Beechwood Park – Page 8 – Auchinleck Talbot Football Club

Auchinleck Talbot v Gartcairn FC

Talbot welcomed their first ever visitors from the town of Airdrie to Beechwood Park and after a tough ninety minutes played in driving rain they did what was expected of them by running out 3-1 winners against a side who sit a division below them. Granted Gartcairn are no mugs as they are pushing for promotion for the top division and had just knocked Lowland League side Tranent out of the Challenge Cup. Talbot had made a couple of changes for this match with Keiran Healy replacing Neil McPherson, Ally Park in for the cup-tied Ali Boyle and a start for young Aaron Mason up front.

The visitors threw down the gauntlet early doors and in the opening minutes former Motherwell and Ross County player Darren Smith made a telling run down the left but his cross into the box was easily cleared. Five minutes later goalkeeper Cowie got lucky when a routine passback from Moss saw him harassed by Mason into kicking the ball straight at Graham Wilson who elected to pass to Mason rather than try a cheeky lob which most of the crowd were expecting.

In the 16th minute Mick Wardrope did well to clear a Gartcairn free kick but Eley was quickest to react by whipping the ball back into the box where Stafford mishit the ball into the feet of Johnstone who managed to get the ball on target but it proved to be an easy save for Fisher. The game got bogged down in the middle of the park with both sides producing some great defending which no doubt proved to be a bit too frustrating for former Hearts youth player Jordan Love who collected the only yellow card of the game when he was late with a tackle on Craig McCracken. McCracken then nearly got himself onto the score sheet in 30 minutes when he got his head to a Wardrope corner forcing Cowie into parrying the ball off the goal line where McCracken managed to react the quickest but hooked the loose ball into the side net. Shortly after Love and McCracken clashed again with the Talbot defender on the deck holding his face but the veteran striker was spared a second yellow by referee Paul Timmons.

With the game heading for the interval Johnstone ghosted through Talbot midfield where his pass to Moss saw the big defender cross a poor ball into the danger area which came off Staffords head and into the path of Johnstone who’s first time volley from the edge of the box took the paint off the top of Fisher’s crossbar. Talbot were quick to reply and an Aiden Wilson long ball up the wing was headed into the path of Park by G.Wilson and his toe poke to Wardrope produced a side foot shot that came off the crossbar and onto the path of G.Wilson who headed tamely into the hands of Cowie.

With the visitors buoyed by their opening forty five minutes they opened the second half by flinging all kinds of long balls into the box which were putting a bit of pressure on the Talbot back line. However a long throw-in by Smith was headed away by McCracken which was pounced upon by Griffiths who was quickly tracked down by Park. Finding himself in a bit of bother he elected to pass backwards but accidentally passed the ball into the path of Mason who skipped away from Moss to thunder the ball past Cowie from 20 yards right on the 50th minute. All credit to Gartcairn who looked to have equalised when Smith got himself behind the Talbot back line but Fisher got his body in front of Smith’s shot but the referee had already whistled for offside.

There was a flurry of substitutions by both sides as the game progressed and the changes were quick to take effect when on 70 minutes Ross Smith was the target of a Ballantyne throw-in. The youngster managed to get the ball to the foot of Wardrope who dinked a cross onto the head of Park and his slight touch eased the ball past Cowie’s finger tips and into the top of the net. If Talbot thought the game was over then they were sadly mistaken when minutes later Gartcairn were back in the game when a Talbot attack was broken up as Bulgor launched a 49 yard pass into the path of the unmarked Smith who in turn found substitute Burns and the former Stirling Albion striker made no mistake sending the ball past Fisher.

This was the last we were to see the visitors as an attacking force as Talbot started to control the match with Mick Wardrop curling an effort past the post while Ross Smith collected a Samson pass in the box and although he managed to get away from his marker he shot well past the goals. With the 90 minutes fast approaching Talbot’s best move of the game merited their third goal when the ball was worked from wing to wing involving Smith, Lennox and Armstrong ending in a Wardrobe cross being headed into the net by Ross Smith. Soon after the referee’s whistle ended the match that on the whole Talbot deserved to win.

Fisher, Stafford, A.Willson (Ballantyne), Healy, McCracken, Armstrong, Taylor (Lennox), Wardrope, Mason (Samson), G,Wilson (Smith), Park (Sinnamon)

SPONSOR MAN OF THE MATCH AWARDS:

The Boo Boys award went to Craig McCracken and was presented by Bob Harvey

Old Crocks MOM was Craig McCracken and presented by Kieran Houston.

Eddie Smith & Friends picked Michael Wardrope as their MOM and Andy Leishman picked this up on Michael’s behalf from Alistair Smith & Tristen Stirling

Loons Supporters Club MOM was Michael Wardrope and was picked up by Kieran Healy and presented by Alex Tanner

Jimmy Ferguson & Friends chose Gareth Armstrong as their MOM and this was presented by Aaron Lindsay

The Mauchline BC award was presented by Billy Eaglesham and won by Craig McCracken.

Match Ball Sponsor – Emerald Contracts.

Auchinleck Talbot v Beith Juniors

Auchinleck Talbot v East Kilbride Fc

MURRAY’S REPORT

In a game of few chances, Talbot did enough to see off a toothless East Kilbride side and book their place in the last 8 of the South Challenge cup.

The vistors started on the front foot but without offering much of a threat in the final third and the first clear chance of the game went Talbot’s way in the 9th minute when Currie fluffed a clearance straight at Boylan who opted to hit it early with the keeper well off his line but fired it well over the bar.

The Bot put together a good move in the 14th minute. Shankland showed composure before threading a pass out right to find Boylan. He switched play to the far side of the box where Healy hooked a cross back across goal and a defender just beat Mason to it to nod it behind. When the corner came over McCracken powered a header on target but it flew straight at Currie.

McCracken was involved again a few minutes later when he attempted to slide a ball into the path of Graham Wilson inside the area but it was just too firm and G couldn’t get on the end of it.

