Beechwood Park – Page 5 – Auchinleck Talbot Football Club

Auchinleck Talbot v Craigmark Burntonians

Report: Murray Steele, Photography: Craig McGhee, Media: Lee Conn.

TALBOT SEMI-FINAL BECKON’S

Talbot changed the team around for this West quarter-final but kept the recent fine run going with a comprehensive win over Craigmark.

The first sign it was going to be a long afternoon for the visitors came as early as the 4th minute. Wardrope’s pass saw McAvoy beat the offside trap and race through on goal but he slid his shot wide of the left hand post.

A minute later Smith did well out on the right to create space before whipping over a dangerous cross that just cleared McAvoy in the centre.

Talbot moved in front after 9 minutes thanks to a quality goal. McPherson lifted it up the right to find Smith who cushioned a header out wide to Wardrope. He plinked a first time ball over the defence where ROSS SMITH strolled through to knock it past the advancing Johnson.

Two minutes later Craigmark had a rare chance. Ryan kept the ball on the right touchline and swept a ball into the area which deflected off McCracken and skidded across the face of goal and wide of the far post.

In the 17th minute Talbot doubled their lead. Smith’s low ball in from the right wasn’t properly cleared by the defence and came out to McAvoy. He switched it to his left to find JAMIE GLASGOW in space and his low drive beat the keeper at his right hand post.

So far so good for Talbot but the Bot were dealt a blow in the 21st minute when McCracken went down inside his own area and couldn’t continue. Abed came on in his place with McPherson moving into the centre.

Talbot were playing some neat football and put together a slick move in the 26th minute which ended with McAvoy flicking the ball into the path of Glasgow who fired wide of target.

Craigmark had a let off in the 29th minute when Schoneville fired a ball across the face of goal that only needed a touch but there was no one to prod it home.

It was one-way traffic and Talbot had a chance to add to their lead in the 36th minute. Armstrong won it in the centre and surged forward before sliding it right to release McAvoy who fired across goal and wide of the right post.

Five minutes from the break Schoneville played it to Wardrope and his cross to the back post was met by McAvoy but he was off balance and couldn’t direct it on target.

In the 44th minute Glasgow squared the ball in from the left toward Smith who looked set to score but took his eye off it and had a fresh air swipe in front of goal.

The goal was only delayed however and in the final minute of the half Armstrong swung over a cross from the right that Glasgow directed on target. The keeper made a great save to keep it out but the rebound came out to KYLE MCAVOY who fired it into the net to send Talbot in 3-0 ahead at the interval.

Craigmark made a change during the break with Wilson on at full-back in place of Gilbert.

It was clear early on in the 2nd half there was going to be no let up from Talbot and Glasgow had a chance to extend Talbot’s lead in the 49th minute when McAvoy laid the ball into his path but his shot from 18 yards flew just over the bar.

Down the other end Craigmark forced a corner down the left. When it came into the near post it skidded off a Talbot head and came out to Armer 15 yards out whose low drive was blocked.

Talbot now launched a swift counter-attack that ended with McAvoy finding Wardrope free on the right of the area but his shot was deflected behind for the corner. Before the corner could be taken Craigmark made a further change with Sherrie replacing Banks. When the corner came over a comedy of errors ensued in the Craigmark defence with 2 defenders colliding whilst trying to head it clear and the ball broke in front of goal to TAREK ABED whose point blank effort was saved by the keeper but he swept home the rebound to make it 4-0.

It could have been five in the 53rd minute. A series of quick passes created space for McAvoy who sent it right to Glasgow who drilled it wide of target from a good area.

Talbot did make it 5-0 in the 57th minute. Wardrope swept a low ball in from the right touchline which went through a defender before landing at the feet of KYLE MCAVOY who took it round the keeper before slotting it home

On the hour mark Smith fed it out wide right to Abed whose driven cross was slashed behind by Tan.

In the 64th minute Talbot were awarded a penalty. McAvoy played it into the feet of Glasgow who sent tumbling by McCreer and the ref pointed to the spot. Smith took it but fired it wide of the left hand upright.

Talbot now made their 2nd change with Lennox on for McAvoy. The visitors also made another change with McCowan replacing Henderson.

The Bot were knocking the ball around confidently and a quick passage of passes could have resulted in a top class goal but unfortunately Glasgow was crowded out inside the area before he could get his shot away.

Twenty minutes from time Glasgow clipped a good ball in behind the defence to send Smith clean through down the left and he fired it low across goal but wide of the far post.

In the 74th minute Tan got the better of Wardrope 30 yards out and carried forward before firing a shot on target that Henry saved low to his right.

A minute later down the other end Talbot nearly grabbed a sixth. Smith played it into Wardrope 18 yards out and his shot just cleared the crossbar.

Talbot now made a triple substitution with Armstrong, Urquhart & Glasgow making way for Boyle, Gillies & Thomson.

In the 77th minute Boyle received a caution for a shirt tug.

The chances were still coming for Talbot and Wardrope pounced on a poor clearance just outside the penalty area but he fired it wide of the right hand post.

In the 81st minute Lennox played a good square pass inside the area to find Smith. He could have shot but tried to thread it on to Thomson who’d strayed offside

A few moments later Craigmark won a free kick within shooting distance which Sherrie took but he scooped his effort well over the bar from 25 yards out.

In the 84th minute Craigmark got their consolation. Sherrie played it out wide left to Reilly who cut it back into the area. It landed at the feet of Ryan who fell over somewhat easily but the referee awarded the penalty and RYAN took it himself giving Henry no chance as he fired it inside the left post to make it 5-1.

There was still time for one last Talbot attack in the 88th minute when Gillies got in down the left and whipped a dangerous ball across goal but there were no takers.

A good win for Talbot who were always in control and had the tie done and dusted by half-time. Next week Talbot are back on their travels as they head through to Govan to face high flying St Cadocs in the league.

Auchinleck Talbot – Henry, McPherson, Schoneville, Slooves, McCracken, Armstrong, Wardrope, Urquhart, McAvoy, Smith, Glasgow

Subs – Thomson, Gillies, Lennox, Abed, Boyd, Boyle, Glavin

Craigmark Burntonians – Johnson, McCreer, Cameron, Tan, Ryan, Armer, Reilly, Henderson, Banks, Gilbert, Gilmour

Subs – Wilson, Sherrie, McCowan, McCrea, McCrum, Orr, Gordon

Auchinleck Talbot v Hurlford United

“TALBOT WITH SEVEN WINS ON THE TROT“

Report: Murray Steele, Photography: Craig McGhee, Media: Lee Conn.

The blustery conditions didn’t blow Talbot off course as the Bot extended their winning run with a 2-0 victory over Hurlford that sees the Bot climb to 5th in the table.

Talbot nearly made a dream start. In the 2nd minute Schoneville fed it out to Boyd on the wing and he whipped the perfect cross over to find Gillies in the centre but his header flew just the wrong side of Wilson’s right hand post.

The next chance also came Talbot’s way. A ricochet in the Ford half bounced kindly for McAvoy who burst in behind down the left before angling a shot across goal and wide of the left hand post.

It was pretty much all Talbot and the visitors defence did well in the 12th minute when Thomson fired in a dangerous cross off the right that was headed clear.

