TALBOT: Cameron, Abed, Schoneville, Armstrong, McPherson, Trialist, Langan, Sime, Boyd (1), Smith (1), Kennedy, Walker, Nimmo (1), Gillies (1), Trialist, Slooves, Hanlon, Wardrope, Trialist, Boyle, Clark (1).
Venue: Beechwood Park
Auchinleck Talbot v Pollok
Auchinleck Talbot v Gartcairn
CLINICAL TALBOT CRUSH GARTCAIRN.
Report: Jim McAuley. Photography: Craig McGhee. Media: Lee Conn
Talbot put their Scottish Cup exit behind them to record an excellent 4-0 win over Gartcairn on a sunny but bitterly cold Wednesday evening in front of a decent crowd which were treated to one of the best home performances of the season.
Right from the kick off you could sense that the team wanted to make a statement and it only took 7 minutes for it to come to fruition when Ali Boyle strode through the visitors midfield before releasing a pass into the feet of McAvoy who in turn shrugged off the attention of three Gartcairn defenders before stroking the ball past Pirie.
The pattern of the game continued in this vein and Gillies was unlucky not to score when he ghosted towards goals but his strike was cleared by the legs of Pirie.
On the 30th minute Talbot were two up thanks to an inch perfect 30 yard lob over the visitors defence found the unmarked Abed who with the keeper breathing down his neck fashioned a neat flick into the path of Connor Boyd who rifled the ball low into the net,
Gartcairn looked to be shell shocked by the Talbot pressure and right on half time it was 3-0 when a Lachan corner was headed towards goal by McPherson and although Pirie managed to beat the ball away Abed hammered the loose ball through a forest of legs and into the net.
The second half started the same as the first when McAvoy was thwarted by a great one hand save by Pirie, however it was only nine minutes into the second half when a superb Abed cross was missed by everyone except Gillies who galloped into the box and thundered the ball into the net.
Gartcairn did have their moments their best being a McGuigan miss from inside again and the big centre had another horror miss when a Ferguson shot from well out cannoned off the bar where it landed at the Gartcairn striker’s feet but he smashed the ball into the legs of Gavin,
There was then the usual flurry of substitutions which took the edge of the game, but Glasgow was unlucky to hit the side netting after the
keeper had fluffed a clearance to his patch, and Smith was unlucky when his header into the turf bounced into Pirie’s arms.
A good night’s work and three points that keeps the interest in the league’s outcome.
TALBOT: Gavin. McPherson, Schoneville, Slooves, Wilson, Lachan (Urquhart), Boyle (Armstrong) , Gillies (Smith), Boyd, McAvoy (Wardrope) , Abed (Glasgow) Unused Subs: Henry, Lennox
Gartcairn: Pirie, Stevenson, McDonald, Rumsby, Dunlop, McShane (McIlveen), Ferguson, Rielly, McGuigan, Barr, Smith (Krol)(Nicol). Unused Subs. Boyle, McNicol, Bisset GK
Auchinleck Talbot v Darvel
Report: Murray Steele, Photography: Craig McGhee, Media: Lee Conn.
TALBOT PAY THE PENALTYTalbot’s hopes of reaching the Junior cup final were left hanging by a thread after a disappointing night at Beechwood.
The Bot got off to a sluggish start and could have been a goal down within a minute. A ball out right found Barbour in space and he cut into the area and fired a low shot across Glavin that the keeper parried out with Slooves on hand to clear for the corner.
Darvel had another good chance in the 4th minute. A cross was whipped in from the left where Moore was free in the centre but he misjudged the flight and the ball skimmed off his head and wide.
There was another close call in the 6th minute. A ball up the right sent Moore free and he had the time to look up and square it inside to Wilson 8 yards out. His shot was blocked by Glavin and came to Caldwell who ought to have burst the net but saw his shot cleared off the line by McPherson.
Having ridden their luck Talbot’s first break forward came in the 9th minute. Glasgow passed it into the feet of Boyd who in turn laid it off to Langan. He had a chance to shoot from just outside the area but opted to slide a pass wide to Gillies which a defender managed to put behind for a corner. The corner was taken short and played back to Boyle whose curling cross to the back post had too much on it.