Graham Wilson picked up what appeared to be a harsh booking in the 21st minute. He went in fully committed to a 50/50 challenge as did the Kilby player but the ref awarded them the free kick and showed Wilson a yellow card. McLaughlin took the resultant free kick and delivered a good ball into the centre where MacDonald ran onto it but steered a free header well-wide of the left hand post.

Talbot broke the deadlock in the 25th minute. The Bot were awarded a free kick out wide on the left that Aiden Wilson took quickly and knocked it short into the feet of Shankland. He swept a pinpoint cross into the back post where BRYAN BOYLAN raced onto it to steer a shot home from 4 yards.

The visitors tried to hit back immediately and from the re-start worked the ball down the right where Allansan whipped a dangerous ball across that McPherson cleared.

Talbot nearly doubled their lead in the 27th minute. Graham Wilson gathered just outside the area and passed it into the feet of Shankland down the left of the box. He skipped past MacDonald and fired a low drive on target that was well saved by the outstretched boot of Currie.

In the 29th minute Talbot got in behind the Kilby defence again. Armstrong played it out right toward Boylan whose dummy created the space for Crawford to burst forward and fizz a good ball across the face of goal which Currie managed to hold onto.

East Kilbride weren’t having much joy in the final third. In the 36th minute McPherson, under pressure from McGuire could only clear it as far as McLaughlin in space on the left but when he swung a cross into the back post Bradley-Hurst came off his line to claim it.

The half petered out with Talbot under no real pressure and they went in a goal ahead at the break.

Tucker made a change during the interval and when the team came back out Wardrope was on in place of Graham Wilson.

The Bot made a good start to the 2nd half and within a minute of the re-start Wardrope got free on the right and his cut back almost found Shankland in the box.

Action then switched to the other end where Allasan paced away on the right and fired a low ball across goal that the Talbot keeper smothered.

A second goal would have settled it as Kilby didn’t look capable of coming back from two adrift and the Bot threatened to grab it in the 51st minute. A cross came off a defender and behind for the corner and when the corner came in Currie had to punch it clear. It came out to McPherson on the right and he chipped it into the path of Shankland 16 yards out who couldn’t have hit it much better on the volley but it arrowed straight at Currie who did well not to spill it.

Kilby’s only shot on target all afternoon came in the 52nd minute. A long throw from the right was only partially cleared and it fell to McLaughlin on the right of the box whose low drive was spilled by Bradley-Hurst but cleared by the defence.

East Kilbride made a change after 58 mins with McBeth coming on in place of Taylor.

Four minutes later Talbot made a double change up top with Shankland & Mason making way for Samson & Smith.

The spate of substitutions continued with the visitors throwing on Kirkpatrick and McHugh for Allasan and McGuire.

In the 68th minute Kilby were awarded a free kick 35 yards out for a foul by Wilson. B Hughes floated it over to the back post where McPherson had to head it behind for a corner. When the corner came into the near post Boylan headed it clear.

With 20 mins remaining Armstrong’s cushioned header found Wardrope inside the penalty area but his low drive was blocked en route by a defender.

The visitors had to make a change with quarter of an hour remaining when Lithgow limped off to be replaced by Miller.

Ten minutes from time Talbot twice came close in quick succession to putting the game beyond doubt. Wardrope’s ball into the area was flicked into Samson’s path by Smith and Currie produced a fine save with his feet to keep out his low drive. The ball came out to Healy at the edge of the area and his half volley was dipping under the bar until Currie tipped it over.

Talbot now made a final change with Taylor coming on for Healy.

The game meandered to a close without Talbot looking to be in any danger and the Bot saw the game out to win 1-0.

Next up for Talbot, weather permitting, it’s back to league business when high-flying Beith visit Beechwood under the floodlights this coming Wednesday.

Auchinleck Talbot – Bradley-Hurst, Crawford, Aiden Wilson, McPherson, McCracken, Armstrong, Healy, Graham Wilson, Mason, Shankland, Boylan

Subs – Taylor, Smith, Samson, Wardrope, Lennox, Park, Ballantyne

East Kilbride FC – Currie, MacDonald, Taylor, Morgan, Lithgow, Thomson, McGuire, McLaughlin, Connell, B Hughes, Allasan

Subs – McBeth, Miller, Kirkpatrick, McHugh, R Hughes, McLean (gk)

Talbot v East Kilbride Man Of The Match Awards

Old Crocks – Gareth Armstrong presented by Billy Waddell.

John Liddell & Friends – Gareth Armstrong presented by John Haggerty.

H & V Commissioning Services, Galston – Gareth Armstrong presented by Richard Stewart.

Auchinleck Outdoor BC – Gareth Armstrong presented by President Kenny Lorimer.

Killie Travel Club – Joshua Bradley-Hurst picked up by Chris Stafford and presented by Jim Wilson.

Mauchline BC – Gareth Armstrong presented by newly elected President for 2023 Johnny Eaglesham.

Loons Supporters Club – Neil McPherson presented by Aaron Lindsay.

Corporate Sponsor) Leighton McBlain presented his award to Neil McPherson.

Match Ball Sponsor – Emerald Contracts.

Auchinleck Talbot v Glenafton Athletic

MATCH REPORT JIM McAULEY. PHOTO’S SARA JANE HOY>

Talbot had made several changes to the side that had drawn with Rob Roy the week previous with new keeper Marc Fisher replacing the injured Andy Leishman while Aiden Wilson returned to the defence, Keiran Healy found himself on the left of midfield while the home support were introduced to young Ross Smith’s first start. The visitors were unchanged from the side that had gained a point at Darvel.

The game had all the hallmarks of a riveting cup match with it being a derby and the fact that the Glen’s were on the crest of a wave after reaching the Junior Cup semi final, but in reality it turned out to be a 90 minute endurance test where a penalty shoot-out was the correct way to find a winner.

Talbot started on the front foot when Taylor broke down the right wing and his pass to Wardrope was swept towards Samson but Currie managed to get a toe to the ball at the expense of a corner. Wardrope provided a quality ball from the corner which was headed clear by Rowe but it was picked up by Stafford who found Healy whose side footed cross into the box was headed towards goal but Markey managed to push the ball away with both hands in a save made for the camera’s.

