Townhead Park – Auchinleck Talbot Football Club

Cumnock Juniors v Auchinleck Talbot

Cumnock Juniors v Auchinleck Talbot

Cumnock Juniors v Auchinleck Talbot

Cumnock Juniors v Auchinleck Talbot

Cumnock v Auchinleck Talbot

Cumnock Juniors v Auchinleck Talbot

Cumnock Juniors v Auchinleck Talbot


April 27, 2024 14:00 N/A Arthurlie v Auchinleck Talbot


May 11, 2024 14:00 N/A Benburb v Auchinleck Talbot

Player	Appearances	Goals	Assists	YC	RC
Neill McPherson	38	1	0	3	0
Connor Boyd	38	17	6	4	0
Neil Slooves	37	4	0	3	1
Ross Smith	36	14	5	6	0

MAKESHIFT TALBOT TAKE DERBY DAY HONOURS.

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

The odd penalty shoot-out notwithstanding, Townhead has been a happy hunting ground for Talbot in recent years and the Bot’s impressive away record continued yesterday.

Talbot started with an unfamiliar looking back 4 due to injuries with Boyle slotting in at right-back and Aiden Wilson partnering Slooves in the centre.

The opening spell was as you would expect in a derby – frenetic – with neither side making any clear cut chances. The only half chance coming the home side’s way when Buchanan swung over a dangerous cross from the right that Slooves did well to head clear.

An early goal helps settle any nerves and Talbot made the breakthrough in the 10^th minute. Wardrope started the move when he found Boyd inside the Nock half. He switched it inside to Glasgow who laid it off into the path of MICHAEL WARDROPE who burst through the centre into the box and slotted it low past Barclay.

Talbot’s next attack saw Boyd head the ball inside to find Wardrope on the right of the area. He cut in on his left foot but lost his footing before he could get a shot away.

Moments later Talbot were back on the front foot. The ball spun high across the area toward Boyd but he was closed down as he went to volley it and the ball deflected harmlessly through to Barclay.

In the 17^th min Glasgow won a corner down the right that was worked short between Wardrope & Glasgow – allowing Wardrope to cut in on the angle and drill a shot at goal that was blocked en route by Armstrong.

Cumnock weren’t offering much going forward and their first effort at goal came in the 26^th minute. Frye’s low ball across the area broke out to Willett at the edge. He was closed down before he could shoot but squared it to McLaughlin who sliced a shot high & wide of goal.

In the 29^th minute Boyd won a corner on the right when his cross was deflected behind. Slooves met Wardrope’s delivery but it hit off him rather than him hitting it and bounced through to the keeper.

A minute later Cumnock had their 1^st effort on target when McLaughlin fired a cross cum shot in from the left that was comfortably held by Henry.

Glasgow had his name taken in the 33^rd minute when he worked a one-two with Boyd outside the area before driving into the box. He went over looking for a penalty but the referee produced a yellow card for simulation.

He was joined in the ref’s notebook a minute later by McLaughlin for a cynical foul on Langan as he burst forward.

Boylan pounced on a Cumnock mistake in the 37^th minute to surge forward down the left before firing it across to Glasgow whose ball back across goal was blocked behind for a corner. When Wardrope’s corner came over Boyd met it in the centre but powered a header just over the bar.

In the 40^th minute Wilson picked up a knock that saw him have to go off for treatment and Cumnock took full advantage. A ball in from the right was met by McLaughlin who cushioned it into the path of BUCHANAN who fired past Henry to make it 1-1.

A minute from the interval Talbot restored their lead. Armstrong launched it down the left where Boylan controlled it before speeding past his man and cutting it back across goal where CONNOR BOYD side-footed it inside the left post to make it 2-1.

Boyd had a half chance to grab another in the final moments of the half when Langan’s pass sent him through but he tried to check inside and a covering defender got back to make the challenge.

Deep into injury time Wilson conceded a free kick near the bye line for a sliding challenge that also saw him pick up a yellow card. Willett swung it high toward the back post where Wilson headed it clear in the last action of the half and Talbot headed up the drawbridge a goal to the good.

Cumnock had to chase the game and came out positively at the start of the 2^nd half without really looking dangerous in the final third. There was a moment of worry for Bot fans in the 52^nd minute when a mix-up between Henry and his defence saw them leave the ball to one another before it was eventually cleared.