Paul McKenzie became the first name in the ref’s book when he received a caution for a late challenge of Boyle in the 14th minute and he skated with an early trip to the clubhouse when he fouled Schoneville minutes later but the ref didn’t produce a 2nd yellow.

In the 19th minute Gillies got in behind down the left. His first ball in was blocked and came back to him and this time he fired a half-volley on target that was held by Wilson.

Despite having dominated proceedings Talbot hadn’t turned it into goals and they nearly paid the price on the half hour mark. Whittaker chipped it in behind the defence to find Morrison down the left of the box. He tried to prod it inside the near post but Glavin was there to make the block.

The opener came in the 33rd minute. A quickly taken shy down the left caught Hurlford flat footed and McAvoy sped down the wing before cutting it across the face of goal where EWAN THOMSON turned it home from close range.

Two minutes later Thomson nearly grabbed his 2nd of the afternoon. Talbot won a corner down the right which the defence could only clear out as far as Thomson at the edge of the box. He cut inside on his left foot and drilled a low shot that had the keeper beaten but slipped just past the left post.

In the 42nd minute Morrison became the 2nd Ford player cautioned when he was shown yellow for a trip on Boyle. Talbot kept pushing but had to content themselves with a single goal lead at the break

The Bot nearly gifted Hurlford an early equaliser moments into the 2nd half. Schoneville’s back pass to Glavin was a bit short and when Glavin cleared under pressure from Marc McKenzie it hit off the Hurlford man but fortunately flew wide of goal.

Talbot then had a chance down the other end. Thomson had Boyd free to his left but opted for the shot which was blocked by a defender and ran through harmlessly to the keeper.

Ali Boyle became the first Talbot player booked when he picked up a yellow after 49 mins.

A minute later Talbot were almost in on goal. A ball up the right was headed into the path of McAvoy who was well tackled just as he was about to hit it. The ball broke wide to Thomson whose shot was deflected behind for the corner.

On the hour mark Hurlford made a change with T Anderson coming on for Morrison.

In the 62nd minute Frew received a caution for a foul on Boyd. Langan took the resultant free kick and flighted it into the box where McPherson got his head to it but it lacked the power to test the keeper.

Talbot had the ball in the net again in the 65th minute but it was chalked off due to a terrible decision by the assistant ref. A ball down the right found Thomson racing free, well onside and he carried on before pulling it back for Boyd to tap it home but the flag had went up and the referee went with his assistant’s decision.

Talbot made their first change of the afternoon in the 69th minute when Armstrong came on in place of Boyle.

A minute later the match officials again appeared to get an offside call wrong. Armstrong showed quick feet down the left to get away from his man before stroking a reverse pass through to McAvoy who was harshly pulled up for offside.

Hurlford had seen a bit more of the ball in the 2nd half but hadn’t been productive with it on an afternoon when they offered very little going forward. They had a half chance with quarter of an hour remaining when a corner was only cleared out into the path of Paul McKenzie outside the area but he fired well wide of the left hand post.

Tucker now made a double switch with Glasgow & Wardrope coming on for McAvoy & Langan.

Boyd had a chance to double Talbot’s lead in the 79th minute. A shy down the right was met by Glasgow who flicked it into the path of Boyd who blazed his shot over the bar.

A minute later Talbot gave the ball away cheaply just inside the Ford half and as they broke up field Slooves took one for the team, receiving a caution as he halted their advance. Whittaker took the resultant free kick from 30 yards but his shot hit Thomson’s one-man wall and ran tamely through to Glavin.

In the 83rd minute Talbot came close to adding a 2nd. Firstly Glasgow’s low drive was blocked by Wilson and the ball then spun out to the left where Gillies hammered a shot from a tight angle that the keeper turned behind for a corner.

With 5 minutes remaining Talbot got the goal needed to settle any nerves. Wardrope’s ball over the top saw CONNOR BOYD race in on goal and he slotted it past the advancing Wilson to make it 2-0

As the game moved into added time Talbot twice came close to adding to their lead. Glasgow sped down the right and played it across the face of goal toward Gillies who would have had a tap in but for Miller who managed to get back and turn it behind for the corner. When the corner came in Slooves met it unopposed but headed over the crossbar.

A thoroughly deserved win for Talbot in testing conditions. Next up it’s back to cup duty when Talbot host Craigmark Burntonians in the West next Saturday.

Auchinleck Talbot – Glavin, McPherson, Schoneville, Slooves, Wilson, Langan, Boyle, Gillies, Boyd, McAvoy, Thomson

Subs – Smith, Glasgow, Wardrope, Urquhart, Armstrong, McCracken, Henry (gk)

Hurlford United – Wilson, Miller, Lidington, Frew, R Love, Hughes, P McKenzie, Whittaker, Mullen, M McKenzie, Morrison

Subs – A Love, Watt, B Anderson, T Anderson, Kerr, McKnight, Taylor (gk)

Auchinleck Talbot v Cumnock Juniors

“TALBOT TOO HOT FOR CUMNOCK“

Report: Murray Steele, Photography: Craig McGhee, Media: Lee Conn.

Talbot made it a hat-trick of wins this season over Cumnock as the Bot put an emphatic end to Cumnock’s unbeaten run with a 4 goal show at Beechwood.

The Bot started the game in top gear and tested Barclay as early as the 2nd minute when Boyd was played through down the left but his low drive was saved by the Nock keeper.

In the 6th minute only the woodwork prevented Talbot taking the lead. McAvoy laid it off to Gillies who burst into the area, wide on the left, and drilled a low shot that had the beating of Barclay but came back off the right hand post.

Down the other end Buchanan whipped in a dangerous ball from the right but there were no takers in the centre for Cumnock.

Talbot came close for a 3rd time in the 9th minute. Gillies cut the ball back into the centre where it ran through to Thomson who set himself up on his left foot only to blast his shot over from 12 yards.

On the quarter hour mark Talbot threatened again. Boyle swept a great low ball across goal that Thomson just failed to reach in the centre.

Cumnock gradually began to play themselves into the game and gave Talbot a nervous moment in the 20th minute. An inswinging corner from the right was only headed out as far as Frye who powered a volley toward goal that was blocked by Slooves head.

A minute later Cumnock came within a whisker of scoring the goal of the season. There seemed no danger when the ball came to McLennan all of 40 yards out but he smacked it on the half-volley and his shot clattered off the inside of Glavin’s left hand post before spinning across goal where McPherson was fouled to take the pressure off.

In the 23rd minute Cumnock squandered a chance when Wilson & McPherson got into a fankle dealing with a ball down the left. It ran in behind to McKenzie but his ball across the face had too much on it.

Langan became the first player booked when he was penalised for a challenge on Stevenson as he broke forward.

Just when it looked like Cumnock were gaining the upper hand Talbot took the lead. A shirt tug on McAvoy resulted in a Bot free kick in front of the Cumnock dug-out. Langan curled the ball into the box where NEIL SLOOVES met it to head low inside the left post to put Talbot 1-0 ahead in the 27th minute.

A minute later Thomson looked to be blatantly impeded as he tried to move forward down the right but the ref thought otherwise.