Two minutes later Talbot won a free kick 25 yards out after Glasgow was tripped. He took it himself but sent his effort well over the bar.
In the 17th minute Talbot were caught out on the counter. Armstrong’s pass down the right was intercepted and Darvel broke down their left before switching it to the far side to find Moore. He raced into the area but pulled his shot well wide of target.
Two minutes later Hutton tried his luck from 20 yards and his effort skipped just wide of the left hand post.
Wilson became the first name in the ref’s notepad when he was cautioned in the 23rd minute for an aerial challenge.
A minute later McAvoy held the ball up down the left & threaded a pass through for the overlapping Gillies who fired into the side-netting.
The next chance went Darvel’s way when Moore got in behind down the right and drilled a shot across goal but well wide.
Talbot came close in the 28th minute. Glasgow played it into the feet of Boyd and his low drive from 19 yards flew just past Leishman’s left hand post.
Just when the game appeared to have settled down into a quiet spell Darvel took the lead in the 38th minute. Wilson laid it back to Caldwell who sent a pass through to MOORE who blasted it inside the right post to put Darvel ahead.
Talbot looked for an immediate response and had a half chance when the ball broke to Glasgow 15 yards out. He shifted it onto his right foot and went for goal but Leishman was well positioned to make the stop.
In the final minute of the half Armstrong conceded a free kick 25 yards out. Syme took it but his effort sailed over and the sides went in at the break with Darvel a goal to the good.
Talbot made a nervy start to the 2nd half and gifted Darvel a half chance two minutes after the restart. Wilson broke forward after Talbot lost possession and when he was challenged the ball broke loose to Barbour who hit a tame effort on target.
In the 49th minute Talbot won a corner down the left. Glasgow played his part, whipping over a dangerous in swinger but no Bot player read it and the ball flew across the 6-yard area and behind for the goal kick.
The Bot’s next attack saw Boyd whip a decent ball in off the right to find Langan at the near post but he was well marshalled and could only header wide of target.
In the 55th minute McPherson played it up the touchline to find McAvoy wide on the left. He cut inside and fired a good shot at goal that took a slight deflection as it went wide of the left post.
On the hour mark Langan did well down the left, winning it initially before playing a 1-2 and making it to the bye line but his cross into the centre was just too high for McAvoy.
Darvel made a change in the 63rd minute with Baird coming on for Walker.
A minute later Talbot found themselves up against it when they conceded a needless penalty. Murphy tussled with Schoneville and got the better of him just inside the penalty area. Slooves came across to cover but mistimed his challenge and the ref pointed to the spot. WILSON took it and gave Glavin no chance as he buried it high inside the right post to make it 2-0.
Darvel now made a further change with C Moore on for Wilson.
Talbot pushed forward looking for a way back into it and nearly reduced the deficit in the 75th minute. Gillies won a corner down the left and when it came over McPherson met it and headed it back across goal. It was heading in but hit off a defender and Leishman was able to smother it on the goal line.
Talbot now made a change with Abed on for Glasgow.
Boyle then had his name taken in the 77th minute for a foul on Murphy.
In the 79th minute McAvoy turned his man just inside the area and headed for the bye line before cutting it back where Barbour bundled it behind for a corner at the near post. When the corner came in Slooves got his head to it and headed it on to Gillies whose back header went straight at Leishman.
Talbot should have reduced Darvel’s lead in the 83rd minute. Leishman couldn’t prevent a heavy back pass from going behind resulting in a Talbot corner down the left. Langan curled a good ball into the near post where Armstrong ghosted in to meet it but glanced his header just wide.
Tucker now made a double change with Smith & Urquhart coming on for Boyd & Langan.
Darvel now made another change with Aitken replacing J Moore.
Five minutes from time Talbot won a free kick 30 yards out when Abed was fouled as he raced forward. Schoneville took it but sent his effort wide of the right post.
Deep into added time Darvel had a gilt edged chance to extend their lead. Armstrong’s risky square pass across the area was intercepted by Aitken but Glavin managed to block his shot from 15 yards and C Moore’s follow up was then blocked by a defender.