On the 11th minute the supporters in front of the pie hut erupted when Taylor squirmed his way into the box where he looked to be barged to the ground by Murphy but referee Gary Hanvey waved play on and the loose ball was hooked away by Moffat. Talbot were getting plenty of joy down the right side and this time McCracken hooked a teasing ball into the Glens box where Samson got his head to the ball but it flew well past the post.

Route one nearly undid the visitors when Fisher put his laces through a passback which Samson managed to nod the ball into the path of Smith but Currie managed to get a leg in front of Smith’s resultant shot on goals. On the 25th minute Taylor treated the fans to a bit of magic when he left three Glens players in his wake, picked out Samson whose first time cross looked promising but Moffat headed out the danger area but the loose ball fell to Wardrope who dragged his shot well past the target.

The visitors had hardly been in the game but on the 30th minute Caldwell fashioned a one-two with Moffat but he was stopped in his tracks by McCracken, and moments later they should have been in the lead when O’Kane slid a great through ball to an unmarked Caldwell who in turn picked out Kerr who had all the time in the world to score but his shot was blocked by the legs of Fisher and the ball flew over the bar for a corner

With the match heading for the interval Ross Smith was unlucky not to score when Wardrope found him loitering outside the visitors box and the youngster showed his skills when he turned Rowe only to see his shot palmed over the bar by Markey. However it was the visitors who were to have the last say in the first half when a long speculative cross was headed into the path of O’Kane but his shot was blocked by McPherson.

The second half started with O’Kane and Kerr being replaced by Kemp and S.McKenzie for the visitors no doubt to put some zing into the Glens attack but for the opening part of the half it was Talbot who were doing the pressing although rarely troubling the visitors goalkeeper with McCracken heading a Wardrope free kick tamely past, while Healy rattled a shot well over the bar. On the 65th minute Shankland and new signing Sinnamon were introduced to the fray at the expense of Smith and Healy and soon after Mason replaced Wardrope. Shankland soon had a chance to make a name for himself when a mistake by the impressive Pettigrew let Samson drive into the box where his cut back was launched over the bar by the substitute.

Talbot’s last change came in the way of Boylan on for Taylor as they tried to grab that all important winner, but as the clock ran down it was Glenafton who seemed to go for the jugular after Moffat should have done better when he smashed a loose ball well over the bar, while substitute McMullen’s netbound 30 yard screamer took a swerve near the end of its trajectory and flew harmlessly past the post.

The game moved on to penalties with referee Mr Hanvidge selecting the Bank End for the shoot out where Talbot had the luxury of missing two penalties as the Glens found keeper Marc Fisher in great form where he saved three out of the four spot kicks that were taken against him. It was a decent win considering Talbot move into the next round of the competition, but on the downside the team has went 180 minutes without hitting the back of the net.

GLENAFTON: Markey, Caldwell, Pettigrew, McKee, Paton, Kerr, Murphy, Moffat, O’Kane, Currie Rowe. Subs. S. McKenzie, C. McKenzie, McMullen, Nisbet, McFadzean, Kemp. TALBOT: Fisher, Stafford, A.Wilson, McPherson, McCracken, Armstrong, Taylor, Wardrope, Samson, Smith,Healy. SUBS: Shankland. Boylan, Mason, Sinnoman, Crawford, Ballantyne, Fairbairn.

Talbot v Glenafton Man Of The Match Awards

Also thanks to Brian Paterson (Emerald Contracts) our match ball sponsor.

Top Left. Anchor Bar – Lee Bealing presenting to Marc Fisher , Top Right. Cassels Family – Tommy Cassels presenting to Marc Fisher Middle Left. Dennis Gray & Friends – Lynda Walker daughter of Dennis Gray. Linda at one point assisted in our catering unit. Middle Right. In Da Hut Fitness – Stafford who accepted the award on behalf of Mark Shankland . Bottom Left. Loons – Andrew McPheators presenting to Marc Fisher. Bottom Right. Mauchline BC – Aaron Lindsay & Janice Logan presenting to Marc Fisher . Very Bottom. Sandra White presenting to Marc Fisher

Auchinleck Talbot v Pollok

MURRAY’S MATCH REPORT. SARAH JANES PHOTO’S
Talbot’s impressive start to 2023 continued with a hard fought win over Pollok at Beechwood Park. A result that saw Talbot climb to 3rd in the table and move above Pollok on goal difference with 5 games in hand over the Lok.

The first effort of the afternoon came in the 7th minute. Burns beat Samson in the air down the standside and the header came through to Lyon who dragged a shot well wide of target from 25 yards.

With quarter of an hour on the clock Lumsden was tested when Taylor’s hanging cross from the left was drifting under the crossbar forcing the Lok keeper to tip it over and behind for the corner. The corner was hit deep where Samson headed it back across goal. The defence failed to clear their lines & Mason prodded a shot across goal that Burns turned over his own bar.

Talbot’s next effort came in the 19th minute. A shy from the right found Stafford who played it into the feet of Samson inside the area. He wheeled round and drilled a low shot on target that Lumsden saved low to his right.

A minute later, the first of many bookings occurred when Armstrong was penalised for a shirt tug on Lyons. Twenty two mins in Talbot received their 2nd caution of the afternoon when Mason was shown a yellow for a challenge on Esplin.

Pollok were nearly in a moment later. Christie squared the ball across to Forde who slipped a pass through for G McCann on the left of the penalty area; however, McPherson recovered quickly to get across him and the ball ran harmlessly through to Leishman.

Route one nearly paid off for the Lok in the 24th minute. Lumsden’s long punt down the right landed at Lyon just inside the box whose lobbed effort was tipped over the bar by Leishman.

When the corner came in a Pollok head got on the end of it and steered a header toward target. Forde got a slight flick on it but not enough to deflect it past Leishman.

Esplin had his name taken in the 27th minute for a late challenge on Samson.