The home side found themselves a man down in the 56^th minute. Ferry intercepted a pass just inside his own half but took a heavy touch and surrendered possession to Boyd who burst past him before being hauled to the ground, resulting in a straight red for Cumnock’s defender.

Just shy of the hour mark Boyle drilled a low ball in off the right to find Boyd in the area. He did well to hold off a couple of challenges and spin to fire a shot on target but it flew straight at Barclay.

Down the other end, Conn cut in off the right flank and drilled a left foot shot wide of Henry’s left hand post.

Talbot’s next effort came in the 65^th minute when Glasgow fired over the bar from 25 yards out.

Both sides made a change in the 67^th minute – Smith replacing Boyd up top for Talbot and Veitch on for McLaughlin for the home side.

A minute later Armstrong was harshly penalised for a challenge on Willett when the initial foul appeared to be by Cumnock’s full-back. The ref thought otherwise though and awarded Cumnock the free kick 35 yards out that was flighted into the area where it broke to Buchanan 17 yards out and he sliced a shot way over the bar.

Another goal would’ve killed the game off and Talbot had a good chance to do so in the 74^th minute. A ball up the right was laid inside to Glasgow who took it in his stride and raced into the area but fired just wide of Barclay’s left post.

In the 77^th minute Cumnock broke down the left and the ball was pulled back into the path of Willett but he couldn’t get it out of his feet and the ball ran harmlessly behind for the goal kick.

Eight minutes from time Langan received a caution for a shirt tug on Willett and Talbot made a double change with Thomson & Urquhart on for Glasgow & Langan.

It was game over in the 84^th minute when Talbot added their third. Thomson switched play from right to left to find Smith running at the defence and as he cut inside the area he was up-ended by Frye and the ref pointed to the spot. ROSS SMITH took the pen himself and sent Barclay the wrong way to make it 3-1 to Talbot.

Talbot now made a final change with Lennox replacing Wardrope.

Into added time Talbot nearly topped it off with a fourth. Lennox met a ball up the centre and laid it off to Boylan on the right of the penalty area whose low drive was blocked by Barclay. The rebound came out to Lennox who met it on the volley and fired just wide of the right hand post.

A good win for Talbot that moves them a little further up the league table. Next up – Talbot are in midweek action when they host Largs Thistle under the Beechwood floodlights on Wednesday night.

Cumnock Juniors – Barclay, McLennan, Willett, Brown, Ferry, Watt, Buchanan, Frye, Conn, McLaughlin, McLaughlin

Subs – McKernon, Veitch, Young, Sewell, Wilson, Jamieson, Strain (gk)

Auchinleck Talbot – Henry, Wilson, Gillies, Slooves, Armstrong, Boyle, Wardrope, Langan, Boyd, Boylan, Glasgow

Subs – Smith, Thomson, Urquhart, Lennox, Schoneville, McPherson, Kennedy

TALBOT EDGE IT IN FIVE GOAL THRILLER.

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

Talbot avenged last season’s Scottish cup exit with a well-deserved win over old rivals Cumnock at Townhead Park – knocking out the cup holders in front of a large & loud visiting contingent.

The Bot started the game positively and had the afternoon’s first chance in the 3^rd minute. Thomson won a corner down the left which Wardrope delivered into the centre. Frye’s attempted headed clearance went straight up into the air and following a scramble inside the 6-yard area, Slooves lifted a shot over the bar.

Cumnock’s first chance came in the 6^th minute when Veitch showed good pace down the left to get to the byline and cut it back into the area. Talbot cleared it but only out as far as Sewell who steered a half-volley well-wide from 20 yards.

A minute later Talbot had a decent chance to take the lead. McLennan failed to deal with a cross from the right and Thomson was able to nick in front of him and lay it back to Smith who drove over the bar from 10 yards out.

Talbot’s next attack again saw them go close. A quick counter saw Talbot shift it from left to right to find Glasgow in space and when his low centre came over Smith looked set to score but a Nock defender made a crucial challenge to deny him.

In the 16^th minute McCracken lifted it down the centre where the Cumnock defence failed to head it clear. It came out to Wardrope 20 odd yards from goal and his dipping half-volley came close to breaking the deadlock.