It wasn’t Talbot’s night and there can be no complaints about the result. Hope springs eternal though and will just have to give it everything next Friday to try to turn the tie around.
Auchinleck Talbot – Glavin, McPherson, Schoneville, Slooves, Armstrong, Langan, Boyle, McAvoy, Boyd, Glasgow, Gillies
Subs – Smith, Abed, Urquhart, Wardrope, Kennedy, Nimmo, Henry (gk)
Darvel – Leishman, Barbour, Bronsky, Syme, Sideserf, Walker, Murphy, Hutton, Caldwell, Moore, G Wilson
Subs – O’Halloran, Cairns, Aitken, C Moore, Baird, A Wilson (gk)
Auchinleck Talbot v Pollok
FOOTBALL BLOWN AWAY
Report: Murray Steele, Photography: Craig McGhee, Madison Taylor (Photo 2). Media: Lee Conn.
Talbot’s reign as West of Scotland cup holders ended at a blustery Beechwood as they lost a penalty shoot-out to Pollok.
It was clear from the outset that the conditions were going to play a part and Talbot had the strong wind at their backs in the 1st half as they shot toward the Beechwood Road end.
The first chance of the game came in the 3rd minute when Boyle fired from distance forcing Longmuir to turn it round his left hand post.
Two minutes later Glasgow fed it wide to Gillies who fired a cross into the near post which Longmuir gathered.
Pollok had a chance to take the lead in the 6th minute. A free kick was hoisted into the Talbot box where Forde challenged Wilson in the air. The ball broke loose and came back to Docherty who pulled his shot wide.
In the 11th minute route one football nearly undid Talbot. Longmuir sent it down the centre where Forde won the flick on to send Docherty racing through on goal. He took it wide of Glavin and tried to pass it into the net but McPherson had tracked back and cleared it behind for the corner.
With quarter of an hour gone McAvoy forced a corner down the left. Glasgow whipped it beyond the far post where McAvoy headed it back across goal. It came across to Slooves who headed it back across again. The defence partially cleared it and it came out to Boyle at the edge whose half-volley went straight at Longmuir.
Schoneville had his name taken in the 20th minute when he caught Docherty out on the touchline. Mullen took the free kick and whipped over a good ball that hit off Burns and ran through to Glavin.
The visitors moved ahead in the 22nd minute. A cross from the right saw Main beat Slooves in the air and his knock down fell for DOCHERTY who steered a low shot past Glavin.
Pollok almost caught Talbot out again in the 29th minute. They countered after a Talbot corner and the ball was played out to Docherty on the left. He cut inside but his shot was blocked.
In the 34th minute Talbot won a free kick 35 yards out after McPherson was fouled. Glasgow delivered a good ball into the area where Burns stretched to clear it over his own bar. When the corner was fired in low to the near post the Lok defence couldn’t clear their lines but Talbot were unable to get on it and Pollok eventually got it clear.
The Bot’s next attack saw McAvoy do well out on the right before sending it inside to find Boyle. He fired it across to find Glasgow on the left of the area and his shot was deflected behind for the corner. Glasgow went for the in swinger and nearly scored direct from the corner but Forrester managed to head it off the line.
A minute later Talbot won a free kick out on the right for a foul on McPherson. Before it could be taken there was a clash between McPherson & McGregor just outside the area. When the dust settled the ref booked McPherson & Pollok’s Main.
In the 40th minute McAvoy got to the bye line down the left and pulled it back toward Gillies but a defender managed to put it behind for the corner. Glasgow again bent it in under the crossbar but this time Longmuir did well to punch it clear.
Talbot pressed hard for the remainder of the half but had nothing to show for it other than a few corners won. In the last action of the half Boyd got to the bye line down the right and pulled a cross back for Glasgow who headed over the bar and Talbot trooped in a goal behind at the break.
Whatever the management said during the interval did the trick and Talbot made the perfect start to the 2nd half – levelling within a minute. Boyd drilled it across the face of goal where KYLE MCAVOY turned it home from close range.
In the 49th minute Talbot broke down the left where Glasgow sent it on to Gillies whose ball into the penalty area was turned behind for the corner. When the corner came over Armstrong met it and headed on target where it was safely held by Longmuir.