The game now settled into the usual 100 mph hurly-burly expected of a derby with the ball moving around like a hot potato. Cumnock were pushing forward but to little effect, other than winning the odd corner down the right, all of which Talbot successfully defended.

Three minutes from the interval Talbot threatened to double their lead. Thomson robbed Cook of the ball at the edge of the area and then took it wide of Ellis before firing it back across goal where Barclay blocked it before it was put behind for the corner

When the corner came into the near post it was headed clear but came back out to Thomson who floated a cross into the middle which found Boyd but his header lacked the power to trouble Barclay.

As the half moved into added time Langan was decked just inside the Nock half but again the referee gave Cumnock the benefit of the doubt and waved play on with Talbot going in soon after with a goal lead.

Talbot made an encouraging start to the 2nd half when Gillies nicked the ball off McLennan and fired a low ball in that resulted in a corner. When Thomson’s corner came to the near post Slooves met it but couldn’t direct it on target under pressure.

In the 48th minute Talbot won another corner down the left. This time it floated deep to the back post where Boyd looped a header over the bar. It was then Cumnock’s turn to threaten the Talbot goal. A shy from the left found Jamieson inside the box and he turned quickly before firing over the bar.

In the 56th minute the Bot defence was undone by McLennan’s ball over the top that landed nicely for Buchanan inside the area but he failed to make the most of it – driving his shot straight at Glavin who held it comfortably.

Cumnock made a change in the 58th minute with Buchanan making way for McLaughlin.

The visitors had a half chance in the 61st minute when Talbot failed to clear a shy in from the left. It was laid back into the path of Frye 15 yards out whose low drive was blocked by Slooves

Talbot needed a 2nd goal to settle the nerves and it duly arrived in the 64th minute. Gillies played it into Schoneville who was dumped to the turf by Ellis resulting in a booking for the centre-half and a Bot free kick 22 yards out. With Cumnock anticipating a shot, Langan rolled it square to ALI BOYLE who thumped a low drive inside the right post to put Talbot 2-0 ahead.

Two minutes later it was nearly game over as McAvoy latched onto a loose ball outside the area and hammered a left foot shot just wide of the top corner.

McLaughlin then had his name taken for a shirt tug on Boyd.

In the 68th minute both sides made a double substitution. Talbot bringing on Armstrong & Wardrope for Gillies & Langan with Cumnock replacing Jamieson & Stevenson with Veitch & Conn.

Boyd was penalised for playing on and shooting after the whistle soon after and received a caution for kicking the ball away.

Talbot’s next attack saw Schoneville whip a great ball over to the far post where McAvoy just failed to connect with it

Cumnock weren’t offering much going forward and were reduced to long range efforts with McLennan firing on target from 30 yards but Glavin saved comfortably to his right.

With 11 minutes remaining Schoneville surged up the left and played a good ball toward the back post but there was no one on hand to take advantage.

Tucker now made another double change with Thomson & Boyd making way for Glasgow & Smith.

Five minutes from time Talbot added their third. Schoneville showed quick feet to beat his man down the left before hanging a cross beyond the far post where JAMIE GLASGOW coolly placed a header beyond Barclay.

Within a minute it was nearly four. Smith got in behind the Nock defence but Barclay raced quickly off his line to block his effort.

In the 87th minute Smith skipped inside his man down the right and played it into the near post where McAvoy steered a scissor kick wide.

A minute later it was role reversal time as McAvoy played the ball in off the right to find ROSS SMITH and he steered it across goal and beyond Barclay to make it 4-0.

Talbot now made a late change with Urquhart on for Boyle.

In the 90th minute Frye received a yellow card for a high feet challenge on Urquhart.

As the game moved into added time Talbot nearly finished with a flourish. A neat passing move ended with the ball played into the path of Glasgow whose powerful drive from 20 yards was pushed wide by Barclay.

The game had been devoid of any unpleasantness until deep into added time when Cook rattled into Smith on the touchline. It sparked off a stramash on the touchline before the ref managed to regain control and showed Cook a yellow card.

Another good home performance from Talbot and another clean sheet. Next week Talbot are at home to Hurlford where I hope to enjoy my hospitality day with another home win.

Auchinleck Talbot – Glavin, McPherson, Schoneville, Slooves, Wilson, Langan, Boyle, Gillies, Boyd, McAvoy, Thomson

Subs – Smith, Glasgow, Urquhart, Armstrong, Abed, Henry (gk)

Cumnock Juniors – Barclay, McLennan, Willett, Cook, Ellis, Wilson, Buchanan, Frye, Mackenzie, Jamieson, Stevenson

Subs – Veitch, McLaughlin, Conn, McLaughlin, Ferry, Young, Nelson (gk)

Auchinleck Talbot v Benburb

“GOING UP!”

Report: Murray Steele, Photography: Craig McGhee, Media: Lee Conn.

Talbot’s steady climb up the table continued thanks to a hard fought win over a stuffy Benburb at Beechwood.

The opening exchanges were fiercely competitive but virtually chance free, other than a low drive from McAvoy on the right edge of the area that flashed across goal and wide.

The game was being played at a frenetic pace with the ball pinging from end to end and both defences coming out on top.

The first real opening came in the 18^th minute when a quickly taken shy sent Thomson scurrying down the left where he swung a good cross into the centre toward Boyd but he was well challenged as he went to head it.

At the other end Menzies chipped a ball into the box to find McDonald in a dangerous area but he was challenged before he could get a shot away.

Neither keeper had been called upon and Hay’s first job of the afternoon was to pick the ball out the back of his net in the 22^nd minute. Boyd did well down the left to get away from Halliday and lift a cross into the middle where KYLE MCAVOY hung in the air to meet it & glance a header inside the left post.

In the 26^th minute the Bens had a half chance when hesitant defending saw the ball fall to Menzies just outside the area; however he fired his shot well over the bar.

A minute later Talbot broke forward through Thomson who was taken out by Fraser. The ref gave advantage as the ball was with McAvoy but his cross floated through harmlessly to Hay. The referee then called Fraser over and booked him for the earlier foul

Glavin was called into action in the 28^th minute. A shy from the left skated off the top of McPherson’s head & fell to Taylor 16 yards out who drove it low & straight at the Bot keeper who made the stop.

The referee managed to upset the home support twice in quick succession when Benburb were flagged for offside by his assistant but he opted to over-rule him and allow play to continue but nothing came of either attack.

The Bot were given a chance to extend their lead in the 42 minute when McAvoy won a free kick just outside the area when he was felled by Livingston. The Bens defender received a yellow card and Schoneville took the set piece – firing it low into the wall and behind for a corner. When Thomson’s corner came over Boyd met it unopposed but steered the free header well wide of the right post.

Into added time Talbot had another chance to add to their lead. A cross from the left was heading for Boyd but a defender did just enough to head it clear. It came out to McPherson on the wing who sped past Allan before swinging over a perfect cross that Boyd headed over the bar from 6 yards and Talbot had to content themselves with a single goal lead at the interval

Talbot continued their recent habit of starting the 2^nd half strongly and were nearly in for a 2^nd within 3 minutes of the restart. McAvoy did well to get on the end of a ball in behind the defence and cut it back from the bye line only to see the referee run interference and take out two Talbot players as they tried to meet it.