Cumnock had a good chance of their own in the 22^nd minute. McGaughey’s pace won Cumnock a corner down the left which was delivered beyond the back post. Frye headed it back across goal where Talbot managed to scramble it away but only as far as Veitch who crossed it to the back post for Buchanan whose header was held by Glavin.

Down the other end Glasgow tried his luck from 35 yards – firing it on target but straight at Barclay.

Talbot had a let off in the 29^th minute when the ball came to Jamieson in space down the right of the penalty area. His shot took a slight deflection off Slooves and skimmed off the top of the crossbar.

The next chance also came Cumnock’s way when Veitch drilled a low effort on target from outside the area that Glavin held.

At the other end Glasgow was inches away from connecting with a dangerous cross from the left.

The opener came in the 35^th minute and it went to the home side. Willett’s shimmy on the touchline fooled a couple of Bot defenders allowing him the space to pick out his cross to the near post where JAMIESON’s shot from 6 yards squeezed past Glavin who got a hand to it but couldn’t keep it out.

The goal deflated Talbot for a period and Cumnock looked content to sit on their lead. The Bot did have a half chance in the 43^rd minute when Smith found Gillies out on the left and his cross to the near post was met by Smith but he couldn’t get his header on target. The half ended with Cumnock on the front foot – forcing a couple of corners – but Talbot rode out the pressure and went in at the break a goal down.

Tucker made a change during the interval with Langan on in place of Boyle.

Talbot started the 2^nd half strongly. In the 48^th minute Wardrope was racing through the centre when taken out by Buchanan. The ref allowed the advantage and Talbot broke down the left through Thomson who cut inside but fired well-wide of target. The ref then booked Buchanan for the earlier challenge.

Talbot were rewarded for their quick start in the 50^th minute when they won penalty. McPherson climbed well to flick on a ball down the right into the path of Glasgow who was up-ended as he tried to get on the end of it and the ref pointed to the spot. ROSS SMITH took it and finished confidently – blasting it high inside the left post to make it 1-1.

In the 57^th minute Talbot made their 2^nd change with Boyd replacing Thomson.

The momentum was with Talbot and the Bot took the lead in the 62^nd minute. A Talbot break saw Wardope carry the ball toward the box before finding Glasgow who ball shifted out left to Gillies whose low drive across goal was blocked by Barclay. Cumnock were unable to clear their lines and when it came to Smith 16 yards out with his back to goal he teed it back to MICHAEL WARDROPE who drilled a low shot inside the right hand post to put Talbot 2-1 ahead.

It was all Talbot now and the Bot’s next attack saw Glasgow on the left of the area sliding it wide to Wardrope whose low cross was well cut out by the defence.

Talbot grabbed their 3^rd goal in the 69^th minute. A Bot counter-attack found Glasgow down the left of the area. His shot was blocked by Barclay but the rebound fell for ROSS SMITH who coolly placed it home to extend Talbot’s lead.

Cumnock now made a flurry of substitutions with McGaughey and Buchanan leaving the field and Conn and McLaughlin coming on.

It was nearly game over in Talbot’s next attack. Gillies low cross was deflected by Sewell and went inches wide of Barclay’s right post with the keeper helpless.

The home side were thrown a lifeline in the 74^th minute when they reduced the leeway. McLaughlin forced a corner down the right which the Bot defence could only clear to the edge of the area. It was worked out to McLaughlin in space on the left and his ball across the face was tucked home from 6 yards out by MCLENNAN.

Talbot had a great chance to regain their two goal cushion in their next attack. Wardrope slid a pass through the defence to find Smith on the right of the penalty area. He squared it across to Glasgow who looked set to score but his shot was blocked on its way to target by a defender with the keeper stranded.

In the 79^th minute Langan had his name taken for ending a Cumnock counter-attack and a minute later Talbot made a further change with Boylan coming on for Smith.

Boyd then received a soft yellow card for an innocuous challenge.

The Bot’s next foray forward saw Wardrope lift a good ball over the defence trying to find Boyd down the left but Barclay read it and raced out his area to clear.

With 5 minutes remaining Talbot made their final change with Glasgow making way for Wilson.

Boylan nearly added his name to the scoresheet soon after. He cut in off the right and hammered a left foot drive just wide of the left post.