It was then Talbot’s turn to defend a couple of wind assisted in swinging corners which the defence did well. From the 2nd corner Talbot sprung onto the counter through Glasgow. He was cynically taken out by Mullen but the ref gave a good advantage allowing Gillies to carry on forward. He fed it on to McAvoy whose pass sent Boyd clean through on goal. He took it wide of Longmuir but with the goal gaping fired it over the crossbar. The referee then booked Mullen for the earlier foul.
In the 54th minute McAvoy tried his luck from 20+ yards and forced a save from Longmuir who had to touch it over the bar. When the corner came over Armstrong met it and his header was brilliantly saved by Longmuir who kept it out at his left hand post.
Talbot weren’t to be denied though and within a minute moved in front. Glasgow played it on to Schoneville down the left and his low ball into the near post saw KYLE MCAVOY nick in front of Forrester to turn it home.
In the 58th minute Burns received a caution for a foul on Armstrong just inside the Lok half. The free kick was floated into the area where Mullen panicked and put it behind for the corner. Glasgow dinked the corner into the middle where it just cleared the head of Gillies before being gathered by Longmuir.
Talbot were playing well on the break and did so again in the 62nd minute. Mullen’s low shot was blocked and the Bot broke forward through McAvoy who was body checked by Forrester on halfway – resulting in a booking for the Lok centre-half.
Three minutes later Forrester was heading to the clubhouse early when he caught Gillies late and was shown a 2nd yellow card.
Talbot now made a change with Langan on for Boyle.
In the 66th minute Schoneville whipped a great ball across goal to the back post but no one could get on the end of it.
Three minutes later Pollok won a free kick in a dangerous area. Main cut in off the left and won the free kick off Boyd who was booked for the challenge. Forde took it but failed to make the most of it – firing well over the bar.
Pollok now made a double substitution with Duncanson & Henry replaced by Nelson & Gallacher.
Glavin was called into action in the 71st minute when Faulds shot from 25 yards. Glavin got down low to make the stop and the defence swept it behind for a corner.
In the 77th minute Talbot made a double switch with Abed & Wardrope on for Gillies and Glasgow.
A minute later Pollok drew level. Faulds fired a low drive from distance that was blocked inside the area where it fell to MAIN who sent a left-footed shot inside the right post.
Talbot nearly responded immediately as McAvoy burst through the defence into the right of the area but his shot flew just wide and into the side-netting.
Talbot completed their changes in the 81st minute with Smith & Urquhart on for Boyd & Armstrong.
In the 84th minute Abed surged forward before finding Wardrope out on the left. He cut in and curled a dangerous cross into the centre that was slashed behind for a corner kick.
In the closing stages Talbot were wobbling and Faulds had a half chance when Schoneville failed to clear his lines but fired over the bar.
With 2 minutes remaining Gallacher had a late chance to win it. A ball over the top found him in behind down the left but his shot across goal went wide of the far post.
Deep into injury time Talbot came close to snatching a late winner. Smith burst forward into the box before sending it to his right to find McAvoy whose low drive was blocked by Longmuir’s legs and so with the game deadlocked it went to penalties.
Pollok scored first through Mullen before Wardrope levelled for Talbot. Gallacher restored Pollok’s advantage with Smith next up for Talbot. Smith’s first effort was comfortably saved by Longmuir but as the ball had moved in the wind on his approach the ref ordered a retake but Smith’s 2nd effort was also easily saved.
McGregor was next up and he made no mistake to put Pollok 3-1 ahead. McAvoy slotted his pen inside the right post to pull it back to 3-2 and Talbot were then given a glimmer of hope when Forde ballooned his effort over the bar; however Longmuir guessed correctly and got down to his right to save Schoneville’s penalty and Main then scored from the spot to seal the win for Pollok.
A disappointing result for Talbot but there’s no time to dwell on it as the Bot are back in semi-final action this coming Friday when they host Darvel in the first of a double header in the Junior cup.