Benburb then threatened when McDonald got away from Schoneville and raced down the wing before speeding a low ball across the face of goal. Glavin couldn’t hold it but fortunately Thomson was there to knock it clear.

In the 53^rd minute Boyd gathered a loose ball inside the Bens half and surged forward before firing over the bar.

Two minutes later Talbot threatened again. Boyd swept the ball out right where Livingston looked favourite but Thomson slid in to dispossess him on the touchline and then carried on up the wing. He then cut it back into the path of Boyd who looked set to side-foot it home only for Taylor to nip in with a crucial interception to slide it away.

With 58 mins on the clock Boyle knocked a ball on that came to McAvoy outside the area and he wheeled his marker and fired off a shot that Hay had to turn round his right hand post. The corner was taken short and crossed to the back post where Hay again did well – stopping McAvoy’s net bound header with his feet. The rebound came out to Slooves who blasted over the bar from 8 yards.

A minute later though Talbot did manage to convert their pressure into a goal as they doubled their advantage. McAvoy slipped a ball in behind Halliday to find LUKE GILLIES down the left of the penalty area and he slotted it through Hay to make it 2-0.

Benburb now made a change with Durham on for Menzies and Talbot made a double switch with Thomson & Langan making way for Glasgow & Armstrong.

Glasgow was involved not long after joining the fray as he turned on the right of the area and fired a left foot shot wide of target.

In the 69^th minute Talbot made a further change with Wardrope on for Schoneville & Gillies moving to left-back.

With quarter of an hour remaining Black had his name taken for a late challenge on Glasgow.

Two minutes later Benburb who hadn’t offered much at all in the 2^nd half had a half chance when a ball was pulled back from the left into the path of Black and his low drive from 15 yards was deflected wide. When the corner came over Clark got his head to it but put it well wide of target.

The visitors huffed & puffed but without offering much in the final third and the win was sealed when Talbot added a third from the spot in the 86^th minute. Talbot countered quickly from a Bens corner with Boyle feeding it out wide to Gillies. He slid a pass through to find McAvoy who was shoved over by McDonald and the ref awarded the penalty. CONNOR BOYD took it and sent the keeper the wrong way to make it 3-0.

Tucker now made a final change with Smith coming on for McAvoy.

Two minutes from time Boyd received a caution for a sliding challenge

As the game moved into added time Benburb nearly grabbed a consolation. Allan fired a ball in from the left that bounced off Glavin and out to McGlaughlin who should have scored but his header was saved by Glavin’s trailing leg. Talbot then raced down the other end where Glasgow was flattened just outside the box by Livingston who received his 2^nd yellow and made the short trip into the clubhouse. Wardrope took the free kick but didn’t generate enough power to test Hay in what proved the last kick of the match.

A well-deserved win that sees Talbot leapfrog Benburb in the table. Next week Talbot are back on their travels as they head through to Cumbernauld to face Rob Roy in the West of Scotland cup.

Auchinleck Talbot – Glavin, McPherson, Schoneville, Slooves, Wilson, Langan, Boyle, Gillies, Boyd, McAvoy, Thomson

Subs – Smith, Glasgow, Urquhart, Wardrope, Abed, Armstrong, Henry (gk)

Benburb – Hay, Halliday, Allan, Livingston, Clark, Fraser, Menzies, Taylor, McDonald, Black, Lovering

Subs – Bow, Smith, Durham, McGlaughlin, Likkish, McMillan, Low (gk)

Auchinleck Talbot v Hurlford United

TALBOT INTO THE SEMI’S

impressive home form continued as they dispatched Hurlford 3-0 to book themselves a place in the semi-finals of the Scottish Junior cup.

The Bot made a nervy start to the game and the first half chance went Hurlford’s way in the 4^th minute. A long punt down the centre looked like it was running through to Glavin but in the absence of a shout Slooves took no chances and headed it clear. The ball came out to Whittaker who fired a shot wide of the right hand post.

Talbot’s first attack came in the 13^th minute. McPherson’s ball down the line found Smith in behind R Love who conceded the free kick. Glasgow whipped it into the centre where Boyd met it but his header deflected off a defender and went behind for a corner.

The next effort at goal came in the 18^th minute. Wilson launched a free kick up the left that the defence headed clear. It came out to Boyd who met it on the half-volley and fired wide of target.

The inconsistency of match officials was there for all to see soon after. Whittaker was guilty of a cynical foul to halt a Bot attack which resulted in no more than a lecture then within a minute Glasgow received a yellow card for a shirt pull.

In the 22^nd minute Glavin tried to be too cute with a kick out – attempting to lob it out to McPherson on the right touchline. It was intercepted by A Love and crossed to the far side of the box towards Mullen but Talbot were able to clear it out for a shy.

Two minutes later the visitors had a half chance when Hurlford won possession just outside the Talbot box and shifted it left to find Love whose low drive was blocked en route by McPherson and trundled through to Glavin.

In the 29^th minute Smith sent Gillies away on the overlap and he fired a dangerous low ball into the centre. The defence cleared it out but only as far as Boyle who drilled it wide of the right post.

Frew had his name taken in the 31^st minute for high feet.

The Bot’s next chance came courtesy of an error from the Hurlford goalie. Wilson didn’t deal with a passback and played it straight out to Boyd whose left foot effort slid wide of target.

A minute later Talbot had another opportunity. McPherson’s diagonal ball found Boyd racing in behind the defence and he cut in on his right foot and tried to pass it into the far corner but Wilson got down to make the save.

The breakthrough came in the 38^th minute. A shy from the right wasn’t dealt with by the Ford defence and CONNOR BOYD reacted to lash a low finish inside the right post to put Talbot 1-0 ahead.

Having gained the lead Talbot nearly conceded an equaliser within a minute. Morrison & Mullen both had chances to hit it inside the Bot penalty area but hesitated and Talbot were able to scramble it clear.

In the 40^th minute a defensive mix-up just outside the area gifted the ball to A Love who fired it across goal and wide of the left post.

A minute later Miller swung over a cross from the right touchline that Love headed home from close range but the assistant’s flag went up and it was chalked off for offside.

Talbot were hanging on and had another scare just before the interval. Glavin’s goal kick up the centre was headed back into the Bot half where Morrison got goal side of McPherson and headed into the box where his net bound shot was well saved by Glavin. Talbot were able to see out the remainder of the half to go in a goal ahead at the break.

The Bot came out the traps quickly at the start of the 2^nd half and had a half chance in the 49^th minute. Glasgow lifted a good cross into the near post which just floated over the head of Boyd.

Two minutes later Talbot doubled their lead. A quick corner on the right was worked to Glasgow who swung a cross into the 6-yard area. The defence cleared it out to the edge of the area where Langan hit it. His shot deflected off a defender and broke kindly to LUKE GILLIES 8 yards out who rifled it into the roof of the net.

In the 57^th minute Talbot had a chance to all but kill the tie off. McCracken played a great ball down the right to find Glasgow racing in on goal but he took one touch too many & Frew raced back to recover and put it behind for the corner.

A minute later Boyle did well to win a 50/50 out on the right touchline before switching the ball across to find the run of Gillies. He fired off a shot on target under pressure from Miller that Wilson held.

In the 59^th minute Robertson received a caution for a shirt pull on Glasgow.