As the game moved into added time Jamieson had a half chance for the hosts. Talbot failed to clear a high ball down the centre and it broke to Jamieson 25 yards out who tried to lob it in but lifted it well-wide.

The home side had one final chance deep into added time when they won a corner down the left. It was delivered to the far post where it was headed wide of target and the ref blew up for full-time and the celebrations could begin in earnest.

A good afternoon’s work by Talbot who thoroughly merited their win and will be hoping this will kick-start the rest of the season. Next up for Talbot it is back to Beechwood where they host Arniston Rangers in the South Challenge cup.

Cumnock – Barclay, Sewell, Willett, McLennan, Ferry, Dickie, Buchanan, Frye, Jamieson, McGauchey, Veitch

Subs – McLaughlan, Carnwath, Conn, McKernon, Wilson, McLaughlin, Strain (gk)

Auchinleck Talbot – Glavin, McCracken, Gillies, Slooves, McPherson, Wardrope, Boyle, Armstrong, Thomson, Smith, Glasgow

Subs – Boylan, Urquhart, Abed, Langan, Boyd, Wilson

MURRAY’S REPORT. SARAH JANES PHOTO’S

Talbot kept their title hopes alive with a thrilling win over old rivals Cumnock with the large crowd certainly getting their money’s worth.

The first chance of the afternoon came Talbot’s way in the 6^th minute. Graham Wilson flicked the ball into the path of Boylan who was upended just outside the penalty area. Wardrope took the free kick and his effort flew just over the crossbar.

The Bot’s next foray into the Nock half saw Stafford race up the wing before drilling a low ball across the penalty area that Samson dummied for Graham Wilson but the Nock defence did well to intercept.

Cumnock then had a good spell of pressure forcing a string of corners but without any end product.

In the 20^th minute Cumnock again won a corner when McCracken turned Moore’s 1^st time ball across the face of goal behind. When the corner came in Talbot failed to clear it and fell to Frye who thought he’d scored when he lashed a shot goalward but it cannoned off the underside of the bar and Talbot were able to scramble it behind for a corner. When the corner came over Fisher came and claimed it.

Action then switched to the other end where Samson got in behind down the left and cut the ball back to Boyle at the edge of the area. He had a chance to shoot but opted instead to thread a pass through to Aiden Wilson but it had too much on it and ran out for the goal kick.

The large travelling support were up in arms in the 34^th minute when Talbot were denied what looked to be a stonewall penalty. Samson flicked the ball into the path of Graham Wilson who was bundled over from behind as he ran onto it but the referee waved away the appeals.

A minute later Aiden Wilson’s accurate diagonal pass found Boylan in space down the right. He drilled it first time into the centre where the defence cleared.

In the 41^st minute a ball over the top found Moore in behind the defence. He looked offside but the flag stayed down and he raced into the penalty area where he took a slightly heavy touch and then went to the deck when confronted by Fisher in a vain attempt to win a penalty.

The first yellow card of the afternoon came in the 43^rd minute when Graham Wilson was cautioned for a late challenge on Willet.

Right on the stroke of half-time Wardrope flighted an inch perfect pass over Willet’s head to find Boylan racing down the right side of the penalty area and his shot clipped the outside of the left post and the sides went in deadlocked at the interval.

Talbot came out flying at the start of the 2^nd half and won a corner in the 48^th minute when Graham Wilson’s ball across the face was met by Boylan and his header deflected behind. When the corner came over Graham Wilson powered a header on target that Barclay could only parry and it came to KIER SAMSON who tucked it low inside the left hand post to put Talbot one ahead.

Four minutes later Talbot doubled their lead. Samson rose well to head the ball into the path of Graham Wilson down the left and he crossed it over to find BRYAN BOYLAN in space who controlled it on his chest before blasting a left foot volley into the roof of the net.

Cumnock were down but not out and they were thrown a lifeline in the 56^th minute when Talbot conceded a soft goal. A long shy from the right came off a Talbot head and sailed over to the far corner of the 6-yard box where FRYE slotted it home.

Tucker made his first change of the afternoon in the 63^rd minute when Boyle limped off to be replaced by Park.

Cumnock levelled the match in the 68^th minute. They won a corner down the left and when it was delivered to the far post SHARPE out-jumped Fisher to power a header home and make it 2-2.

