trip on Monti just outside the penalty area. Monti took the free kick but fired it well wide of target.
The Buffs nearly doubled their lead in the 24th minute. Boylan broke down the right side of the area & angled a low drive across the face of goal that Leishman tipped wide of the far post.
Winter should have put the Buffs further ahead in the 31st minute. A ball over the top caught the Bot defence flat footed & he was sent clean through on Leishman where he proceeded to tamely hit a shot that barely reached the keeper.
Talbot’s next effort at goal came in the 33rd minute. Pettigrew couldn’t get any distance on a defensive header & the ball fell to Graham Wilson inside the box. He rolled it back out to Stephen Wilson who fired over the bar from 20 yards.
The final chance of the half fell Talbot’s way in the closing minute. Stephen Wilson sent Graham Wilson free on the left. He sped past Coleman before drilling a low shot on target that was comfortably saved by Strain.
Tucker made a change at the interval with McIlroy on in place of Shankland.
Talbot made a spirited start to the 2nd half & McIlroy forced a corner on the left in the 49th minute when he latched onto a ball over the top. Glasgow whipped the corner over which was headed out of the area where Armstrong met it & thundered a shot wide of the left post.
Boylan received a caution in the 55th minute when he caught Glasgow with a late challenge.
A minute later Talbot came as close as they were to get all afternoon. A ball down the wing found McIlroy on the left edge of the penalty area. He played it low across the face of goal & Graham Wilson gathered it with his back to goal a few yards out. He laid it back to Armstrong whose low strike was cleared off the goal line by McCloskey.
Tucker made a 2nd change in the 59th minute with Faulds on in place of Armstrong.
Monti became the 3rd Buffs player booked when he received a caution in the 66th minute for a late challenge on Glasgow and six minutes later it was role reversal with Glasgow receiving a yellow card for a trip on Monti.
The longer the game went the less likely it looked that there would be any further goals though the Buffs did come close with a minute remaining. McGuinness broke through a couple of challenges before firing a low drive just wide of the right post.
Talbot’s misery was complete deep into injury time when they were reduced to 10 men. Glasgow went down just outside the Buffs penalty box & the ref adjudged it to be simulation & sent him off for a 2nd yellow.
A bad day at the office & Talbot will now need to dust themselves off & go again after the New Year when they first foot Glenafton.

Auchinleck Talbot – Leishman, Lyle, Pope, McPherson, Hyslop, White, S Wilson, Armstrong, G Wilson, Shankland, Glasgow

Subs – McIlroy, Thomson, Faulds, McCracken, Hewitt

Kilwinning Rangers – Strain, Coleman, McCloskey, Pettigrew, Maitland, Hanvey, Monti, McGuinness, Winter, Lewis, Boylan

Subs – Campbell, Nesbit, Strain

Auchinleck Talbot v Kirkintilloch Rob Roy

Talbot produced their A game when it mattered, knocking 4 past Rob Roy to gain a valuable 3 points and a measure of revenge for the defeat earlier in the season.
The Bot got off to the perfect start, taking the lead after only 2 minutes. Stephen Wilson’s ball over the top found JAMIE GLASGOW racing free of the static defence & he rounded the advancing McNeil before slotting it into the empty net.
The Rabs would have levelled in the 7th minute but Leishman came to Talbot’s rescue. Slattery whipped a ball over from the left that found Watt in front of goals but Leishman produced a super stop to deny him.
Play then immediately switched to the other end where Glasgow sent Hyslop free down the right. He cut it back across goal & Graham Wilson side-footed it on target only for McNeil to smother it on the goal line.
Talbot strengthened their grip on the match when they doubled their advantage in the 12th minute. Glasgow gathered the ball outside the area before sliding a pass out to Shankland on the left. He cut into the area & curled a cross over that GRAHAM WILSON headed home from close range.
Rob Roy pushed forward looking for a way back into the match but had little to show for it. In the 20th minute Slattery cut a good ball back to the edge of the area where both McCulloch & Gallagher went for it, getting in each other’s way, & the chance was lost. Their next effort came when McCulloch latched onto a shy from the left & fired a low drive wide of the far post from 20 yards.
Some of Rob Roy’s antics in the previous encounter had left a lot to be desired & so it wasn’t a huge shock when the 1st caution of the match, after 29 mins, came as a result of diving; Fraser receiving a card for tumbling over.
Talbot’s next chance came via a set piece. Hyslop, dominant in the air all afternoon, was nudged in the back by Mackenzie resulting in a free kick 25 yards. Shankland curved it to the back post where Harvey powered a header on target but straight at McNeil who held it inside his right post.
Rob Roy should have reduced the deficit in the 32nd minute. Walker got to the byeline & placed a cross straight onto the head of Watt who glanced a header across goal & wide of the right post.
The visitors threatened again in the 38th minute. A ball over the top glanced off Lyle’s head & fell for Watt on the right of the area. He drove a low ball across goal that Sawyers just failed to reach.
Talbot saw out the remainder of the half to go in 2-0 up at the interval.
The Bot made a dream start to the 2nd half, effectively killing the game off within the 1st minute of the re-start. A ball over the Rabs defence picked out JAMIE GLASGOW racing clear & he sped in on goal before slotting the ball through the legs of McNeil to put Talbot 3-0 ahead.
Any lingering doubts over the result were ended soon after when Talbot grabbed their 4th in the 48th minute. Shankland’s corner from the right was met by Stephen Wilson who flicked it on for JAMIE GLASGOW to prod home & complete his hat-trick.
Rob Roy’s defence appeared to have given up the ghost & were posted missed again in the 51st minute. Hyslop led a Bot counter-attack charging up field before playing it to Glasgow. He switched play over to the right to find Graham Wilson in acres of space inside the area but he fired his shot over the bar.
It wasn’t Rob Roy’s day & Watt missed his 2nd snip of the afternoon in the 53rd minute. A long ball eluded the Talbot defence & landed at Watt inside the area. He looked certain to score but with only Leishman to beat he side-footed it wide of the right post.
Rob Roy made the game’s 1st change in the 55th minute with Morris making way for Boyle.
Stephen Wilson picked up a yellow card in the 61st minute when he failed to retreat at a Rob Roy free kick.
Rob Roy now made a further change with McGuire coming on for Watt.
The visitors pulled a goal back in the 67th minute. Slattery fired a ball in from the left & SAWYERS stretched out a leg to deflect it in at the back post.
A Talbot blunder gifted Rob Roy a free kick just outside the box in the 70th minute. Leishman came outside his area to pick up the ball & place it for a free kick but the ref deemed the free kick had already been taken when it was played back to him & booked Leishman for handling the ball & awarded Rob Roy a free kick 19 yards out. Fraser took it but whilst his effort would’ve earned him 3 points at Murrayfield it was only met with derision from the Bot fans as he ballooned it into Beechwood Road.
Talbot’s next attack saw them win a free kick out on the right but before Shankland could deliver it into the area the ref spotted Harvey & Boyle grappling in the box & booked both of them. When the ball did come in the Rabs defence failed to clear & the ball fell to Glasgow on the right whose shot was deflected over the bar. Shankland swept the corner in to the near post where Hyslop was just beaten to it by Boyle.
Tucker now made Talbot’s 1st change with McIlroy on for Graham Wilson.
The Rabs nearly pulled another goal back in the 76th minute. A long ball down the left caught out Lyle whose attempt to head it clear sent the ball straight to Sawyers 8 yards out & he fired a shot on target that Leishman blocked at his right post.
Talbot now made a further change with Faulds replacing Stephen Wilson.
Glasgow wasn’t content with his hat-trick & showed a clean pair of heels to Boyle racing past him as though Boyle was treading water. He hared into the area where McMenamin did enough to hold him up & Boyle recovered to slide it out for the corner.
Tucker completed Talbot’s changes in the 83rd minute when Armstrong came on for Shankland.
Rob Roy nearly grabbed a late consolation when Slattery turned Faulds 22 yards out & cracked an effort on goal that forced a top stop from Leishman who dived to his left to keep it out.
In the final minute McIlroy came close to extending Talbot’s lead but McNeil did well to turn his low drive wide of the post.
As the game moved into injury time Gallagher received a caution for a trip on Armstrong.
Deep into injury time Talbot nearly scored again. Pope led a counter-attack up the left before cutting the ball across the area to find Glasgow 8 yards out. He drilled it on target where McNeil made a good stop with his feet to deny him his 4th goal.
A good afternoon for the Bot; who will be looking for a similar level of performance next Saturday when they face a tricky away day in the Scottish through at Hill of Beath.