On the hour mark Glavin maintained Talbot’s two goal cushion with a fantastic save. Hurlford countered down the left where Morrison swung over a cross to find Mullen unmarked in the centre. He looked set to score as he headed it down and back across goal but Glavin dived low to his right to keep it out.

Both sides now made changes – Talbot made a double switch with Thomson & Armstrong coming on for Glasgow & Langan & Hurlford brought Allan on in place of Love.

In the 66^th minute Talbot made a further change with McAvoy replacing Smith up top.

Two minutes later Talbot were nearly in for a third. Boyd played a good ball across the face of goal toward Gillies who was set to sweep it home until Miller got back to turn it behind for the corner. When the corner came over to the back post it was headed toward goal and the defence managed to clear it from the goal line.

Talbot were back in control and looking the more likely to score. The next attack saw Thomson cut in off the right and float a cross into the box that just cleared McAvoy.

With quarter of an hour remaining Hurlford made a 2^nd change with Robertson making way for Lidington.

A minute later Thomson pinged the ball into the feet of McAvoy inside the box and he laid it back to Boyd who turned and shot on target but it flew straight at Wilson.

With 10 minutes remaining Talbot made their final change with Urquhart on for Gillies.

In the 83^rd minute Whittaker received a caution after clattering in late on McCracken.

Talbot had a strong shout for a penalty turned down in their next attack. McAvoy flicked it into the path of Boyd who appeared to be bundled over inside the area but the ref waved play on.

Three minutes from time Hurlford nearly pulled one back. Morrison’s cut back from the left found McKenzie inside the area and his shot hit off the bar before being cleared.

As the game moved into added time Talbot put the game beyond all doubt with their 3^rd. McCracken carried it forward and with Hurlford playing a high line he slipped a pass through to KYLE MCAVOY who raced clear before slotting it low inside the right post to complete the scoring.

A good win for the Bot who return to league duties next Saturday when Benburb visit Beechwood.

Auchinleck Talbot – Glavin, McPherson, Wilson, Slooves, McCracken, Langan, Boyle, Gillies, Boyd, Glasgow, Smith

Subs – McAvoy, Thomson, Armstrong, Urquhart, Abed, Wardrope, Henry

Hurlford United – Wilson, Miller, R Love, Frew, Robertson, Watt, McKenzie, Whittaker, Mullen, Morrison, A Love

Subs – McKnight, Allan, Kerr, Anderson, Hughes, Lidington, Taylor

Auchinleck Talbot v Glenafton Athletic

TALBOT GET THERE IN THE END

Report: Murray Steele, Photography: Craig McGhee, Media: Lee Conn

Talbot maintained their 100% record in local derbies with a fine win over Glenafton at Beechwood.

The windy conditions made it tricky for both sets of players and the game got off to a slow start with the first real threat coming in the 8^th minute when the ball broke to Glasgow just outside the area. He played it through towards Smith but Rowe did well to intercept and clear.

In the 11^th minute the Glens won a corner down the left that was taken short and worked to O’Kane just inside the penalty area who saw his shot for goal charged down.

The visitors threatened in the 17^th minute when Viviani cut in off the right but as he set up to shoot he was impeded by a team mate and the chance was lost.

Talbot were on the attack in the 21^st minute when Smith sent Gillies free on the left. His cross took a slight deflection and flew across goal and behind for the corner. Glasgow hit the corner into the near post where it was headed clear. It came out to Boyle who sent it wide right to find Glasgow who whipped a good ball into the centre. The ball broke back out to Slooves who fired a half-volley over the bar from 15 yards.

A minute later Talbot took the lead. Smith cut in off the left and swirled an in swinging cross into the goal mouth. Markey flapped at it on the goal line and RUARIDH LANGAN was on hand to bundle it over the line to make it 1-0.

Talbot now stepped up a gear or two and in the 26^th minute Smith burst into the left of the Glens area only to see his low drive blocked by Pettigrew. The ball was recycled out to the right touchline where Glasgow fired a good cross into the near post for CONNOR BOYD to flash a header into the far corner to double Talbot’s lead.

Two minutes later Talbot added their third of the afternoon. Smith hit a short free kick to Boyle who slid a pass through toward Glasgow who was bundled over from behind inside the box and the ref pointed to the spot. ROSS SMITH took it and gave the keeper no chance as he placed it inside the left post.

The Glens looked shell-shocked at this stage with Talbot looking likely to add to their tally. A slick passing move ended with Wilson firing the ball into the feet of Gillies inside the area but it cannoned off him and behind for the goal kick.

In the 35^th minute Boyd turned and fired on target but he was slightly off balance and his low drive was held by Markey.

McCracken then joined the attack, bursting forward into space, before drilling a powerful low shot on target that Markey spilled and just managed to gather at the 2^nd attempt before Glasgow reached it.

Five minutes from half-time Talbot had a great chance to make it four. Boyd played an inch perfect pass from the right touchline to find Smith in space inside the area. He tried to place it beyond Markey who did well to save with his feet.

Markey again had to look lively in the 42^nd minute when McPherson raced down the right and slung over a cross that was heading inside the near post til the keeper got across to punch it clear and Talbot had to content themselves with a 3 goal advantage at the break.

Talbot started the 2^nd half positively and in the 47^th minute Glasgow did well to hold the ball up before releasing it to the overlapping Gillies whose low ball across the area was cut out by Sinnamon.

A minute later Talbot won a free kick in a good area when Glasgow was fouled 22 yards out. Smith took it and found the target but his low drive lacked the power to test Markey.

The Glens keeper then launched a quick ball down the left where O’Kane got goal side of McPherson inside the box and when he caught his heels the ref pointed to the spot. MOFFAT hit it down the middle and Glavin almost stopped it with his trailing leg but it floated up and into the back of the net to make it 3-1.

Talbot looked for an immediate response and won a corner down the left. Glasgow curled it beyond the far post where Boyd ran onto it to place a header on target that Markey held comfortably at his left hand post.

In the 53^rd minute Talbot were on the wrong end of an officiating blunder. The ball came out wide to a Glens player on the stand-side touchline who clearly handled the ball when he miscontrolled it. Everyone in Beechwood seemed to spot it bar the ref and his assistants and play was allowed to continue. He cut in off the left and won a free kick 25 yards out. MCLEAN then hit a peach of a free kick into the top right hand corner to reduce the deficit to 3-2.

Talbot made their first change in the 61^st minute with McAvoy on in place of Smith.

The Bot were unlucky in the 64^th minute. Wilson hit a good deep cross to find Glasgow beyond the back post and he guided a header back across the face of goal that just went behind McAvoy.

With 20 minutes remaining Talbot made a double switch with Langan & Glasgow making way for Armstrong & Thomson.

There was then action at both ends of the field – firstly Viviani cut inside Wilson and hammered a low ball across the face but there was too much on it for any Glens player to get near. Then Talbot’s next attack saw Boyle carry the ball forward before drilling a left foot shot wide of the right hand post.

The Glens hopes of a spectacular comeback were scuppered with quarter of an hour remaining when Talbot moved 4-2 ahead. Wilson fed the ball into CONNOR BOYD on the left of the area and he made something out of nothing – pinging a perfect lob into the far top corner to give Markey no chance.