The game was then held up for a bit due to some handbags at dawn argy bargy between the fans down by the corner flag. Eventually Cumnock’s stewards appeared and after order was restored play resumed.

Frye ought to have had his name taken for a late challenge on Wardrope but not only did he escape the booking the ref and his assistant managed to miss the foul altogether.

In the 77^th minute Wardrope saw his shot from 19 yards deflected wide for a corner and this proved to be his last involvement of the afternoon as he made way for Taylor. When the corner came in Cumnock cleared it and promptly raced onto the counter-attack through Moore who was hauled down by Park who took one for the team and received a yellow card for his trouble.

The turning point of the game came in the 79^th minute when Cumnock missed a glaring opportunity to take the lead. Sewell floated over a dangerous cross from the right that found Moore in space beyond the far post but with the goal gaping he headed wide of target.

Talbot now made a further change with Mason coming on for Boylan.

In the 88^th minute Talbot came very close to regaining the lead. Taylor met a shy from the left and created the space for himself to fire off a shot from 18 yards that flew just the wrong side of the right hand post.

A minute later McCracken had his name taken for halting a Cumnock counter-attack.

As the game headed into added time Talbot won a free kick midway inside the Nock half for a foul on Graham Wilson. Healy pinged it over the defence and beyond the far post where Graham Wilson cushioned it back across for AARON MASON to steer a low left foot shot past Barclay and put Talbot 3-2 ahead.

There then followed a bizarre incident as the referee ran around aimlessly with a red card out but seemed confused as to who it was actually meant for and finally put it back into his pocket.

In the 96^th minute Talbot put the game beyond doubt with a fourth goal. McCracken carried it out from the back before slipping the ball to AARON MASON who showed the defence a clean pair of heels racing from just inside the Nock half before sliding the ball past Barclay to make it 4-2.

A great away win for Talbot who are back at Beechwood next Saturday where they host Gartcairn in the West of Scotland cup quarter-final.

Cumnock Juniors – Barclay, Sewell, Willet, Ferry, McAusland, Dickie, Wilson, McLaughlin, Sharpe, Frye, Moore

Subs – Strain, Carnwath, Ross, McLean, Dolan, Boyd, Conn

Auchinleck Talbot – Fisher, Stafford, Aiden Wilson, McCracken, McPherson, Boyle, Boylan, Wardrope, Samson, Graham Wilson, Healy

Subs – Taylor, Smith, Mason, Park, Ballantyne, Crawford

MURRAYS REPORT

Talbot paid the penalty for drawing a blank as their reign as Scottish Junior cup holders ended at Townhead Park after a penalty shoot-out loss to Cumnock.

On an afternoon of few clear cut chances Talbot had the first effort on target in the 9^th minute. Shankland tried a curler from just inside the area that Barclay saved under his bar.

In the 20^th minute Shankland flicked the ball out wide right to find Park in space and he drilled it into the penalty area where Boylan met it but fired well wide of target.

A minute later Talbot came close to taking the lead. Park hoisted an up & under cross that the home defence failed to deal with. It broke to Graham Wilson inside the area and he flashed a shot across goal that flew off a defender’s head and went just over his own crossbar.

Cumnock’s first threat came in the 23^rd minute. Leishman came out to punch a cross clear and the ball came out to Wilson whose shot was blocked. Cumnock were first to the rebound and the ball was played down the left of the penalty area towards Moore who took a fresh air swipe before it went behind for the goal kick.

Veitch became the first player in the book when he was cautioned in the 26^th minute for clipping Aiden Wilson’s heels as he broke out of defence.

In the 36^th minute Talbot had a defensive scare when Leishman came for Carnwath’s hanging cross. He spilled it and the subsequent shot was deflected behind for a corner kick.

Two minutes later Moore managed to get onto a long ball over the top and turned McPherson but dragged his shot wide of the left hand post.

Five minutes before the interval Talbot were caught out when Veitch dispossessed Park deep in the Nock half and hit it long down the left wing. Moore controlled it and raced into the penalty area where he looked certain to score but Leishman produced a top save to deny him, diving low to his right to turn it away.

In added time Carnwath became the 2^nd Nock player cautioned when he was yellow carded for a foul on Graham Wilson and soon after the ref’s whistle put an end to the 1^st half.