Auchinleck Talbot – Glavin, McPherson, Schoneville, Slooves, Wilson, Armstrong, Boyle, McAvoy, Boyd, Glasgow, Gillies
Subs – Smith, Langan, Wardrope, Abed, Urquhart, Henry (gk)
Pollok – Longmuir, Mullen, Duncanson, Forrester, Burns, Faulds, McGregor, Henry, Forde, Docherty, Main
Subs – Duff, Maley, Lindsay, Nelson, McKinstray, Gallacher, Fry (gk)
Auchinleck Talbot v Beith Juniors
Report: Murray Steele, Photography: Craig McGhee, Media: Lee Conn.
POINTS SHARED IN TWO GOAL THRILLER
Talbot had to settle for a share of the spoils after an end to end encounter against Beith which saw both keepers pull off vital saves.
With both sides looking for the win the opening exchanges were frantic but nervy with neither side settling
The first promising attack from either side came in the 9th minute when Boyd slung a ball into the box from the right. It came to Boyle who couldn’t get a shot away and he sent it back out wide to Boyd who curled a great cross over to the back post but unfortunately no one had read it.
A minute later though Talbot took the lead in style. Schoneville started and finished the move; robbing Monti of the ball before feeding it on to Gillies who in turn sent it into the feet of McAvoy. He returned it back to SCOTT SCHONEVILLE who drilled an unstoppable low drive past Stott into the far corner.
Two minutes later Talbot came agonisingly close to a second. McAvoy’s shot was deflected behind for a corner on the right and when Wardrope sent it over McPherson rose highest to meet it only to see his header cannon off the top of the bar.
In the 13th minute Talbot were on the back foot when Mason won a free kick out wide on the right. Monti’s first ball in was a poor one but it came back out to him and his 2nd cross found Dunne on the left of the area. He hooked it across goal where McPherson headed it wide of the left post for the corner
A minute later the visitors had a half chance down their left. A diagonal ball found Mason inside the area and he cut inside and curled a shot over the bar.
It should have been all square in the 17th minute. Diver passed it inside to Wilson who fired it on target. Glavin did well to get a hand to it to send it wide but it landed beyond the far post where Monti looked set to equalise but he failed to hit the target.
Beith were on top and had another chance moments later. Diver managed to block Sloove’s attempted clearance and squared it inside for Mason. He lost his footing and appeared to handle it but the ref waved play on and he hit the target from a tight angle but didn’t really test Glavin.
McAvoy had his name taken in the 19th minute following an Oscar worthy piece of histrionics from Noble who made a Lazarus like recovery once the card was shown.
In the 24th minute Glavin produced an impressive stop to maintain Talbot’s lead. Mason’s low ball into the area was cleared by Wilson but came out to Rough in space 30 yards out and he hammered a shot goalward which Glavin tipped over the bar
Talbot’s next attack saw a shy from the right met by Wardrope who cut inside and went for goal only to see it blocked behind for the corner. When the corner came over Boyd met it but could only head wide of the far post.
There were then chances at both ends. Firstly Langan did well on the left before flighting a cross to the far corner of the 6-yard box which proved just too high for Wardrope to control his header and get it on target then the Bot were immediately caught out by a long punt down the centre which saw Mason get in behind the defence but his shot slipped wide of the left post.
The Bot nearly added a 2nd in the 35th minute. Langan nicked it off Dunne as he tried to make his way forward and quickly switched play to find Wardrope on the right of the area. He cut inside and drilled a low shot on goal that Stott saved with his outstretched leg.
Two minutes later Talbot again came close. Gillies raced down the left and swung over a dangerous cross that beat everyone and came back off the bar. When it rebounded out the defence failed to clear it and it broke to Boyle who fired wide of the left post.
Talbot were then forced into an early change after McAvoy couldn’t shake off an injury and had to leave to be replaced by Smith.
It looked like Talbot were going to take a lead in at the break but Beith grabbed a leveller in the 45th minute. Wilson cut in off the left and
played a one-two with Monti and when the ball was returned to him he was set to hit it till Aiden Wilson dived in to turn it behind for the corner. When the corner came over from the left DUNNE was left unmarked and he nodded home to make it 1-1.
played a one-two with Monti and when the ball was returned to him he was set to hit it till Aiden Wilson dived in to turn it behind for the corner. When the corner came over from the left DUNNE was left unmarked and he nodded home to make it 1-1.Talbot then nearly regained the lead in 1st half injury time. Smith pounced on a defensive error and fired a low shot on target which Stott saved. The rebound came out to Wardope on the right of the area and he lashed a shot at goal that Stott managed to tip over the bar and the sides went in deadlocked at the break.