The opening goal came Talbot’s way in the 29th minute. Stafford won the ball deep in Pollok’s half and spread it out to the right for Samson. He fired it low into the centre where Mason’s shot was well-saved by Lumsden but GRAHAM WILSON was on hand to tuck the rebound home from close range.

A touchline stramash in the 34th minute saw a number of players from both sides involved with the end result being a booking apiece – Wardrope for Talbot and Burns for the visitors.

Two minutes before the interval Talbot nearly doubled their lead. A free kick was lifted high up the left where Wilson climbed to head it down into the path of Samson. His low drive was heading in but Lumsden produced a fine save low to his left to turn it round the post.

Pollok had the final chance of the half right on the stroke of half-time. A ball into the penalty area broke to Forde on the left of the box but his low drive went straight at Leishman and Talbot left the field a goal to the good.

Talbot made a change at the interval with Boylan coming on in place of Mason.

Pollok had an early chance in the 2nd half when McCracken failed to cut out a ball up the right. It came to G McCann in space but he floated a poor cross straight at Leishman.

Talbot then came close to grabbing a 2nd in the 49th minute. Boylan gathered on the left and whipped a great cross into the centre where Samson just failed to connect with it.

In the 57th minute Pollok won a free kick out wide on the left. Mullen whipped in a dangerous ball that Leishman had to punch clear. It came out to Barr whose pass clipped off Wardrope and behind for a corner. When the corner came over a Pollok player managed to get his head on it but under pressure sent the header well-wide of goal.

A swift counter saw Talbot get in behind the Lok defence in the 59th minute. Wardrope sent a good ball down the right to find Boylan who cut inside onto his left and drilled a shot on target that Lumsden turned round his left post. When Wardrope’s corner came into the near post Wilson met it but didn’t make clean contact and his header flashed across the 6-yard area.

Pollok could have, and arguably should have been a man down in the 61st minute. Boylan burst beyond the defence and was heading for the penalty box when he was hauled down by Rumsby who escaped with a caution.

Lumsden was having a good afternoon and he came to Lok’s rescue again in the 63rd minute. Wardrope delivered a great cross from the left toward Samson but the keeper got there first to tip it away.

Taylor became the latest name in the ref’s book when he was cautioned in the 64th minute for a shirt pull.

Pollok now made a double change with Barr & Forde making way for S McCann & Buchanan.

Taylor had picked up a knock and left the field in the 67th minute to be replaced by Healy.

Pollok levelled the score in the 70th minute. Lumsden hoisted a long ball down the left where S McCann rose to head it down into the path of G MCCANN who fired it low past Leishman into the opposite corner.

Two minutes later the ref was busy writing again – firstly booking Wilson for an aerial challenge and then carding Pollok’s Gow for dissent.

Tucker now made another change with Shankland coming on for Wilson.

In the 81st minute Pollok failed to make the most of space when Mullen found Christie in behind on the right but his cross failed to beat the 1st man.

Talbot took full advantage regaining the lead a minute later. Armstrong switched the ball out to find Samson on the right touchline and when his cross came over BRYAN BOYLAN guided a header inside the left post to put Talbot 2-1 ahead.

Pollok now made further changes with Burns & Lyon making way for Sideserf & Duff.

Five minutes from time Healy received a yellow card for a challenge on Buchanan. Mullen took the resultant free kick and knocked it over beyond the back post where it reached Christie who was crowded out before he could get a shot away.

Action then switched to the other end where Shankland fired a dangerous low ball across the face of goal that Gow cut out at the expense of a corner.

Talbot now made their final change with Park on for Boyle.

Pollok pushed bodies forward looking for a late equaliser but the Talbot defence stood firm and the Bot held on for all 3 points.

A feisty game and a hard earned 3 points for the Bot to keep the title chase going. Next week the Bot are off to Cumbernauld to face Rob Roy.

Auchinleck Talbot – Leishman, Stafford, Taylor, McPherson, McCracken, Armstrong, Wardrope, Boyle, Mason, Samson, Wilson

Subs – Shankland, Boylan, Smith, Healy, Crawford, Sinnamon, Park

Pollok – Lumsden, Mullen, Burns, Rumsby, Gow, Esplin, Christie, Barr, Forde, Lyon, G McCann

Subs – Menzies, S McCann, Nelson, Buchanan, Duff, Sideserf, Longmuir

SPONSOR’S MAN OF THE MATCH AWARDS

Martin Speirs & Friends award was won by Chris Stafford and presented by Greg Whisker

Alex Duffy & Friends award was won by Bryan Boylan. Ally Park picked up the award from Colin Barton on Bryan’s behalf.

Graham & Yvonne Wilson & Friends award was won by Ali Boyle and presented by Yvonne Wilson.

The Old Crocks award was won by Chris Stafford and presented by Max Kuberski.

The Loons award was won by Neil McPherson and presented by Andrew McPheators.

Mauchline BC & The Killie Travel Club award was won by Graham Wilson and presented by Johnnie Eaglesham & Allan Campbell.

Tom & Kevin Brown, Gordon Lees and Billy Harvey’s award was won by Ally Park and presented by Gordon Lees.

Mark Shankland & Friends award was won by Mark and presented by Jake Drummond.

Auchinleck Talbot v Broxburn Athletic

MURRAY’S MATCH REPORT. SARAH JANES PHOTO’S

Talbot hit a magnificent seven as they swept past Broxburn and into the last 16 of the South Challenge cup.

The game got off to a scrappy start but Talbot grabbed the lead in the 9^th minute thanks to a wonder strike. Mason hit the bye line down the left & floated a cross into the near post that the defence managed to head clear. It came out to Wilson on the edge of the area & he knocked it back into the path of ROSS TAYLOR who curled a peach of a shot past the keeper from 25 yards

An injury to Park after a quarter of an hour meant an early change for Talbot with Park limping off to be replaced by Boylan who went up front with Wilson moving to left midfield.

In the 27^th minute the visitors also made an enforced substitution with Wright coming on for the injured Clark.

Broxburn gave Talbot a fright in the 32^nd minute. G Donaldson clipped the ball down the left to find Orru running in behind and McPherson did well to get across and clear his low ball across the area.