Auchinleck Talbot – Leishman, Lyle, Pope, McPherson, Harvey, White, Hyslop, Stephen Wilson, Graham Wilson, Glasgow, Shankland

Subs – McIlroy, Armstrong, Faulds, Thomson, Pooler

Kirkintilloch Rob Roy – McNeil, Walker, Mackenzie, McMenamin, Morris, McCulloch, Gallagher, Fraser, Sawyers, Watt, Slattery

Subs – McGuire, Johnstone, Mackie, Carroll, Boyle

Auchinleck Talbot v Carluke Rovers

A bad day at the office for Talbot who struggled to get out of 2nd gear but did just enough to see off toothless opposition to advance into the 2nd round of the West of Scotland.
There was little to get the crowd excited in a drab 1st half, which although dominated by Talbot, saw the Bot fail to test the visiting keeper, largely due to poor final balls into the box.
The 1st close call came in the 18th minute for the visitors. The Bot defence failed to cope with a long punt down the centre & it ended up with Martin on the right edge of the area. He carried it forward before drilling a shot into the side-netting.
A minute later Talbot won a free kick in a decent area following a foul on Faulds. Shankland bent a great ball across to the back post but no Bot player read it & it drifted behind for a goal kick.
Talbot threatened again in the 22nd minute. Shankland swept a dangerous ball in from the left that only required a touch to send it into the net but McIlroy couldn’t quite reach it.
Cassidy had his name taken in the 26th minute for persistent fouling and he was joined in the book by Gow in the 33rd minute for a late challenge on Thomson.
In a rare flash of quality Armstrong found Shankland on the left with a great diagonal pass in the 35th minute. Shankland burst into the area & squared it across goal but El-Zubaidi beat McIlroy to it 6 yards out to clear. The ball came back out to Shankland on the left & he swerved a shot wide of the far post.
Talbot’s next attack saw Pooler latch onto a ball into the left side of the penalty area. He managed to round Hallford but was forced wide & his final ball across was knocked behind for a corner and that was about it for the 1st half.
The home support were hoping for better after the interval & were rewarded with a goal within a minute of the re-start. Pope lifted a ball down the left for McIlroy to chase. Hallford came out hoping to claim it but the ball didn’t come into the box & as the keeper hesitated McIlroy nicked it round him & made for the bye line where he floated a cross over to the far post for KLARK THOMSON to head home from close range.
A few minutes later Talbot came close again. Thomson fed the ball inside to Pooler who showed good feet to create space for himself before firing a shot just wide of the right post.
Carluke made their 1st change in the 58th minute with Vezza replacing Cassidy.
Talbot had a chance to extend their lead a minute later. Pooler played it on to McIlroy on the right of the box & Hallford did well to block his low drive with his feet.
Tucker made a double switch in the 66th minute with Steven Wilson & Pooler making way for Hyslop & Graham Wilson.
The visitors found themselves a man down in the 67th minute when Gow was guilty of a clumsy tackle on G Wilson that resulted in his 2nd yellow & a trip to the clubhouse.
It was all Talbot but as in the 1st half they were toiling to find the final ball & moves were breaking down in the final third.
Shankland was unlucky not to double Talbot’s lead in the 73rd minute when he climbed to meet Thomson’s cross from the right. He steered his header low inside the right post but Hallford made an impressive stop to turn it round the post.
It was 10 men each in the 82nd minute. The ball broke away from McCracken & he lunged into a tackle to retrieve it, catching Haddow, and receiving a straight red. Haddow was unable to continue & was replaced by Lowdon.
Talbot now made their final change with Glasgow coming on for McIlroy.
The closing stages were played out in the Carluke half but Talbot couldn’t get the better of Hallford. With 3 minutes remaining Pope’s diagonal pass found Shankland free on the right but Carluke’s keeper parried his effort away.
The keeper was involved again shortly after when he dived to cut out Fauld’s angled ball across goal.
Talbot had one final chance to grab a goal deep into injury time. El-Zubaidi conceded a free kick 22 yards out after wrestling G Wilson to the deck. Shankland took it but fired the set piece over the bar.
Talbot made hard work of it but got the win & that’s the be all & end all of cup football. Next up for Talbot it’s back to league business when they host an in form Rob Roy side.