The visitors made the early running in the 2nd half without any real threat in the final third.
In the 53rd minute McPherson made a good surge through the centre past several Beith players before being halted just outside the penalty area when he took on one man too many.
Two minutes later Diver had a half chance when he cut onto his left foot and drilled a shot on target which Glavin blocked.
The Bot’s next attack saw a ball in behind find Smith down the right. He swept it across goal but it had a tad too much on it for Boyd to bring under control and the move petered out
In the 58th minute Boyd & Smith combined down the right to create a half chance for Boyle who blazed wide from 16 yards.
A minute later Boyle had another chance and this time his shot arrowed on target from 30 yards but Stott did well diving to his right to turn it wide of his post.
On the hour mark Talbot made a change with Glasgow on for Gillies.
Talbot had a scare in the 63rd minute. Wilson’s low cut back from the left resulted in a corner and when it came over it fell to Mason whose low shot was blocked by Glavin. The ball spun up toward goal but Boyd was back covering and cleared it out the 6-yard area.
Beith now made a change with Monk on in place of Monti.
In the 67th minute a shy down the right was thrown into Diver who laid out first time wide to Dunne. He whipped a good ball to the back post but there were no takers
Diver had been blocking Glavin from taking kick outs all game but the ref finally deigned to notice in the 73rd minute and booked Beith’s forward.
Tucker now made a double change with Langan & Wardrope making way for Armstrong & Urquhart.
In the 76th minute Armstrong sent the ball out wide left to find Glasgow and he delivered a good cross to the far post which Talbot failed to take advantage of.
The Bot’s next attack saw them countering through Urquhart who burst forward through the middle before releasing it wide to Boyd. He tried to square it inside the area to Smith but it was just behind him.
Talbot kept the pressure on and moments later Glasgow again sent a dangerous cross in from the left but this time Stott came off his line to punch it clear.
In the 81st minute Beith made a change with Findlay on for Noble.
A minute later Beith won a free kick 35 yards out when Urquhart caught Mason. Wilson took it and hit it well but it flew just high & wide of the right hand upright.
With 4 minutes remaining Frize received a caution when he hauled back Boyd as he burst forward resulting in a Bot free kick 30 yards out wide on the left. Glasgow floated it in where the defence could only partially clear it and it broke to Smith on the right of the area whose low drive was deflected behind for the corner. When the corner came into the back post Armstrong met it and headed it down and back across goal where it was turned behind for another corner which this time came to nothing.
Neither side had settled for a draw and in the closing minutes Talbot forced a string of corners as they pressed for a late winner which Beith managed to withstand. In the final minute of regulation time Beith’s Wilson knocked over a dangerous cross from the left that Glavin had to punch clear.
As the game moved into added time both sides picked up a caution a piece. O’Neil for wrestling Boyd to the deck and then Glasgow for dissent.
Deep into injury time Talbot had one last attack. Schoneville got forward and whipped a great cross into the back post but it didn’t break Talbot’s way and soon after the final whistle blew with honours even.
A good display by Talbot who might on another day have taken all 3 points. Next up for the Bot is a Tuesday night trip up to Loch Park to face the Glens.
Auchinleck Talbot – Glavin, McPherson, Schoneville, Slooves, Wilson, Langan, Boyle, Wardrope, Boyd, McAvoy, Gillies
Subs – Glasgow, Smith, Urquhart, Armstrong, Abed, Kennedy, Henry (gk)
Beith Juniors – Stott, Dunne, Noble, Rough, O’Neil, Wilson, Monti, Frize, Diver, Scullion, Mason
Subs – Findlay, Hughes, McWilliams, Docherty, Monk, Lind, Walker (gk)
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 18th 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 22nd 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 26th 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 28th 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 2nd half strongly and were nearly in for a 2nd 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 53rd 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 69th 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 2nd 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 86th 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 2nd 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)