Two minutes later Blair was called into action when he had to tip Wilson’s dangerous cross away. Talbot kept the pressure on and Mason had a half chance on the edge of the area but pulled his shot across goal and wide of the right post.

In the 36^th minute Talbot won a debatable free kick in a good area when Wright was penalised for a challenge on Mason. Mason took the free kick but couldn’t get it past the wall.

Three minutes from the interval Broxburn had a decent chance to level it. A good ball over the top sent Orru clear down the left and when his cross came over Brass managed to nod it back down into the path of Henderson who blasted it over the bar from 15 yards out.

Down the other end Talbot the referee awarded Talbot a shy down the left when most in the ground thought it was Broxburn’s ball and Talbot nearly capitalised on it. The ball came to Boylan on the left and his high, floated cross was met by Samson who steered a header back across goal that Blair kept out at his right post.

Deep into added time Broxburn won a free kick near the bye line just outside the penalty area. Orru chased Donaldson’s ball down the left and succeeded in nicking it off McCracken as he tried to shield it out. McCracken hauled him down receiving a yellow card for the challenge but Henderson’s free kick wasn’t able to clear the 1^st man and Talbot went off a goal ahead

Talbot came out on fire from the start of the 2^nd half and doubled their lead within 2 minutes of the re-start. Wilson whipped in a good cross from the left that broke to AARON MASON inside the area. He played a one-two with Samson before drilling a low shot inside the right hand post to make it 2-0.

A minute later Henderson was fortunate to escape a yellow card when he cynically halted Wilson as he burst forward down the left.

Wilson nearly got on the score sheet in the 50^th minute. Taylor’s ball found him on the left and he cut inside Sayers into the box before hitting a shot that looked to be heading into the roof of the net til it nicked off the top of B Donaldson’s head and over the crossbar.

It was now one-way traffic and it was no real surprise when Talbot went three ahead in the 55^th minute. Stafford got free down the right and fired it across the 6-yard area where AARON MASON hooked it inside the right post for his 2^nd of the afternoon.

Three minutes later and a slick passing move saw Talbot grab their fourth. Mason passed it into the feet of Wilson inside the area and he in turn laid it into the path of KIER SAMSON who ran through and passed it beyond the keeper into the net from close range.

Both sides now made multiple changes. Broxburn replaced Binnie, Henderson & Orru with Nimmo, Downie & Williamson and soon after Talbot made a double change with Shankland & Smith coming on for Mason & Wilson

Talbot came close to adding to their tally in the 65^th minute. Samson raced down the right and squared it into the near post where Boylan’s side-footed effort was deflected just wide of target.

In the 69^th minute Shankland sent Samson through on the right of the penalty area but he blazed his shot over.

With quarter of an hour remaining Wright had his name taken for kicking the ball away.

As the game wore on the weather worsened by the minute but the torrential rain didn’t dampen Talbot’s enthusiasm as they kept pushing forward looking for more.

The fifth goal came in the 81^st minute. Shankland played a ball down the right for Samson and he cut it back across goal where BRYAN BOYLAN stroked it home from 6 yards out.

A minute later and Talbot added another. Shankland and Samson combined down the right again though this time Samson’s ball across goal was cut out for a corner. When the corner came in the defence only cleared it as far as Armstrong who played it into the feet of Smith who cut in on his right foot and drilled a low shot that the keeper managed to save but couldn’t prevent ROSS SMITH from reacting first to prod home the rebound

With five minutes remaining Talbot completed the scoring. Shankland lifted a ball in behind the defence for Samson to chase. Blair came rushing out his area to get there first and to clear but he played it out left to MARK SHANKLAND 40+ yards from goal who hit it first time – lobbing the ball over the keeper and inside the right post to make it 7-0.

Talbot had a chance to add another late on when Stafford burst into the area but his shot across goal went just wide of the right post.

A superb 2^nd half display from Talbot as the Bot equalled their winning margin over Coldstream earlier this season. Next up for Talbot it’s back to league action when they host Pollok at Beechwood next Saturday.

Talbot – Leishman, Stafford, Taylor, McPherson, McCracken, Armstrong, Wardrope, Park, Wilson, Mason, Samson

Subs – Shankland, Boylan, Smith, Healy

Broxburn Athletic – Blair, Sayers, G Donaldson, Clark, McConnell, B Donaldson, Gillen, Binnie, Brass, Henderson, Orru

Subs – Wright, Nimmo, Douglas, Downie, Williamson, Gray, Donoghue

Auchinleck Talbot v Petershill

MURRAY’S MATCH REPORT, SARAH-JANES PHOTO’S

Talbot kept their winning streak going with a hard fought 2-0 win over the Peasies at Beechwood Park.

An early goal is good for settling the nerves and Talbot took the lead in the 9^th minute. Shankland sent Boyle through on the right with a well-weighted pass and his ball across the face was blocked behind for a corner. When the corner came over McNeil couldn’t claim it, McCracken gathered with his back to goal and shoved it back to the 18 yard line where ALLY PARK hammered it straight into the roof of the net.

Three minutes later Talbot nearly unlocked the Peasies defence. Shankland slid a ball through to find Taylor racing in behind but McHugh did well to get across and clear.

Petershill’s first effort at goal came in the 13^th minute. Nade took it down on his chest 30 yards from goal and opted to hit it 1^st time – pulling his shot well wide of the right hand post.

On the quarter hour mark Shankland found Boylan on the left of the penalty area and he cut it back into the path of Park who saw his low drive blocked by a defender.

Aiden Wilson received a double blow in the 22^nd minute. He received a caution for impeding Hepburn out on the touchline and took a heavy knock in the process and was unable to continue. Healy came on in his place with Park moving to left-back.

Leishman came to Talbot’s rescue in the 27^th minute. A ball up the middle skited off the top of McCracken’s head and fell perfectly for Nade in the centre of the box but Leishman was quickly off his line to dive at his feet and touch it away.