Talbot made a change during the interval with Taylor coming on in place of Boylan.

Two minutes after the restart Taylor surged down the right and won a corner off Willet. Wardrope knocked a good ball in but the Cumnock defence were able to clear.

In the 51^st minute Armstrong played it down the right to Graham Wilson and he switched it to the far side of the area to pick out Shankland. He held off the challenge of McAusland but lost his footing as he hit it and Barclay was able to smother the ball.

A minute later Talbot came within a whisker of taking the lead. Graham Wilson latched onto a ball over the top and fired it first time across goal where Barclay got a hand to it to turn it onto the crossbar.

Talbot were having a good spell and had a great chance to take the lead in the 56^th minute. Wardrope did well out on the left and swept a good ball across the area that Park ran onto unmarked but he side-footed it wide of the left post.

In the 63^rd minute Cumnock made a triple substitution with Carnwath, Tart & Veitch making way for Dolan, McLaughlin and Ferry.

Two minutes later Talbot passed up a chance when Taylor squared the ball to Shankland inside the box. He had a chance to hit it but tried a pass instead and the defence were able to clear.

Talbot’s next opportunity came in the 73^rd minute. Wardrope whipped over a good cross from the right toward Taylor. It broke into the path of Shankland 16 yards out and his half-volley was tipped over the bar by Barclay.

Cumnock now made another change with Conn replacing Boyd up top.

Graham Wilson picked up what looked to be a very soft yellow card in the 78^th minute.

With 8 minutes remaining Talbot made their 2^nd and final change with Mason coming on for Shankland.

In the 84^th minute Wilson received a caution when he took one for the team when he stopped Taylor as he looked to race down the right.

In the closing stages Talbot picked up two late bookings – Stafford for a foul on Conn and then Armstrong for an aerial challenge.

As the clock ticked down Cumnock were in the ascendancy and threatened the Bot goal late on when Ferry’s long shy from the right went straight across the 6-yard area and just eluded Moore beyond the back post.

Into injury time Cumnock had the final chance when they broke down the right and Conn angled it back into the centre where Stafford was well positioned to clear.

It was now down to penalties and Cumnock were first to take with Moore sending Leishman the wrong way to put the home side 1 up. Graham Wilson drilled Talbot’s first penalty low inside the right post to level it before McLennan put his penalty in the same spot to restore Cumnock’s lead. Mason then levelled it for Talbot sending Barclay the wrong way. Next up for Cumnock it was McAusland and Leishman managed to save his penalty to his left. Armstrong was next up for Talbot and Barclay guessed correctly – diving to his right to keep it out.

Jamie Wilson put Cumnock 3-2 ahead before Taylor thumped Talbot level with a decisive strike inside the right post. Frye stepped up to take Cumnock’s 5^th penalty and gave Leishman no chance as he hit it low inside the left post. Wardrope was last up for Talbot and needed to score but he blazed his effort way over the bar and Cumnock went through 4-3 on penalties.

A disappointing afternoon for the large travelling support but the Bot have no time to dwell on it as they’re back in league action on Wednesday night when they take on Clydebank under the floodlights at Beechwood.

Cumnock Juniors – Barclay, Carnwath, Tart, McAusland, McLennan, Veitch, Frye, Wilson, Moore, Boyd, Willet

Subs – Dolan, McLaughlin, Ross, Conn, Sharpe, Ferry, Strain

Auchinleck Talbot – Leishman, Stafford, Aiden Wilson, McPherson, McCracken, Armstrong, Wardrope, Park, Graham Wilson, Shankland, Boylan

Subs – Mason, Taylor, Ballantyne, Crawford, Lennox, Samson, White

WHAT A START FOR CUMNOCK!!! From a very early corner, Cumnock take the lead through a great header from Greg Ferry across the face of goal. 1-0.

The smile of a man that’s just scored for his team in a BIG derby game.

Samson gets stopped in his tracks, as he races up the wing.

Keir Samson wins the aerial battle, as Mason races up to support.

CUMNOCK DOUBLE THEIR LEAD!!! The hosts win a penalty and up steps Finlay Frye who sends Big Andy the wrong way and slots the ball into the bottom corner of the net. 2-0.

The Cumnock players certainly enjoy themselves celebrating their second goal.