The Glens had a half chance to pull one back a few minutes later when McLean drilled a low ball in off the right but it went slightly behind Viviani who steered it well wide for the goal kick.

Talbot were then back on the attack – Boyle winning a free kick that Thomson fed out to Gillies on the wing and his ball sped across the face of goal with no takers.

In the 82^nd minute Boyd fired a shot wide of the right hand post.

Talbot now completed their substitutions with another double change – Gillies & Boyd being replaced by Schoneville & Urquhart.

With 6 minutes remaining Talbot had another half chance. A hanging cross from the left saw McAvoy out-leap Markey in the goal mouth but his header drifted wide of the right post.

The scoring was completed in the 86^th minute. Thomson’s corner from the right wasn’t dealt with by the defence and broke off McCracken into the path of ROSS URQUHART who steered a low left foot shot past Markey to make it 5-2.

In the closing stages Talbot nearly added a sixth when a cross was only cleared as far as Boyle who fired just over the bar from the edge of the area.

A good performance and result that sees Talbot climb to 7^th in the table. Next up it’s back to Beechwood when Talbot host Hurlford United in the quarter-finals of the Scottish Junior cup.

Auchinleck Talbot – Glavin, McPherson, Wilson, Slooves, McCracken, Langan, Boyle, Gillies, Boyd, Glasgow, Smith Subs – Thomson, McAvoy, Urquhart, Armstrong, Abed, Schoneville, Henry

Glenafton Athletic – Markey, McLean, Sinnamon, Pettigrew, Paton, Fraser, Viviani, Moffat, Buchanan, O’Kane, Rowe Subs – McWaters, Caddis, McMullen, Holding

Auchinleck Talbot v Beith

Auchinleck Talbot v Troon

TALBOT EDGE PAST TROON IN FIVE GOAL THRILLER

Report: Murray Steele, Photography: Craig McGhee, Media: Lee Conn.

Talbot kicked off 2024 with a hard fought win over Troon in a game Talbot appeared to have in the bag but almost ended in a share of the spoils.

It was the visitors who carved out the first chance inside the first minute. Shankland played it short to Gallagher who found Moore racing forward on the wing. He played it across the area and beyond the far post where Black just failed to connect.

Talbot’s first effort on target came in the 5th minute when McAvoy turned smartly just outside the area and drilled a powerful shot on target that Burgess held at the 2nd attempt.

Troon’s Morrison had his name taken in the 9th minute when he caught Thomson late but Talbot could make nothing of the subsequent free kick.

The visitors were forced into a change in the 23rd minute when Millar couldn’t continue with Fulton on in his place.

A minute later Troon had a half chance when a cross was only headed partially clear and came out to Dunlop who fired a low drive straight at Glavin.

Talbot took the lead in the 25th minute. Slooves chipped it up the centre where McAvoy climbed to head it into the path of RUARIDH LANGAN who burst into the box before placing a left foot drive past the advancing Burgess.

The joy proved short-lived however as Talbot were sucker punched when Troon grabbed an immediate equaliser. Dunlop was able to race clear down the right touchline unimpeded before firing a dangerous ball across the 6-yard area. Gilroy flicked it on in the centre to BLACK in space beyond the far post and he fired it high inside the right post to make it 1-1.

Talbot tried to regain the initiative and Schoneville showed good pace to race up the left but his cross had a bit too much on it. Boyd retrieved it beyond the far post and hit a good cross over to find Schoneville but it broke off him and went behind for the goal kick.

On the half hour mark Boyd burst forward before sliding it left to find Thomson whose low ball across the area was cut out and put behind for the corner. When the corner came over Slooves met it and powered a header on target that Burgess tipped over his bar.

In the 35th minute Talbot forced another stop from the visiting keeper. Boyle moved forward through the centre and slid a pass left to Urquhart who cut inside and drilled a low shot on target that Burgess saved low to his left.

Three minutes later Talbot won a free kick in a promising area when Schoneville was caught just outside the penalty area. Thomson took it but hit it into the wall.

Talbot’s pressure paid off in the 41st minute when they retook the lead. Langan drove forward and played it out wide right to McPherson. He fired it low into the near post where Langan laid it back to CONNOR BOYD who fired it low through Burgess to put Talbot 2-1 ahead at the interval.

Talbot started the 2nd half positively and won a free kick 35 yards out, on the left, when Gallagher caught Urquhart. Langan’s ball in was headed clear where Schoneville was fouled 30 yards from goal. Langan again took the free kick but fired it way off target.

Slack defending gave Troon a glimpse of goal in the 49th minute. A ball in from the left broke off a Talbot player into the path of Gilroy who fired just over the bar from 20 yards out.

Down the other end Talbot threatened when McAvoy gathered out on the right touchline and slid a pass inside to find Boyd who whipped a shot across goal and wide of the right post.

The Bot had a chance in the 55th minute when Langan won a 50/50 midway inside the Troon half. He played it on to Boyd who had a chance to hit it from outside the area but opted to thread a pass through to Thomson which was read by Burgess who was quickly off his line to gather.

There was then a scare down the other end when a ball in behind the defence saw Glavin slice his attempted clearance. It came out to Morrison on the right who went for the early shot but he didn’t catch it right and the chance was squandered.

In the 57th minute Langan had his name taken when he conceded a free kick just wide of the penalty area. Shankland whipped it into the near post where Talbot managed to head it clear.

Troon came close to levelling in the 62nd minute. A deep cross from the left was headed out but came to Moore who volleyed it just over.

Talbot now made a change with Langan making way for Glasgow.

A minute later Talbot grabbed their 3rd of the afternoon. Schoneville raced past Moore down the stand side and swung a cross into the centre that the defence were only able to clear to the edge of the box where EWAN THOMSON met it and took a touch before placing a low shot inside the right post.

Within a minute Talbot were denied what looked a stonewall penalty and an opportunity to kill the game off. Glasgow rolled a pass through the left channel to find Boyd racing into the area. Burgess did well to block his shot and when the ball spun up into the air Boyd latched onto it and was shielding the ball when pulled down by Moore but the referee gave nothing.

In the 69th minute a slack pass from McAvoy gave Troon the chance to break forward through Black whose progress was halted 25 yards out by Slooves who was cautioned for obstruction. Shankland took the set piece and his shot clipped the wall and went behind for a corner.

In the 72nd minute both sides made further changes with Talbot making a double switch with Urquhart & McAvoy making way for Lennox & Smith and Troon bringing Omar on in place of Shankland.

With quarter of an hour remaining Talbot were punished for leaving themselves too light at the back. McPherson did well out on the right wing to skin Black before hoisting a cross into the centre. Troon managed to clear it and then one ball out from the back caught Wilson on the wrong side of Gilroy who raced from just inside the Bot half up the right wing to the bye line where he cut it back across goal for OMAR to score from close range at the back post.

The goal lifted Troon and 2 minutes later Gilroy cut in off the left and drilled a low shot at goal but straight at Glavin.

Talbot now made a further change with Armstrong on for Thomson.

With 6 minutes remaining Troon made their final change with McCarroll on for Dunlop.