Talbot’s next attack saw the ball moved from left to right to find Stafford on the overlap. He fired it into the centre where Boylan got across his marker but couldn’t direct his effort on target.

In the 37^th minute Talbot had a good chance to double their lead. Boylan fed the ball to Taylor who raced down the wing before cutting it back into the path of Boylan 12 yards out but his shot lacked power and failed to trouble the keeper.

Shortly after, Talbot won a free kick 25 yards out which Shankland got over the wall but well wide of the right post.

Three minutes from the break Talbot were almost undone after an error in midfield. Talbot players left the ball to one another and Petershill were able to slide a pass through to Nade in the area. He looked a cert to score but McPherson got back to make a great sliding tackle to nick it away just as he was about to shoot.

A minute later play switched to the other end where Shankland let fly from 20 yards only to see McNeil produce a top class save to his right to keep it out and Talbot saw the half out to go in a goal ahead at the break.

Talbot started the 2^nd half strongly and within a minute of the re-start Taylor raced down the wing before releasing it to Boylan whose low ball across goal was cut out by McNeil.

McCabe had his name taken in the 53^rd minute when he took out Taylor as he looked to speed down the wing. The free kick was taken short and worked to Taylor who paced past McHugh and slung a good cross to the back post. The defence managed to head it clear and it came out to Boyle just inside the box but he misjudged the flight and took a fresh air swipe at it.

In the 56^th minute Talbot won a free kick 25 yards out when Shankland was caught as he tried to pass it to Healy. Shankland took the set piece and curled it beyond the far post where McPherson guided a header back across goal but the defence were first to react and clear.

With an hour gone Talbot came close to grabbing their second. Shankland passed it inside to Boylan and he laid it into the path of Boyle who burst into the penalty area down the left side; however, McNeil did well, coming off his line to dive at Boyle’s feet and the ball cannoned off him and behind for the goal kick.

Two minutes later Hepburn slid a ball in from the right that landed at the feet of Nade inside the 6-yard area and he shot into the side-netting but the assistant’s flag was raised and it wouldn’t have counted in any case.

Tucker now made a double change with Samson & Graham Wilson coming on for Shankland & Taylor.

Petershill threatened a leveller in the 68^th minute. Nade chested the ball out to Hepburn on the wing and he swung a cross over to the back post. Stafford managed to head it away but it came straight out to Aubrey on the left of the box and Leishman was well-positioned to save his powerful drive at his right hand post.

With 69 minutes on the clock Gracie became the 2^nd Peasies player in the book when he was cautioned for going through the back of Healy.

Two minutes later and Talbot got the 2^nd goal they needed. Samson won a corner out on the right which Healy delivered into the centre where CRAIG MCCRACKEN looped a header under the bar and over the defender on the line to put Talbot 2-0 ahead.

Talbot now made a further double change with Boylan & Boyle making way for Mason & Smith.

In the 80^th minute a cross in from the left was only partly cleared and came out to Aubrey on the 18 yard line who drilled a powerful shot on target but straight at Leishman.

Play then switched to the other end where Mason whipped a good cross in from the left toward Samson that the defence did well to head clear.

Healy had a half chance to extend Talbot’s lead in the 82^nd minute. The ball came to him in space 20 yards out but he got underneath it and blazed his shot over.

Within a minute Talbot had another opportunity. Smith could have went for goal himself from the edge of the box but instead slipped the ball to Mason in space on the left of the area but his shot went tamely at McNeil.

The same two players were involved in Talbot’s next attack. Smith head flicked it inside to find Mason just outside the box. The ball wouldn’t come down for him and he had to take it on the volley – firing it high and wide of the far post.

In the 84^th minute Nade was booked for dissent.

Three minutes from time Talbot won a corner down the right when Smith’s cross beyond the back post was headed behind by Cappie. Healy hit the corner into the near post where Samson’s attempted volley was blocked behind for another corner. This time it was delivered to the back post where McCracken met it but this time his header flew over the bar.

Talbot were still pushing forward and twice came close to adding to their tally. Smith cut in off the left and fired a low shot that looked to be sneaking inside the near post but McNeil got down to turn it behind for the corner. When the corner came in the defence couldn’t clear it and Talbot worked it back to McPherson in space on the edge of the box and his low drive looked to be heading into the bottom corner but again McNeil produced a good stop – diving low to his right to make the save.

As the game moved into added time Healy picked up a yellow card and Talbot saw the remaining injury time out with no alarms to secure all 3 points.

A good win over a Peasies side who looked better than their league position would suggest. Next up for Talbot it’s the visit of Broxburn in the South Challenge Cup next Saturday.

Auchinleck Talbot – Leishman, Stafford, Aiden Wilson, McPherson, McCracken, Armstrong, Park, Boyle, Boylan, Shankland, Taylor

Subs – Graham Wilson, Samson, Mason, Smith, Wardrope, Healy, Ballantyne

Petershill – McNeil, Bates, McHugh, McCabe, Gracie, Cappie, Hepburn, Marshall, Nade, Quinn, Aubrey

Subs – Hewitt, McPherson, Lachlan, McGuire

SPONSOR’S MAN OF THE MATCH AWARDS

The Loons Talbot MOM was Ally Park. Andy Leishman received the award on Ally’s behalf from Drew Milligan.

The Mauchline BC award was won by Gareth Armstrong and was presented by Johnny Eaglesham.

The Killie Travel Club MOM was won by Mark Shankland who received his award from Allan Campbell

Auchinleck Talbot v Largs Thistle

MURRAY’S MATCH REPORT, SARAH-JANES PHOTO’S

This proved to be a game of one half with Talbot securing all 3 points after stepping up a gear in the 2^nd period after a forgettable first half.

Talbot started the game positively but without forcing any clear cut chances. In the 8^th minute Wardrope worked a one-two with Aiden Wilson before cutting in off the left but his shot flew wide of the left hand post.

The next notable effort came in the 18^th minute when Taylor drifted in off the right onto his left foot and sent a shot wide of the right post.