Auchinleck Talbot – Leishman, Armour, Pope, McPherson, McCracken, S Wilson, Thomson, Faulds, Pooler, McIlroy, Shankland

Subs – G Wilson, Glasgow, Hyslop, Harvey, White

Carluke Rovers – Hallford, Renwick, Gow, Lambie, El-Zubaidi, Haddow, Martin, Kane, Watt, Cassidy, Biggart

Subs – Lowdon, Vezza, Weir, Haley, Thomson (gk)

Auchinleck Talbot v Beith Juniors

With the game barely started, Beith don’t waste time in getting on the scoresheet, as they easily waltz through the Talbot defence and slot the ball home from a tight angle. 0-1.

Although they were reduced to ten men, Beith still manage to extend their lead, as they take advantage of a defensive mix-up and stab the ball into the back of the net. 0-2.

The Beith players are all smiles after doubling their lead at Beechwood Park.

Lyle looks to the sky in disbelief after witnessing Beith making it 2-0.

As James Bond said, Never Say Never, as Talbot pull one back through a close-range header from ‘Gee’ and begin the very late comeback show! 1-2.

With the referee filling his lungs to blow the full-time whistle, Kyle Faulds unleashes a wonder strike from outside the box that crashes into the back of the net and salvages a precious point for Talbot. 2-2.

Kyle’s team-mates race towards him in order to congratulate him after netting a dramatic equaliser for Auchinleck.

Ex-Talbot player, Keir Milliken, keeps the ball alive while being closely marked by Faulds and Pope.

‘Mulky’ can only watch the ball fly the wrong way after seeing his shot get blocked by Neil McPherson.

‘Whitey’ gets out jumped for the ball at this throw-in.

‘Pee-wee’ tries to head the ball back in to the path of a team-mate but is deemed to be offside.

Kyle Faulds skips past a couple of Beith players and begins to race up the park.

The pain is written on Stephen Wilson’s face, as his headed chance fails to burst the net.

Beith try to block all routes,as Jamie Glasgow goes on a blistering run up the middle of the park.

Graham gets stopped in his tracks, as he runs out of space on the left wing.

With the Beith goal in sight, ‘Gee’, unfortunately, gets the ball pinched from him by his opponent.

Milliken’s deflected shot gets saved by Leishman.

Lyle pleads his innocence after giving away a free-kick to Beith.

‘Gee tries to get to the ball first but gets thwarted by the Beith ‘keeper.

Hyslop pops up at the back post but his header goes wide of the post.

Kyle Faulds tries his best to win the ball back for Talbot.

Graham tries a chip shot from inside the box but is found to be offside.

You shall not pass! Ross Harvey blocks off this Beith attack.

It’s ‘head in hands’ time for the Beith bench, as they waste a good chance to make it 3-1 before Talbot hit them with a last minute sucker punch.

Photographs by Paul Flynn.

Auchinleck Talbot v Forres Thistle

Talbot mascots for the day, Mason McNeillie and Lewis Fleming, stand proudly with Auchinleck captain Willie Lyle before kick-off.

The games opening goal was scored by Graham Wilson, as he heads the ball home from a cross into the box. 1-0.

‘Gee’ finds space inside the box and fires home Talbot’s third. 3-0.

Its all smiles for Talbot after making it three and easy.

From outside the box, Jamie Glasgow goes for the spectacular and smashes the ball into the top corner of the net! 4-0.

Auchinleck celebrate their fourth while Forres vent their fraustration.

Stephen Wilson gets his name on the scoresheet, as he fires the ball home from distance. 5-0.

After rounding the Forres ‘keeper, McIlroy easily slots the ball into the back of the net. 6-0.

From a difficult angle, Jamie Glasgow manages to squeeze the ball into the bottom left hand corner of the net. 7-0.

Gordon Pope rounds off Talbot’s scoring, as his low-struck free-kick nestles into the bottom corner of the net. 8-0.

Get your judges’ wigs on folks. Was Klark Thompson fouled here, inside the box???

Jamie Glasgow races up the park but gets stopped in his tracks by the game’s visitors.

‘Gee’ tries his luck at goal, as the defender does his best to block the shot.

After finding space in the box, Wullie Lyle flashes his shot across the face of goal and out for a goal-kick.

Graham tries a volley from close range but misses the target.

Something has certainly left Neil and ‘Whitey’ open-jawed in shock……any guesses folks???

‘Pee-wee’ tries to pick out Harvey with an assist but the Forres ‘keeper pulls out a great save to stop them.

Sean has a pop at goal but his shot gets blocked inside the box.

Its a head in hands moment for Glasgow, as he misses a great chance for Talbot.

‘Gee’, again, finds space inside the box and has a go but, unfortunately, his shot fails to hit the target.

Another Auchinleck chance falls to Jamie, as he tries his luck.

Hyslop rises the highest and heads the ball back down the park.

Steven White threads through a great pass for Sean McIlroy to run on to.

Another Talbot attack gets started through McPherson.

Sean comes up against a strong challenge from this Forres player.

Everybody can only watch in slow motion, as Jamie’s shot is struck across the face of goal and goes agonisingly wide of the post.

Armstrong gets closely watched, as he races down the park.

Photographs by Paul Flynn.

Auchinleck Talbot v Cumnock Juniors

‘Gee’ double checks he hasn’t been flagged for offside, as he begins to celebrate opening the scoring for Talbot. 1-0.

The Talbot players vent their anger, as Paul Burns wheels away in delight after equalizing for Cumnock. 1-1.

From the spot Cumnock take the lead, as Burns makes it two for him and two for Cumnock. 1-2.

In a blink of an eye, Talbot pull themselves level again, as Graham sends a spectacular shot from outside the box into the top right hand corner of the net. 2-2.

‘Gee’ and the Talbot faithful go absolutley nuts, after Graham fires home a late winner for the boy’s in ‘Black ‘n’ Gold’. 3-2.

With the game nearing the end, Graham, unfortunately, is shown a second yellow card and, hence, Talbot get to see out the game with only ten men.

Time to be the judge again folks…Penalty or no penalty for Talbot?

Armstrong shrugs off this challenge and gets an attack going.

‘Gee’ takes a sore one, as Semple comes away with the ball after this challenge.

A flash shot from Cumnock has the beating of Leishman but thankfully for Talbot, the ball rattles off the crossbar instead of the back of net.

After getting penalised for a foul, this Cumnock player can only walk away and smile at the decision.

This Cumnock player tries to get his point across to the linesman.

After going on a great run, Jamie Glasgow gets tackled by ex-Talbot player James Lundie.

Semple gets his defence set up for a Talbot free-kick.

A great chance for Cumnock gets blocked right in front of goal.

Steven White tries to win the ball back for Auchinleck.

From a corner, Harvey pops up at the back post with a header but, unfortunately, the ball goes wide.

Both teams pay their respects during a minutes silence before kick-off.