The Cumnock players can’t stop smiling after doubling their lead.

Osadolor goes for an unorthodox spectacular inside the Talbot box but the strike gets blocked by Big Neily.

Talbot’s new signing (on loan), Chris Stafford, makes his presence known in the middle of the park.

McCracken really goes airborne and heads the ball away from danger.

Another Talbot attack gets firmly stopped by Cumnock, as Aiden Wilson finds himself with no where to go on the wing.

Although under pressure, Jamie Glasgow still manages to fire a pass up the park.

Samson watches, as Healy tries to muscle his way through the Cumnock defence.

After a bit of ‘handbags’, the Talbot players dish out some pelters to the Cumnock player being pushed away by his team-mate.

McPherson looks up and goes on a devastating run down the park.

The Cumnock players struggle to compete against ‘Pee-wee’, as he wins the ball inside the box.

Craig McCracken finds himself with space to send a header towards goal but the ball goes wide of the post.

OH SO CLOSE!!! After going on a great run, Glasgow unleashes a thunderous long range strike but the ball, unfortunately, smashes off the crossbar instead.

Both players and the crowd let their feelings known to the man in the middle.

Cumnock fire in a free-kick from a great position but the big blue wall stands firm and blocks the shot.

GOOOOAL!!! Samson takes flight and heads the ball into the back of the net. 2-1.

Stafford goes chasing, as he races down the wing.

PENALTY!!! Dwayne gets bundled over inside the box, as he is about to pull the trigger.

COMEBACK IS ON!!! The Talbot bench look on, as up steps ‘Shankers’ who smashes the ball into the back of the net and equalises for Talbot. 2-2.

Talbot fans of all ages go berserk after Mark nets from the spot.

UN-BELEIVEABLE!!! What a turnaround for Talbot, as they take the lead through Boylan who latches onto a cross and slots the ball home. 2-3.

WHAT-A-FEELING!!! NOTHING BETTER IN THE WORLD!!!

‘Shankers’ gets fouled in a mid-air tussle for the ball…

Another Talbot attack gets thwarted, as Cumnock fire the ball away from danger.

Glasgow, again, tries his luck from outside the box but fails to find the back of the net.

A very much cool, clam and collected stare from Wullie Lyle, as Talbot see out the game.

The full-time whistle gets blown and the Talbot fans go absolutely nuts! WHAT-A-VICTORY!!!

And there is nothing better to celebrate a massive derby win, than with your family.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY PAUL FLYNN.

MURRAYS MATCH REPORT

They who laugh last laugh longest and the Bot support had the last laugh in this thrilling derby encounter as the Bot came back from two goals adrift to clinch a win over Cumnock.

Talbot couldn’t really have made a worse start and Cumnock looked the more determined side, forcing a corner within a minute and shortly after Frye turning inside the box but firing well wide of goal.

Therefore it wasn’t really a shock when Cumnock took the lead in the 4^th minute. The goal was a poor one to lose from Talbot’s point of view; initially conceding an unnecessary corner down the left & then being caught sleeping by the ball into the near post where FERRY nicked in to power a header home.

It took until the 10^th minute before Talbot fashioned a chance. Mason squared the ball inside to find Glasgow in space just outside the area but he curled his shot well over the bar.

In the 16^th minute Cumnock won a free kick in a good area after Stafford was penalised for a challenge on Martin. The free kick was swept into the centre where Leishman rose to punch it clear. Talbot now launched a swift counter-attack with Healy finding Wilson down the left & he in turn played it up to Glasgow. Talbot had a good penalty shout when Murdoch tugged the shirt off Glasgow inside the area but the officials waved play on and Talbot had to settle for a corner that came to nothing.

The home side came close to doubling their lead in the 20^th minute. Conn latched onto a ball down the right and showed a clean pair of heels to McPherson & McCracken before cutting the ball back across goal where Osadolor ran onto it & steered a shot at goal that Leishman touched onto the bar and over.

One minute later Talbot conceded a dubious penalty following the intercession of the assistant ref. Glasgow jumped & blocked a cross from the right but it appeared to hit his arm just outside the area. Initially the referee gave nothing but following vociferous appeals from Cumnock & a consultation with his assistant he gave the penalty. FRYE took it and sent Leishman the wrong way to put Cumnock 2-0 ahead.