Largs had barely been out their own half but thought they’d taken the lead in the 20^th minute. Leishman’s clearance went straight to a Largs player who hoisted it straight back down the centre. It skidded off a Talbot head into the path of Ramsey who tucked it into the net but the assistant’s flag had went up early and the goal was chalked off for offside.

Wardrope had a half chance in the 23^rd minute when Graham Wilson found him inside the area but his shot from 16 yards trundled straight at the keeper.

McPherson came to Talbot’s rescue in the 26^th minute. Ramsey burst into the area and looked set to press the trigger but McPherson slid in to make a crucial tackle.

Talbot had a great chance to take the lead in the 29^th minute. The Largs defence failed to cut out a ball to Graham Wilson and he fed it to his right to find Taylor in space inside the area; however McGowen spread himself well to block his drive at the expense of a corner.

The Largs keeper produced another good stop in the 32^nd minute. Mason controlled a ball up the left before knocking it inside to Graham Wilson on the left of the area. He fired a low drive on target from a tight angle that the keeper saved with his legs.

At the tail end of the half Talbot were denied the lead by an impressive double save. Taylor released Boyle down the right and when he squared it across Mason met it 6 yards out only for McGowen to block his effort. The rebound came to Wardrope who drilled it low on target but the keeper recovered to make the save and Talbot couldn’t force it home with Largs able to hang onto the interval.

The visitors made a change at half-time with McLeod on for Tennent.

The Bot started the 2^nd half strongly forcing a couple of corners soon after the re-start which the Largs defence coped with. In the 49^th minute Taylor did well to steal the ball at the bye line as Devine tried to let it out run out. He made it into the penalty area where his cut back was cut out and ran into the path of Armstrong. He went for goal from 18 yards and his shot across goal was deflected over the bar by Mason.

Talbot’s next attack saw Boyle on the left side of the penalty area and he touched it inside to Mason who had a half chance to hit it early but took a touch and was crowded out.

Largs had a lucky escape in the 54^th minute. Wardrope lost out in a 50/50 with Devine but the ball broke to Taylor who swept it 1^st time across the area where Graham Wilson looked set to score but he scooped it over the bar from 6 yards out.

Two minutes later Talbot were again on the attack. Boyle helped it on down the right where Graham Wilson paced down the wing before cutting it back into the penalty area for Mason but he couldn’t get it out of his feet and he prodded it wide of the left post.

Eventually Talbot’s pressure told and the Bot took the lead in the 59^th minute. Taylor got free on the right and fired a low ball into the box that Wilson just missed and AARON MASON placed it low inside the left post.

Barely a minute later Talbot doubled their lead. Boyle burst through the defence on the left and carried it into the box where he unselfishly slid it across for ROSS TAYLOR to fire it home to make it 2-0.

Largs weren’t ready to give up without a fight and threatened to pull one back in the 67^th minute. McLeod got to the bye line and lifted a dangerous cross toward the back post where Lewis saw his effort blocked en route to goal.

Three minutes later Largs passed up a clear chance to reduce the deficit. McLeod managed to wriggle past Boyle at the bye line and angled it back right into the path of Ramsey who fired it over the bar from 6 yards out.

In the 72^nd minute Wardrope intercepted a pass inside the Bot half and released Graham Wilson down the left. He raced into the area but fired wide of the right hand post under pressure.

A minute later Taylor whipped a good 1^st time ball in from the right that McCreath managed to turn behind for a corner.

Largs had a half chance in the 74^th minute. Davidson latched onto a poor clearance and threaded a pass through to Frizzell on the right of the penalty box. He fired it across goal and wide of the right hand post.

With quarter of an hour remaining Talbot made a triple substitution with Shankland, Samson and Smith coming on for Graham Wilson, Mason and Wardrope. Largs also made a further change with Adam replacing Frizzell.

Talbot threatened to extend their lead in the 77^th minute. Samson sped clear on the right and pulled it back into the path of Taylor whose low drive looked net bound til blocked by a defender.

Tucker now made another change with Healey making his return from injury – coming on for Taylor.

Six minutes from time Shankland swept the ball from left to right to find Healey who held it up before releasing Stafford on the overlap. His cross was blocked behind for the corner and when it came over McCracken met it to volley over the bar.

A minute later Talbot grabbed a 3^rd goal to seal matters. McCreath misjudged a header back to his keeper under pressure and sent it wide of McGowen where KIER SAMSON raced onto it to pass it into the empty net.

Two minutes from time Talbot nearly added a 4^th. Stafford hared up the right and fizzed a ball across the face of goal that Samson just failed to convert at the back post.

A minute later Healey cushioned the ball into the path of Boyle who volleyed over. Talbot now made their final change with Ballantyne on for Boyle.

the game moved into added time Talbot had one final opportunity. Ballantyne was wrestled to the deck out wide on the right and Talbot took the free kick short working it to Healey who fired a ball to the far post where Smith was inches from connecting.

A good 3 points for the Bot who return to league action this Saturday when they host Petershill at Beechwood.

Auchinleck Talbot – Leishman, Stafford, Aiden Wilson, McPherson, McCracken, Armstrong, Wardrope, Boyle, Graham Wilson, Mason, Taylor

Subs – Shankland, Boylan, Samson, Smith, Ballantyne, Healey, Park

Largs Thistle – McGowen, Tennent, Devine, Hughes, McCreath, Davidson, Martin, McBryde, Ramsey, Frizzell, Lewis

Subs – McMaster, McLeod, Thomson, O’Hare, Adam, Walker

Auchinleck Talbot v Largs Thistle

TEST 123

Auchinleck Talbot v Cambuslang Rangers

MURRAYS REPORT. PHOTO’S: SARAH JANE HOY

Talbot climbed to 4^th in the table, doing it the hard way, having to come from a goal down to beat Cambuslang on a blustery day at Beechwood.

The Bot made a bright start and nearly opened the scoring in the 2^nd minute. Samson laid the ball off into the path of Graham Wilson who burst clear on the right and went through one on one with the keeper but his namesake came out on top – making a good save with his outstretched leg to deny Talbot the lead.