Photographs by Paul Flynn.

MATCH REPORT MURRAY STEEL

Talbot edged out Cumnock in a match abundant in goals, effort & drama but lacking in quality; a typical derby in short.
The Bot couldn’t have asked for a better start, taking the early initiative & opening the scoring after only two minutes. After a good passing move Glasgow was unlucky not to score when his shot crashed off Semple’s right post with the keeper beaten but the ball rebounded out to GRAHAM WILSON who passed it into the net.
Semple prevented Talbot from doubling their lead a few minutes later. Harvey flighted a ball down the right that found Glasgow breaking down the right edge of the penalty area. He drilled a low shot on target that Semple turned around his near post.
A minute later Talbot threatened again. White fed the ball to Pope whose shot was intercepted by G Wilson. He took a touch & ran through on Semple but the ball broke away from him & the keeper was able to gather.
Talbot continued to dominate & had a good chance to double their lead in the 9th minute. Cumnock failed to clear their lines following a corner & when the ball was popped back into the box it found G Wilson in space on the left. He had a clear sight of goal but Semple successfully parried his shot; it came back out to Wilson but he hurried his 2nd effort & floated a shot across the face of goal.
Cumnock were gradually working their way back into the game but it was Talbot who produced the next near thing; almost doubling their lead in the 16th minute from a corner. Glasgow whipped the corner in from the left & G Wilson met it to glance a header on goal that was heading inside the left post until cleared off the line by Muir.
For all Talbot’s chances a one goal lead is always precarious & so it proved as Cumnock levelled in the 19th minute with their 1st real look at the Talbot goal. Lyle conceded a needless free kick out on the left & Fitzharris curled an inch perfect in swinger onto the head of BURNS who nodded home to make it 1-1 & then picked up a caution for taunting the Bot support.
The goal changed the game, deflating Talbot as it lifted Cumnock, and the visitors had a chance to take the lead in the 21st minute. Semple hoisted a long ball down the centre which broke into the path of Anson 18 yards out. He hit it 1st time, forcing a decent stop out of Leishman who had to gather at the 2nd attempt.
Talbot had lost their early fluidity & the game became something of a stalemate. Talbot had a couple of chances from set pieces within shooting distance but neither Graham Wilson or Pope could test the keeper, albeit Wilson wasn’t helped with the defensive wall standing 6 yards away.
Lundie & then Fitzharris picked up cautions for the visitors as the half meandered to a close; the only close call coming in the final minute of the half when Fitzharris angled a free kick onto the head of McKenzie who put it into the side-net from a tight angle.
The 2nd half opened as scrappily as the 1st departed & Talbot were rocked in the 51st minute when the referee awarded a soft penalty to Cumnock when Anson fell to the turf as he was making his way out of the box. BURNS stepped up to take the penalty & sent Leishman the wrong way to roll it home.
Glasgow picked up a caution in the 52nd minute when he clashed with Montgomerie.
Talbot needed to find a way back into the game & did so in the 55th minute. Leishman punted it down the right where Hyslop climbed to head it into the centre. GRAHAM WILSON gathered 25 yards out & worked it out his feet before lifting an unstoppable shot into the postage stamp corner.
Before play could re-start Talbot were forced into a change with the injured McCracken making way for McPherson at the heart of the Bot defence.
The visitors nearly regained the lead in the 59th minute. The Bot defence was caught flat footed by a ball over the top sending Hastings free on the left. He cut the ball back to the edge where Montgomerie met it & arrowed a shot on target that Leishman did well to save to his left.
Talbot had a chance to take the lead in the 61st minute when Hyslop helped the ball on into the path of G Wilson. He had the chance to take it 1st time but chose to bore in on goal & Lundie recovered well to challenge & put it behind.
Semple made a 2nd crucial stop from Glasgow in the 65th minute & it was the mirror image of his earlier save as he blocked with his feet inside to his right to prevent Glasgow’s low drive angling inside the post.
Cumnock then had a lucky escape from the ensuing corner when the ball was scrambled clear from the goal mouth.
Cumnock now made a change with McLaughlan replacing Hastings.
Talbot made difficulties for themselves soon after when McPherson conceded a needless corner kick with a slack back pass. When the corner came over it pinged around the area before Anson drilled a shot at goal that was deflected wide.
The referee, who had been a tad card happy all day, gave Graham Wilson an inexplicable caution in the 71st minute for a foul only he saw.
Tucker made a bold change in the 72nd minute, replacing Armstrong with McIlroy, with Glasgow switching out to the right and it paid off within two minutes as Talbot took the lead.
Harvey chipped the ball into the area where McIlroy’s instant control & quick feet bamboozled Lundie before drawing Semple in & squaring it. The Nock keeper floored McIlroy but his ball inside found GRAHAM WILSON who slotted the ball into the empty net to put Talbot back in front.
Cumnock weren’t finished though & gave Talbot a scare in the 78th minute when Anson guided a header into the path of McKenzie who saw his shot blocked.
Tucker made a further change in the 82nd minute with Thomson coming on for Glasgow.
The game ebbed & flowed in the closing stages though the ref handed a late advantage to Cumnock with a bizarre sending off with two minutes remaining. G Wilson tried to shield a ball out by the left touchline where he was clumsily floored by a barge from Lundie. A straight forward free kick to Talbot to everyone in the ground but for the optically challenged official who awarded Cumnock the free kick & sent Wilson off for what must rate as the lamest double booking I’ve seen.
Justice was served as Talbot saw out the closing minutes to register the win, a result made all the more precious by Beith’s slip up which tightens things up at the top of the table.
Next up for Talbot is the Scottish cup where Talbot host North Region opposition in the shape of Forres Juniors.

Talbot – Leishman, Lyle, Pope, Harvey, McCracken, White, Armstrong, S Wilson, G Wilson, Glasgow, Hyslop

Subs – McIlroy, Pooler, Shankland, Thomson, McPherson

Cumnock – Semple, Woods, Muir, Lundie, McKenna, Montgomerie, Fitzharris, Burns, Anson, McKenzie, Hastings

Subs – McLaughlan, Shirkie, Johnston (gk)

Auchinleck Talbot v Clydebank

Talbot open the scoring through Graham Wilson, who races into the box fires a low shot past the Clydebank ‘keeper. 1-0.

‘Gee’ wheels away in delight after scoring, while the Clydebank players rue the fact there now behind.

After Glasgow gets brought down inside the box, others await the game getting stopped but the referee waves play on and ‘Gee’ capatalises by cooly slotting the ball home from a very tight angle. 2-0.