As the game moved into added time Talbot had a let off. A cross from the left was headed out but came out to Fulton 20 yards out who struck his half-volley into the ground and it skipped through and bounced off Glavin’s right hand post.

Troon went direct and piled bodies forward in injury time but couldn’t carve out another chance and Talbot held on to claim all 3 points.

Next up for Talbot is a trip through to Yoker to face Clydebank at Holm Park.

Auchinleck Talbot – Glavin, McPherson, Schoneville, Slooves, Wilson, Langan, Boyle, Urquhart, Boyd, McAvoy, Thomson

Subs – Smith, Glasgow, Lennox, Gillies, Abed, Armstrong, Henry (gk)

Troon – Burgess, McCloskey, Smith, Morrison, Black, Shankland, Gilroy, Moore, Dunlop, Millar, Gallagher

Subs – Brown, McCarroll, Young, Fulton, Logan, Omar, Fisher (gk)

Vale of Leven v Auchinleck Talbot

SECOND HALF SURGE HAS TALBOT IN THE LAST EIGHT.

Report: Murray Steele, Photography: Craig McGhee, Media: : Lee Conn

Talbot made heavy weather of it but a 2^nd half surge was enough to book their place in the quarter-finals of the Scottish Junior at the expense of Vale of Leven.

The first half started as it went on, scrappy, with the home side content to sit deep and look for long balls up the wings.

The first chance of the game came Talbot’s way in the 7^th minute. A ball up the right sent Boyd racing clear down the flank. He had Smith in space in the centre but his final cross drifted too near the keeper.

In the 10^th minute Boyle slid a good pass into the feet of Glasgow who carried on into the area and angled a ball across goal where the defender did well to clear it from the goal mouth with Smith waiting for the tap in.

A minute later Boyd cut the ball back into the path of Smith whose shot from 20 yards sailed over the bar.

Paterson had his name taken in the 12^th minute for a late challenge on Wardrope.

Talbot’s next effort at goal came in the 14^th minute when Langan drilled a low effort on target but it lacked the power to test the keeper.

The home side hadn’t offered much but were gifted a corner in the 17^th minute when Abed’s back pass had a bit too much on it and Glavin couldn’t prevent it going behind. When the corner came in from the left Jackson got his head on it beyond the back post and headed wide of target.

**THE VALE DEFENCE KEEP A CLOSE EYE ON JAMIE**

Two minutes later the home side threatened again. This time Jackson met it on the right of the area and crossed it beyond the far post where Alexander met it on the volley. He fired it back across goal where it was cleared and Talbot then launched a swift counter with Glasgow releasing it in behind the defence to find Boyd racing clear but he blazed his shot over the bar.

In the 24^th minute Boyle slipped a pass through to find Smith inside the area near the bye line. He tried to prod it past Currie but the keeper smothered his effort.

Talbot did have the ball in the back of the net in the 32^nd minute but it was rightly ruled out for offside. Boyd turned his man and fired a low shot on target that the keeper spilled. Wardrope tucked the rebound home but was flagged offside.

Two minutes later Alexander became the 2^nd Vale player cautioned when he received a yellow card for a shirt pull on Abed as he raced forward.

The opening goal came Talbot’s way in the 41^st minute. Abed raced up the right and swung a cross into the centre where Boyd challenged for it. The ball broke loose and fell to JAMIE GLASGOW who fired it low past Currie to make it 1-0.

Right on the stroke of half-time the home side drew level. Langan conceded a free kick midway inside the Talbot half which Paterson floated toward the back post where it was headed back across goal and FURZE reacted quickest to bundle the ball past Glavin from close range to send the sides in all square.

Talbot started the 2^nd half sluggishly, struggling to get out the bit against a stiff breeze that was favouring the home side.

The first chance of the 2^nd period went Vale’s way. They won a free kick which Paterson lobbed into the area where Wilson headed it clear but it fell to Alexander who drilled it just wide of the right post from 20 yards.

Tucker made a double switch in the 57^th minute with Glasgow & Smith making way for Boylan & McAvoy.

In the 63^rd minute Ross received a yellow card when he clipped Wardrope’s heels as he burst forward. Wardrope took the resultant free kick and his effort hit the top of the wall and spun behind for the corner. When the corner came into the near post the defence managed to scramble it clear and it came out to Boyle who was closed down before he could get a shot away.

Talbot had a strong penalty appeal turned down in the 65^th minute. Connolly conceded a free kick wide left for a foul on Boyle. Langan swept it over to the back post where it skipped off the turf and up onto a defender’s outstretched arm. It looked a stonewall hand ball but the officials waved play on.

**CONNOR GIVES THE HOME DEFENCE THE SLIP**

The Bot came close to regaining the lead in the 67^th minute. Boyd’s cut back from the left was met by Wardrope whose low drive hit the base of the left hand post then the keeper before going behind for the corner.

With 20 minutes remaining the home side made a double change with McGeachy & Hynes on for Furze & Alexander.

The subs had no time to take a touch before Talbot moved in front. Boyd met a ball up the left and laid it inside to KYLE MCAVOY who fired it low and early inside the right post to put Talbot 2-1 ahead.

The next goal was going to be pivotal and Talbot grabbed it in the 74^th minute to effectively kill the tie off. Schoneville won a free kick wide on the left which Wardrope swung into the centre. Currie punched it clear and it came out to the edge of the area where Schoneville met it on the half-volley. His deflected shot flew on target where Currie saved it only to drop it at the feet of BRYAN BOYLAN who swept the rebound home to make it 3-1.

Talbot now made further changes with Langan & Boyd being replaced by Urquhart & Thomson.

In the 81^st minute Thomson’s pull back from the right of the area found Urquhart in the centre. He was challenged and the ball broke to Boylan who with his back to goal went for an overhead kick that looped just over the bar.

Schoneville became the first Talbot player booked when he was cautioned for a late challenge on Hynes.

The next effort at goal came in the 84^th minute. Wardrope switched play from left to right to find Boyle who in turn fed it into Thomson whose low drive was held by Currie.

**BIG HUG FOR KYLE AFTER HITTING THE NET**

Down the other end Talbot then conceded a cheap corner kick down the right that could have proved costly. When it came in Glavin punched it clear of the area but Paterson played it first time wide right to find McGeachy in space and when his cross came over Hynes somehow headed over the bar when it looked easier to score.

Talbot now made their final change with Lennox coming on for Wardrope.

In the 86^th minute Talbot wrapped it up with a 4^th goal. Thomson laid the ball off into the path of McAvoy who raced through one on one with the keeper. Currie did well to block his effort but NATHAN LENNOX had followed up and coolly side-footed the rebound inside the left post.

Two minutes from time Boylan had a chance to extend Talbot’s lead when the ball fell to him inside the 6-yard box. He controlled it on his chest and went to volley it home but a defender got a touch to put it over the bar. When Lennox’s corner came into the back post McAvoy met it and powered a header on target that Currie held.

The home side had a chance for a late consolation when McGeachy met a low cross from the right but he sent it wide of target.

**BRYAN GIVES HIS MARKER A BODY SWERVE**

With the light failing the last chance went Talbot’s way deep into stoppage time. A good passing move down the right saw Talbot work it into the feet of Abed inside the area and he angled a low drive on target that Currie held inside his left post.