The visitors couldn’t get out the bit in the early stages with Talbot pegging them back and forcing a series of corners which the Lang defence coped with.

In the 10^th minute Talbot again came close. Taylor swung over a good cross from the right that Samson tried to meet in the centre with an overhead kick. He just failed to make contact but it cannoned off a defender behind him and was heading in for an own goal til the keeper dived low to his left to make the stop.

On the 13^th minute Samson won a corner down the left. Wardrope whipped in a great delivery that the keeper flapped at and it broke off a defender out to Stafford 10 yards out whose low drive was heading in til deflected wide by Greenwood.

A minute later Talbot were back on the attack. Wardrope intercepted a slack pass midway inside the Lang half and sprang forward before feeding it out to Graham Wilson on the left of the area. He drilled it for goal but the keeper made a good stop.

At this stage it was all Talbot and Graham Wilson had a half chance on the quarter hour mark when he found himself in space just outside the area but his shot flew just over the bar.

In the 17^th minute Talbot won a free kick out on the left which Wardrope curled into the centre where it was headed on target but again the keeper did well.

Cambuslang’s first effort at goal came after 20 mins when Reid let fly from 30 yards – firing a powerful shot straight at Leishman.

Talbot’s next chance came in the 24^th minute. Samson met Taylor’s cross from the right and glanced it across the area. Wardrope retrieved it and went for goal from a tight angle and Wilson blocked it behind at his near post.

A minute later Talbot won a free kick in a good area when Graham Wilson was clipped just outside the box. Wardrope took it but fired his shot straight into the wall.

In the 28^th minute Nelson received the first caution of the afternoon for kicking the ball away.

Cambuslang had a chance in the 31^st minute when Anson won them a free kick 22 yards out. Nelson took it and hit a decent effort that was always going a little too high and wide.

Talbot’s next attack should have seen them move ahead. Armstrong played it out to the overlapping Wardrope and his cross into the centre found Taylor racing onto it 6 yards out but his header was deflected behind for a corner.

Five minutes from half time Talbot again threatened in the Lang penalty area. Wardrope’s free kick into the area was headed clear by Breslin but retrieved on the right by Armstrong. He fed it back to McPherson and his looping cross was met by Wardrope whose first time shot was heading on target but was blocked by a defender.

Both sides had a chance a piece in the closing stages of the half. In the 43^rd minute a cross from the right skimmed off Park’s head and came to Nelson on the left of the penalty area and he fired a shot wide of the right post. Down the other end Graham Wilson broke forward before releasing it to Aiden Wilson. His pass found Samson inside the area and his low drive was turned round the right post by the keeper with the sides trooping in shortly after goal less at the interval.

There were no new faces at the start of the 2^nd half but Talbot made a tactical shift with Park moving to right back and Taylor to right midfield.

The Bot almost made the perfect start to the 2^nd half when Aiden Wilson’s cross was flicked on by the head of Graham Wilson into the path of Samson 6 yards out. He hooked a shot on target but it flew straight at the keeper who held it.

Reid became the 2^nd Lang player in the book when he received a yellow card for a tackle through the back of Wardrope in the 51^st minute. Wardrope took the resultant free kick but it lacked the power to trouble the keeper.

Talbot fell behind in the 54^th minute and it was a poor goal to lose from a defensive point of view. A shy was taken quickly on the right into Reid and he was allowed time & space to thread a pass through to Leighton inside the area. He squared the ball across and NELSON had plenty of time to cut onto his right foot and pass the ball beyond Leishman.

In the 62^nd minute a ball over the top found Graham Wilson inside the penalty area. His first touch took him a tad wide but he managed to fire a shot on target that the keeper blocked at his near post.

Two minutes later Talbot passed up a golden chance to level. A ball down the right was flicked on into the path of Boyle and he raced up the line before cutting it across the face of goal where Samson looked certain to score but he scooped his shot over the bar.

The visitors now made a change with Maxwell on in place of Scott.

With 69 mins on the clock Talbot grabbed the equaliser. Taylor won a corner down the right and when Wardrope delivered it into the centre CHRIS STAFFORD ran onto it to power a free header beyond the keeper.

In the 72^nd minute Talbot had a half chance when Boyle met a shy from the right and laid it back to Graham Wilson on the edge of the area but he fired well wide of the left post.

The Lang goal led a charmed life moments later. Wardrope cut in on off the left and tried to steer a shot into the opposite corner only for the keeper to get down and make a good save low to his left. The loose ball was then squared back across and Boyle met it only to see his shot come off the base of the left hand post. It came out to the 6 yard area where a scramble ensued and the ref gave Cambuslang a free kick.

Talbot’s pressure did pay off soon after as they moved in front on the 75^th minute. Taylor raced in behind wide on the right and his low ball across goal was deflected into his own net at the near post by REID to put Talbot 2-1 ahead.

Cambuslang now made a further change with Richford on for Brennan.

It was game over in the 78^th minute when Talbot grabbed their 3^rd. Graham Wilson got in behind on the right and hit the bye line before cutting it back for KIER SAMSON whose shot from 6 yards saw the keeper get a good hand to it but it spun away into the back of the net.

Two minutes later Talbot thought they were in again when Wardrope’s reverse pass sent Samson free of the defence but it fell foul of a marginal offside call.

In the 82^nd minute Breslin received a caution when he brought Graham Wilson down just to the right of the penalty area. Before the free kick was taken Talbot made a double change with Mason & Boylan coming on for Graham Wilson and Samson. Wardrope took the free kick and swung it beyond the far post where McPherson stooped to meet it but couldn’t direct his header on target.

Four minutes from time Armstrong received a yellow card for a challenge on Maxwell. Talbot now made further changes with Wardrope and Taylor making way for Crawford and Smith.

In the final minute Smith was caught just outside the penalty box by Richford who was booked for the challenge. Smith took the set piece and delivered a dangerous ball into the goal mouth which Breslin managed to head clear.

A good recovery from Talbot who kept at it after going behind against the run of play to secure the win. Next up for Talbot it’s back to Beechwood for a midweek league encounter with Largs Thistle.