The face of a player that truly loves scoring for the boy’s in black ‘n’ gold.

From a Talbot free-kick, Hyslop pops up at the back post and heads the ball into the back of the net. 3-0.

With three players still to beat, Sean McIlroy some how manages to find a gap and smash the ball home. 4-0.

McIlroy is all smiles after scoring Talbot’s fourth, while Clydebank can only slump over with agony.

In the dying seconds of the match, Talbot make it five, as ‘Shankers’ unselfishly chips the ball over the defenders for big Sean to have an easy tap-in to round off a great day for Auchinleck. 5-0.

Whats not to smile about after a great days work for Talbot!

He may be outnumbered but Mark still manages to win the ball.

Andy watches closely, as Lyle clears the danger.

Shankland tries his best to burst up the park.

Best not doing your ‘Time Warp’ dance routine on the playing field Wullie.

Stephen meakes sure he closely marks his opponent.

After making a stupendous run into the box, Jamie Glasgow tries his luck at goal.

Graham finds space inside the box but unfortunately his chip shot goes over the bar.

The pain is written all over ‘Gee’ and Mark’s faces, as the rue that missed opportunity.

Don’t look back in anger now Graham after that chance.

Is it a bird…is it a plane…its…i’m not too sure really.

The ball gets whipped into the box but the ‘Bankies ‘keeper makes sure the danger gets cleared.

Glasgow tries his best to create a chance but the ball gets over-hit and goes wide.

As Jamie Glasgow races up the park, he gets fouled just outside the box and from the resulting free-kick Talbot score their third.

I’m as confused as ‘Gee’ and ‘Pee-wee’ here, as to what this Clydebank player is trying to say.

Nice to see players can still have a laugh during the stresses of game time.

Mark still gets his shot away after being deemed to be offside.

Calvin Kemp gets closely watched inside the Clydebank box.

Klark Thompson tries to evade this hefty challenge.

Its all smiles for the black ‘n’ gold faithful after witnessing a good performance from Talbot.

Photographs by Paul Flynn.

MURRAY’S MATCH REPORT

Talbot turned in a 5 star performance to breeze past Clydebank at Beechwood in this one sided league encounter.
The 1st half chance of the afternoon came Clydebank’s way when a weak headed clearance fell to Lafferty 20 yards out & he drilled a low shot straight at Leishman.
Talbot then put together a good move which ended with Shankland sliding the ball through for Glasgow & Morrison did well to block his shot with his feet.
The Bankies keeper was tested again in the 13th minute. Shankland laid the ball back to Pope & he whipped a fierce low cross over that the keeper dived to punch clear. Fortunately for him, it hit off one of his defenders & ricocheted back to the keeper.
The opening goal came in the 17th minute as Talbot swiftly turned defence into attack. A ball out of defence found G Wilson out on the right & he touched it back to Shankland whose 1st time pass sent him racing clear of the static defence who were trying to play offside. GRAHAM WILSON carried on into the area before sliding it past Morrison to put Talbot one ahead.
Talbot’s next effort at goal came after 24 minutes. Glasgow gathered in the centre before spreading it out to the left to find Faulds. He cut inside on his right foot & fired a low shot on target that Morrison held.
The visitors threatened the Bot goal in the 27th minute when Lafferty sent Deas through on the left edge of the area but Stephen Wilson got back to divert his cross behind for a corner. The corner was hit deep beyond the back post where Verra rose unchallenged to meet it & Leishman had to tip his header over the bar.
A minute later another Talbot counter almost saw the Bot double their lead. Glasgow pursued a ball down the left touchline that Verlaque appeared to have under control. However, the Bankies full-back made the mistake of trying to usher it out for a throw in & Glasgow nicked the ball off him, raced into the area & attempted to pass it beyond Morrison who got down to make the save.
Talbot had a great chance to grab their 2nd in the 35th minute. Stephen Wilson slid the ball out to Glasgow on the right & when he fired it low across the 6-yard area the defence failed to clear & it came to Graham Wilson at the back post who lifted his shot over the bar.
For the most part Talbot were well in control but did have a scare just before the interval. Watt took a corner from the left that the defence cleared but it came straight back out to him. This time he curled a dangerous ball over that Pope managed to clear inside the 6-yard area & Talbot left the field a goal to the good.
The 2nd half was only three minutes old when Talbot moved 2-0 ahead. Glasgow ran onto a ball down the centre & looked to be tumbled inside the area by Verlaque as he went to hit it. Play went on & the ball spun out to GRAHAM WILSON on the right who slammed it past Morrison from a tight angle.
Tucker was forced into a change in the 50th minute with Faulds limping off to be replaced by Thomson.
Paterson had his name taken in the 56th minute. Glasgow beat him for pace just outside the box & he wrestled him to the ground. Shankland took the resultant free kick & angled a ball into the goal mouth where HYSLOP beat Gow to it to power a header home from close range.
Clydebank made a double switch in the 59th minute with Pearson on for Verlaque & Miller replacing the injured Lafferty.
Tucker made his 2nd change of the afternoon shortly after with Kemp coming on for Glasgow & Clydebank completed their changes in the 68th minute when Allan replaced Shelvey.
It looked like Graham Wilson was on for a hat-trick in the 70th minute when Shankland’s defence splitting pass sent him clean through on the keeper but a dubious offside call came to the visitors rescue.
Talbot’s next effort at goal came in the 76th minute. Stephen Wilson squared the ball across for Pope to run onto & he hammered a shot wide of the right post.
Tucker now made Talbot’s final change with McIlroy coming on for Graham Wilson.
Morrison prevented Hyslop from claiming his 2nd of the day in the 78th minute when he managed to tip his left foot drive over the crossbar. Talbot took the corner quickly, playing it back to Shankland who bent in a cross cum shot from the left which Morrison did well to put over the bar.
When the 2nd corner came over it fell to McCracken who did well to create space for a shot only to see his powerful drive blocked by a defender. The ball spun to Hyslop who hit it on the volley but his effort was also blocked by a Bankies defender.
It was no great surprise when Talbot grabbed their fourth in the 83rd minute. Shankland met a ball down the right & coolly flicked it 1st time into the path of SEAN MCILROY who charged into the area, side-stepping Verra’s challenge & nutmegging Gow before lifting it past Morrison from close range.
Unsurprisingly Clydebank’s heads were down & their players started to argue amongst themselves. Johnston then had his name taken when he had a go at the officials.
In the final minute Talbot wrapped up an impressive display with their 5th goal. Kemp’s long diagonal ball found Shankland racing down the left & he ran into the box before unselfishly chipping it over the keeper for MCILROY to knock home from a few yards out.
This was an emphatic win for Talbot, who will no doubt face a much sterner test next week when they travel to brave the Bellsdale slope & a high-flying Beith side.