Talbot weren’t at their best but got the job done and now have a week off to enjoy the Christmas holidays before heading to Darvel on Saturday 30^th December.

Vale of Leven – Currie, Connolly, Griffen, Gallagher, Ross, Paterson, Jackson, Cameron, Thackrey, Furze, Alexander

Subs – McGeachy, Hynes, McLean, M Connolly, L Currie, Johston, Morris, McMurray

Auchinleck Talbot – Glavin, McPherson, Schoneville, Abed, Wilson, Boyle, Langan, Wardrope, Boyd, Smith, Glasgow

Subs – McAvoy, Boylan, Thomson, Urquhart, Lennox, Armstrong, Henry

Auchinleck Talbot v Troon

TALBOT PROGRESS IN THE WEST OF SCOTLAND FOOTBALL LEAGUE CUP

Report: Murray Steele, Photography: Craig McGhee, Media: Lee Conn.

A 2nd half goal blitz saw Talbot turn around this tie and bundle Troon out of the West of Scotland cup at a rain soaked Beechwood

**A minutes silence for Moira Lindsay.**

The first half chance of the afternoon went the visitors way in the 7th minute when a quickly taken free kick was chipped up the centre towards Fulton who just failed to get on it as it ran through to Glavin.

Talbot’s first chance came in the 10th minute when Wardrope combined with Glasgow outside the area before Jamie drove into the box where Burgess did well to stick out a leg to clear.

Docherty was fortunate to escape a caution in the 18th minute for a late challenge with the referee content just to award Talbot the free kick.

The Bot had a great chance to open the scoring in the 22nd minute. McPherson flighted it down the middle and with the Troon defence posted missing McAvoy raced in on goal but took one touch too many allowing Burgess to race off his line and make the block.

Two minutes later Talbot passed up another good opportunity. Glasgow won a corner down the left that Wardrope took short to Langan. He swung over a great cross that found Boyd in front of goal but he tried to head it down and across to McAvoy and it ran behind him and went wide of the far post.

On the half hour mark the Bot defence were caught ball watching when an up & under came in off the right touchline. The ball bounced through to Gilroy in space on the left of the area and Glavin did well to touch his shot onto the crossbar.

Three minutes later and Troon took the lead. The ball was fed out to Black in space on the right and when he drilled it low across the box it broke into the path of SHANKLAND who tucked it away from 8 yards out.

Talbot pushed hard to try and get back on level terms and came close on a number of occasions in quick succession. In the 41st minute Black fouled Glasgow just wide of the penalty area. Glasgow took it quickly and it came across to Boyd whose low drive was heading inside the left post till Burgess dived to turn it wide.

When the subsequent corner came over McPherson met it and powered a header on target that Burgess turned over the bar. The next corner was pulled back low where Langan ran onto it and drilled a low shot on target that Burgess again did well to stop with his outstretched leg. Having survived a few scares Troon were able to hold out and went in at the break a goal to the good.

The Bot came out strongly at the start of the 2nd period and threatened the Troon goal within a minute of the restart. The ball was worked

down the right to Boyd whose cross looked destined to land at the unmarked Glasgow at the back post but Docherty did well to stretch and head it behind.

In the 48th minute Talbot won a free kick out on the left after Morrison’s foul on Glasgow. Wardrope angled it over toward the far post where McAvoy headed it back across goal for CONNOR BOYD to drill it into the bottom corner to level the score.

Troon reacted positively to the setback and had a chance to regain the lead in the 50th minute. They won a free kick out on the right touchline that Black whipped into the centre. It was flicked on off a Troon head and came to Smith but came at him too quickly for him to control it and he headed wide of the far post.

The visitors now made a change with Dunlop on in place of Fulton.

A minute later Troon were back on the attack through Shankland on the left of Talbot’s box. He tried to fire it across goal from a tight angle and Glavin turned it behind at his near post.

Over the years there have been some outstanding goals at Beechwood but there won’t have been many as bizarre as the one that gave Talbot the lead in the 53rd minute. NEIL SLOOVES met a Troon ball inside his own half and punted it down the centre. There appeared no danger as McAvoy raced after it but Burgess badly misjudged the bounce and just stood spectating as the ball skipped up off the surface and sailed inside his right hand post.

In the 59th minute Troon made a further change with Boyd replacing Gallagher and a few minutes later Talbot made their first sub of the afternoon with Smith on for McAvoy.

McCloskey had his name taken in the 63rd minute for a shirt pull resulting in a Bot free kick 35 yards out. Wardrope decided to try his luck and hammered a low drive on target that took Burgess several attempts before securing.

Troon ought to have been a man short in the 66th minute. Moore threw himself into a tackle he was never going to win and caught Gillies late. It looked both late & reckless but the referee seemed to take pity on the Troon man who’d injured himself into the bargain and only booked him when he hobbled to his feet.

Moore didn’t last much longer and in the 70th minute made way for Millar.

The next goal was going to be crucial and it went Talbot’s way in the 72nd minute. Boyd did well to close down his Troon namesake and block his attempted ball up the line. He then raced up the left wing and played it across the area where JAMIE GLASGOW coolly side-footed it inside the left post to make it 3-1.

Tucker now made a double switch with Wardrope & Glasgow making way for Urquhart & Lennox.

With quarter of an hour remaining Morrison cracked a low drive on goal from 25 yards but straight at Glavin who held it comfortably.

Two minutes later Docherty found himself in the book when he caught Smith. Langan took the resultant free kick and played it into the centre where the ball pinged about for a bit before falling to Smith whose low drive was held by Burgess.

Down the other end McPherson picked up a caution for holding on Gilroy just wide of the penalty area. The free kick was whipped into the middle where Glavin managed to punch it clear.

Talbot made sure of the victory in the 81st minute when they grabbed their 4th. Smith did well down the left jinking past Boyd before feeding it down the wing to Lennox. He cut it back across goal where ALI BOYLE ran onto it to sweep it home from 6 yards out.

**Ali Boyle scores his first Talbot goal.**

**Schoneville so close to number five.**

The Bot threatened to score again soon after when Urquhart played it into the feet of Smith who weaved his way into the area but under pressure he pulled his shot wide of target.Talbot now made another double substitution with Boylan & Schoneville on for Boyd & Gillies.

Four minutes from time Talbot came close again. Boylan gathered on the right of the area and switched it onto his left foot before sending a cross beyond the back post to pick out Schoneville. He fizzed it on target and Burgess did well to turn it round his right hand post.

Talbot saw out the remainder with little fuss to secure the win. A very good 2nd half from Talbot who certainly upped it a couple of gears after the break. Next up for Talbot it’s back to cup action, though this time in the Scottish Junior, when they travel through to Alexandria to face Vale of Leven next Saturday.

Auchinleck Talbot – Glavin, McPherson, Gillies, Slooves, Wilson, Boyle, Langan, Wardrope, Boyd, McAvoy, Glasgow

Subs – Smith, Boylan, Urquhart, Lennox, Abed, Schoneville, Henry (gk)

Troon – Burgess, McCloskey, Docherty, Smith, Morrison, Black, Shankland, Gilroy, Moore, Fulton, Gallagher

Subs – McLevy, Boyd, Dunlop, Strain, Millar, Brown, Fisher (gk)