Talbot – Leishman, Lyle, Pope, Harvey, McCracken, Stephen Wilson, Hyslop, Faulds, Graham Wilson, Shankland, Glasgow

Subs – McIlroy, Pooler, Kemp, Thomson, White

Clydebank – Morrison, Verlaque, Paterson, Verra, Darroch, Gow, Johnston, Deas, Shelvey, Lafferty, Watt

Subs – Pearson, Black, Allan, Miller, Lumsden (gk)

Auchinleck Talbot v Hurlford United

Read more: http://auchinlecktalbotfc.proboards.com/thread/7841/auchinleck-talbot-4-hurlford-united#ixzz4r2M6rabzA 2nd half goal blitz saw Talbot come from behind to claim a 4-1 victory over a ten man Hurlford side & get their 1st points on the board in this season’s Super League.
Talbot started impressively & carved out a good chance within two minutes. Stephen Wilson hared up the centre before slipping a pass out left to release Glasgow. He drilled a low shot across goal that forced a good stop from Brown.
Hurlford were dealt a blow in the 12th minute when they went a man down.
Glasgow’s pass sent Graham Wilson running through on goal & he was brought down just outside the penalty area by Glen Mitchell who was sent packing for denying a goal scoring opportunity.
Shankland took the free kick but it wasn’t his best & Brown made a comfortable save.
Hurlford hadn’t shown much going forward but they did threaten in the 20th minute. Watt got free down the right & fired a dangerous ball across the penalty area that was just too far ahead of Danny Mitchell in the centre.
In the 23rd minute Talbot won a free kick out on the left touchline, wide of the Hurlford box, after McKnight fouled Hyslop. Shankland curled it beyond the far post where McCracken tried to head it back across goal but his header hit off a defender & went for a corner.
Danny Mitchell received a caution in the 24th minute for a late challenge on Stephen Wilson. Wilson tried to run off the injury, but it became apparent he wasn’t 100% & he was replaced in the 28th minute by Faulds.
Faulds came close to breaking the deadlock in the 35th minute. He gathered outside the box & hammered a shot that flew just wide of the left upright.
Talbot came even closer in the 42nd minute. Glasgow swiped & missed it, the ball broke to Shankland & he hit a shot off the foot of the right post.
In the last minute of the half Talbot won a free kick 25 yards out when Robertson impeded Graham Wilson. Brown raced off his line to remonstrate with the officials and was booked for his troubles. Shankland took the set piece but his shot hit the wall & this proved to be the last action of the 1st half.
Talbot made a strong start to the 2nd half & threatened through Shankland in the 47th minute. He cut in from the left & curled a great ball to the far post but there were no takers & it sailed behind for a goal kick.
A minute later Talbot passed up a real chance to take the lead. Shankland played it into the feet of Wilson & he teed it up for Glasgow 10 yards out but Brown managed to block his low drive.
Hurlford had an effort on target in the 52nd minute. A diagonal ball found Roberts on the left of the penalty area & he blasted a shot straight at Leishman who parried it away.
At the other end Talbot came close a few minutes later. Shankland cut the ball back for Glasgow & Brown did well to touch his shot wide of the right post.
It was ten man Hurlford who took the lead in the 57th minute. Watt drove into the penalty box & cut it back toward McKenzie. He was tackled as he went to hit it but the ball fell to ROBERTS & he slammed it into the bottom corner.
Talbot nearly produced a leveller two minutes later. Shankland set it up for Wilson & his left footed strike flew just past Brown’s left post.
Wilson came close again in the 62nd minute. Roberts headed the ball back toward his own area & Wilson latched onto it, firing a low drive that was deflected just wide of the post.
Tucker now decided to go for broke, bringing on a forward for a defender, with McPherson making way for McIlroy.
Talbot were pushing forward in numbers but couldn’t breach the Ford defence. Pope lifted a dangerous cross into the back post which Brown couldn’t take. It was fed back to Shankland but his shot was blocked.
Pope was next to try his luck, cutting inside on his right foot but his shot was blocked inside the area.
Committing bodies forward left Talbot vulnerable at the back & they had two lucky escapes in the 69th minute. Roberts burst into the area & cut it back from the bye line but Watt’s shot was a poor one. Talbot then immediately gifted the ball straight back to Hurlford at the edge of the penalty area & McKenzie tested Leishman with a low drive that he held at the 2nd attempt.
Talbot made their final change with 20 minutes remaining; Kemp coming on for Glasgow.
With quarter of an hour remaining Talbot tested the Ford defence when Wilson sent Shankland away on the left. He whipped a cross over that McKillen put over his own bar.
Hurlford now made a change with Fisher coming on for McKenzie, who was booked on his way off the park for time-wasting.
A slice of luck, and some dodgy goal keeping, saw Talbot draw level in the 77th minute.
Talbot won a corner on the left that Shankland sent into the area. It was cleared straight back out to SHANKLAND & this time he curled a cross over that eluded Wilson & McIlroy in front of goal & sailed past Brown who seemed to anticipate the Bot players getting a touch on it.
Within the space of a minute Talbot turned the game on its head as they took the lead. KEMP rattled an unstoppable effort from the right of the area that flew inside the right post to put Talbot 2-1 in front.
The game was effectively over as a contest in the 83rd minute. Robertson nudged Shankland over inside the box as he went for a high ball & the ref pointed to the spot. GRAHAM WILSON buried it past Brown to put Talbot 3-1 ahead.
Talbot completed the scoring with 5 minutes remaining. Pope flighted a cross over to the back post where MCILROY met it to volley home.
A good comeback from Talbot who following Kilwinning’s expulsion from the Ardagh now travel to Fullarton Park on Wednesday night to face Irvine Victoria.

Auchinleck Talbot – Leishman, Harvey, Pope, McPherson, McCracken, Stephen Wilson, White, Glasgow, Graham Wilson, Shankland, Hyslop

Subs – McIlroy, Kemp, Thomson, Weir, Faulds

Hurlford United – Brown, McKnight, McKillen, Glen Mitchell, Robertson, Jenkins, McKenzie, Danny Mitchell, Roberts, Watt, Liddingston

Subs – Hodge, Marks, Molloy, Agnew, Fisher

Although down to ten men, Hurlford take the lead as they score through a low drive from a tight angle inside the box. 0-1.

‘Shankers’ looks fraustrated, as Hurlford celebrate their goal with their fans.

Talbot level the score through Shankland’s ‘cross come shot’, as the ball some how eludes everyoneand lands in the back of the net. 1-1.

As the ball smashes into the back of the net, you can see just how far Mark was when he hit the ball.

Less than a minute later Talbot take the lead through Calvin Kemp, who curls the ball home with the outside of his right boot. 2-1.

Calvin gets swamped by his tem-mates, as they congratulate him on scoring.

Mark Shankland gets fouled in the box and Talbot get awarded a penalty and…

…up steps ‘G’ who sends the ball flying into…

…the back of the net and increases Talbot’s lead. 3-1.

The games scoring is rounded off by a sublime close range volley from Sean McIlroy. 4-1.

And here’s his goal from a different angle.

Four Talbot goals means there is only four little words that need to be chanted…Eeka Peeka Pukka Po!!!

Glasgow gets an attack going up the wing.

Hurlford fans arrive at the game in good spirits.

Jamie tires his luck with this long range effort.

Hurlford are reduced to ten men, as the number 4 gets shown a straight red card for a foul on Graham Wilson.

Mark muscles his way into the Hurlford box.

Neil and Ross make sure this shot gets no where near Andy’s goal.

First-half sub, Kyle Faulds, tries to win the ball back for Talbot.

Although outnumbered, this Hurlford player still manages to get the pass away.

The defender takes flight and tries to stop Glasgow in his tracks.

Ahem…that looks at bit ‘uncomfortable’ for Mark.

Although he is stuckin a Talbot sandwich, this Hurlford player stillfinds space for his header.

While going on the attack, Graham gets pulled to ground by his opponent.

Support races into the box, as ‘G’ shoots from distance.

Faulds and ‘Pee-Wee’ do their best but Hurlford stillcome away with the ball.

From inside the box, Jamie Glasgow goes for the spectacular.

Andy throughs the ball back down the park.

A turn, a glance and McIlroy tries to advance.

This Hurlford player beautifully curls the ball round the wall but Leishman comfortably gathers the ball.

Bill Clelland from the Affleck Supporters Club hands Ross Harvey his Player of the Year award 2016/2017, which the club had voted him for.

Jimmy Ferguson gets handed The John Davidson Award 2017 for his devoted help that he continually gives to the club. Handing him the awards are John’s wife Janice (right) and sister Elizabeth (left).

The games mascots, Auchinleck Talbot 2011s, stand proudly with the Talbot players before kick-off.

After recently winning the Land O’ Burns Trophy, the Auchinleck Talbot Under 19s proudly parade the trophy at half-time.

Auchinleck Talbot Under 19s – Land O’ Burns Trophy Winners.

Photographs by Paul Flynn.

Auchinleck Talbot v Muirkirk Juniors

A history making night for Talbot as they overwhelmed Muirkirk 16-0 to record the Bot’s biggest ever win.
The goal glut started early with the Bot taking the lead inside 3 minutes. Kemp flighted a cross straight onto the head of HYSLOP & he guided a header back across goal to make it 1-0.
Talbot doubled their lead after 6 minutes. A ball over the top found G WILSON racing into the area & he slotted it past the advancing keeper to put Talbot 2-0 ahead.
In the 9th minute Talbot were awarded a penalty after J Anderson sent Kemp to the turf inside the box. SHANKLAND took the spot kick & fired it low past Wilson to make it 3-0.
A minute later it was almost four. Wilson fired a dangerous ball in from the left which Shankland just failed to meet in the centre. It came to McCracken wide of the far post & he clattered a shot off the upright. McCracken reacted first to reach the ball out on the right & played it back across goal where Wilson did well to foil Thomson; blocking his shot at his left post.
The goal was only marginally delayed though & Talbot moved 4-0 ahead in the 11th minute. SHANKLAND floated a delightful lob over the helpless keeper from the left side of the penalty area.
On the quarter hour mark Talbot went 5-0 ahead. Harvey lifted a cross in from the left touchline & WEIR beat Wilson to it in the air to nod it into the empty net.
Muirkirk made a change in the 20th minute with Beveridge replacing Steveson.
Just when Muirkirk thought things couldn’t get any worse they did. Hyslop’s ball up the left wing sent G Wilson scurrying free & he was taken out by Muirkirk’s keeper. The referee judged it worthy of a straight red and off went the goalie. Muirkirk now took Peck off in order to bring on their sub keeper, Platt.
Talbot were knocking the ball around like a training exercise, with Muirkirk chasing shadows, and the only wonder is it took until the 36th minute for goal number 6 to arrive.
Hyslop found Shankland on the left & he squared it across the 6 yard area where G WILSON ran onto it to squeeze a shot past Platt.
A minute later Muirkirk had their one & only chance of the evening. Ballantyne skipped past Weir inside the area & his effort was deflected against the outside of Leishman’s right post.
Talbot’s 7th goal and Muirkirk’s 2nd red card both arrived in the 44th minute. McIntyre conceded a penalty for up-ending Kemp inside the area & once again Shankland took it. This time he hit it low to the keeper’s right & Platt guessed right to make the save. The ball rebounded back to Shankland who was poised to knock it home from close range until barged to the deck by Millar who got his marching orders for denying a clear goal scoring opportunity. G WILSON now took over from the spot & buried it to make the half-time score Talbot 7 Muirkirk 0.
Tucker made 3 changes at the interval with McIlroy, Glasgow & Pope coming on for G Wilson, Shankland & Weir.
The three subs were all involved within a minute of the re-start, McIlroy sending the ball in from the left, Glasgow touching it back & Pope driving a shot just over the bar.
Talbot’s 8th came in the 49th minute. McIlroy had the time & space to pick out a cross & find the unmarked GLASGOW in the centre & he steered a header home from close range.
Three minutes later Talbot extended their lead. Harvey raced down the right before cutting the ball back to GLASGOW who swept it home from 15 yards.
The Bot made it to double figures in the 55th minute. Once again McIlroy got free down the left & knocked it into the centre. Glasgow teed it up for KEMP who drilled a low shot past Platt to make it 10 nil.
There was no let up from Talbot & the 11th goal arrived after 68 minutes. Pope dinked a perfectly weighted ball over the defence which MCILROY guided inside the right post.
Talbot made it a round dozen in the 76th minute. Pettigrew played a good ball down the left to release GLASGOW & he calmly passed it into the net to complete his hat-trick.
One minute later & Talbot grabbed their 13th, a top quality finish from MCILROY who met Harvey’s ball over from the right & volleyed it first time into the roof of the net.
The goals were now arriving with the regularity of PPI nuisance calls and in the 79th minute Talbot stretched their lead to 14 to no reply when McIlroy cut the ball back across goal where GLASGOW met it, back to goal, and turned before shooting home.
The Bot very nearly made it 15 in the 82nd minute. Muirkirk’s sub, S Anderson, was woefully short with an attempted passback allowing Kemp to intercept inside the area. He crashed a shot off the base of the left post which flew back out to Glasgow who slid it wide of the far post with the goal gaping.
Talbot equalled their biggest ever winning margin a minute later. KEMP was hauled back just outside the Muirkirk penalty area & took the resultant free kick; striking it just inside the right post to leave the keeper with no chance.
Two minutes from time Talbot completed the rout, assisted by a blunder from a Muirkirk defender, who attempted to head it back to his keeper. He only succeeded in sending GLASGOW free on the right side of the penalty area & he stroked it home to score his 5th and Talbot’s 16th.
As wins go this was about as comprehensive as it gets, Talbot utterly dominating the 90 minutes, and turning that dominance into goals. Next up for Talbot it is the start of the league campaign as the Bot travel through to Cumbernauld for a tricky away fixture against Rob Roy.

Auchinleck Talbot – Leishman, Weir, Harvey, McPherson, Pettigrew, Thomson, Hyslop, McCracken, G Wilson, Shankland, Kemp

Subs – McIlroy, Glasgow, Pope, S Wilson, White

Muirkirk – Wilson, Ross, Peck, Rodgers, McIntyre, J Anderson, McGuire, Millar, Condon, Ballantyne, Steveson

Subs – Campbell, Beveridge, S Anderson, Barrie, Platt

Auchinleck Talbot v Kello Rovers

After a mini ricochet inside the Kello box, the ball finally lands at the feet of Sean McIlroy……

Talbot cruised to a 4-0 win over Kello Rovers that all but guarantees them a place in the last 8 of the Ardagh cup.
For all the comfort of the final margin, Kello ought to have taken the lead within seconds of the start. Hampson charged forward before releasing it right to find Wilson free inside the box but he drilled his low shot across target & wide of the right post.

……who fires it beyond the ‘keeper and opens the scoring for Talbot. 1-0.

Talbot opened the scoring with their 1st meaningful attack in the 5th minute. Weir carried it out from the back, deep into the Kello half before sliding it through to Pooler on the right. He cut it back toward Weir whose shot was blocked but the ball spun into the path of MCILROY who slotted it inside the left post.

McIlroy finds acres of space and time to easily and calmly slot the ball home for number two. 2-0.

The Bot doubled their advantage after quarter of an hour. Armstrong floated a high cross to the back post which Dunsmuir failed to cut out. The ball came to Pooler who squared it across goal for MCILROY to pass into the empty net to make it 2-0.
Kello had an effort on goal in their next attack. Weir diverted a ball into the path of Fleming & he struck a low drive straight at Leishman from 20 yards.

Although the Kello ‘keeper gets a hand to Sean McIlroy’s header……

Kemp then came close for Talbot. He closed down Bennie, blocking his attempted clearance & carrying on into the area where he fired narrowly past Dunsmuir’s left post.
The 3rd goal came in the 22nd minute when MCILROY rose to power home Kemp’s corner kick to score a quick fire hat-trick.
Kello had an opportunity to reduce the deficit in the 26th minute when they were awarded a free-kick 30 yards out. Hampson’s shot flew into the wall & the ref harshly judged that Weir had deliberately handled it, booking Weir, and awarding Kello a free kick right on the edge of the area. This time Shaw took it but sent his effort well over the bar.

And from this different angle, you can see Sean pretty much had an open goal in front of him for both his and Talbot’s second goal of the game.

Talbot threatened to extend their lead in the 31st minute. Kemp pulled a corner back into the path of Pope & Dunsmuir had to dive full length to turn his drive round the post.
Kello were having problems defending corners & Talbot nearly scored again a minute later when Pooler met a corner at the near post & glanced a header just over.

And so completes the connoisseur hat-trick, as McIlroy gets his head onto a corner kick and makes it three and easy for the boys in black ‘n’ gold. 3-0.

Pooler created Talbot’s next opening when his reverse pass sent Kemp racing through on the left where he shot across goal & past Dunsmuir’s left post.
Talbot continued to dominate and came close a couple of times before the interval. Lyle & McIlroy worked the ball down the right before Lyle fired a dangerous ball into the near post which was blocked behind for a corner. The corner was pulled back to Pettigrew who ran onto it & steered a shot on target which was cleared off the line inside the right post.

……it is unable to prevent the goal, as the ball still smashes into the back of the net.

The visitors had a chance in the 44th minute when Hampson latched onto a long ball down the centre. He took it in his stride & fired an early shot just wide of Leishman’s left post.
In the final action of the half Kemp broke in behind the Kello defence but couldn’t beat Dunsmuir who saved his low drive with his feet.

With the game nearing the end there was still one more goal to come, as ‘Shankers’ fires a wonder strike from the edge of the box and……

Kello made a change at the start of the 2nd half with Miller coming on in place of Fleming.
The visitors were forced into a 2nd change in the 53rd minute when Hampson pulled up injured & had to go off to be replaced by Mathieson.
Dunmsuir prevented McIlroy from grabbing his & Talbot’s 4th after 56 minutes. Lyle lifted a ball down the right to find McIlroy inside the area & he hammered a fierce shot on target that Kello’s keeper parried behind for a corner.

……it careers into the back of the net via the underside of the crossbar. 4-0.

Talbot now made their own changes, firstly Thomson coming on for Steven Wilson & a few minutes later a double switch with Graham Wilson & Shankland replacing Kemp & Pooler.
The next attack saw Shankland making tracks down the left before crossing to the far post where McIlroy headed past the post.
Pope tested the keeper in the 68th minute, showing quick feet to beat a couple of men, and then drilling a low drive from outside the area which Dunsmuir smothered.

Wilson had a good chance a minute later to add to Talbot’s lead. A ball over the defence found him running free on the left of the area but he pulled his shot wide of the far post.
It was all Talbot and the Bot came close again in the 76th minute. Shankland swept a cross in from the right that found Wilson in front of goal but he steered his header wide of target.
Just as in mid-week Talbot finished the game with 10 men after McIlroy picked up a knock late on.
The final goal came a minute from time. Thomson released Pope down the left wing & when he cut it back to the edge of the area SHANKLAND stroked it into the roof of the net to make it 4-0.
Next up for Talbot is a Wednesday evening trip to Muirkirk to complete the Ardagh group stages.