The 2^nd goal spurred Cumnock on and they looked well in control & the more likely side to grab the next goal. In the 29^th minute a diagonal pass found Martin wide on the left & he teed it up for Frye whose shot was blocked behind by the head of McPherson.

A defensive mix-up by Cumnock gifted Talbot a corner in the 34^th minute. A misjudged back pass forcing Hughes to scramble the ball behind for the corner and when it came over Stafford glanced a header wide of target.

Cumnock were forced into a change in the 40^th minute when Martin left the field following a facial injury to be replaced by Douglas.

Gradually Talbot began to exert some pressure and ended the half on the front foot. In the 42^nd minute Glasgow won a free kick out on the left. He took the set piece & played it into the centre where Samson’s head flick on broke off a Nock defender and drifted wide of the far post.

In the closing minute of the half Healy did well out on the left to cut into the penalty area & float a cross over to the back post where Glasgow headed it against the left post.

The half ended with a traditional derby stramash with players from both sides jostling one another in the centre & when the dust settled the ref booked Frye and called the 1^st half to a halt.

Talbot emerged unchanged for the 2^nd half but with a greater sense of urgency than they’d shown in the 1^st period. The Bot won a couple of free kicks in decent areas in the opening spell but failed to test the keeper on either occasion. Firstly, Mason fired into the wall from 30 yards out and then Glasgow’s free kick into the centre was met by McCracken but he glanced it wide of goal.

Tucker made what proved to be an inspired double switch in the 62^nd minute with Boyd & Mason making way for Shankland & Boylan.

Glasgow was very unfortunate not to cut back Cumnock’s lead in the 64^th minute when he struck a shot from 20 yards that had the keeper beatne but struck off the crossbar.

Cumnock hadn’t emerged from their defensive shell after the re-start but they had the Bot defence at full stretch in the 67^th minute when Conn made a lung bursting run through the centre, leaving players in his wake, before finally being impeded by McCracken just outside the area; resulting in a booking for Talbot’s centre-half & a free kick in a dangerous area. McAusland took it but fired it straight into the wall.

The Talbot fightback commenced in the 70^th minute. McCracken gathered the ball out on the right & delivered a superb cross right onto the head of KIER SAMSON who rose to nod it past Hughes from 6 yards out.

The goal rattled Cumnock as much as it energised Talbot & five minutes later it was all square. Shankland released Stafford on the overlap down the right & when he pulled it back across goal Hyslop was fouled as he went to hit it & the ref pointed to the spot for the 2^nd time. MARK SHANKLAND took it & thumped it inside Hughes’ right hand post to level the match at 2-2.

Cumnock weren’t done yet though and their main threat was the pace of Conn. He burst forward in the 77^th minute & managed to rush into the penalty area but was forced wide and could only steer a tame shot straight at Leishman who immediately bowled the ball out to set Talbot off on the counter. It came to Shankland who played it down the right channel for Stafford & he steered it over to the back post where BRYAN BOYLAN raced onto it to side-foot Talbot into the lead.

Talbot now made a further change with debutant Stafford making way for Lyle and Cumnock made a double switch with McGill on for Osador & Smith replacing Wilson.

Boylan had a half chance in the 83^rd minute when a mishit clearance landed at his feet 16 yards out but he snatched at his shot & fired over the bar.

Cumnock now had to push forward in numbers and this left them vulnerable at the back & Talbot had a chance to kill the game off two minutes from time. Boylan swung over a good cross from the left that Glasgow met in front of goal but he couldn’t climb high enough to get above it & sent his header flying over the bar.

The Bot support had one final nervy moment in the closing minute when McAusland’s ball up the right found Douglas inside the area but he couldn’t hit the target from a tight angle; sending his shot into the side-netting.

Talbot then closed the game out well to secure the win to the delight of the large & noisy travelling support.

As wins go this was more enjoyable & dramatic than most & maintained Talbot’s excellent record at Townhead park. Next up Talbot are back on the road as they travel through to South Lanarkshire to face Blantyre Victoria.

Cumnock Juniors – Hughes, McAusland, Ferry, McIntyre, Murdoch, Wilson, Bell, Frye, Osadolor, Conn, Martin

Subs – McGill, Veitch, Smith, Douglas, Berry

Auchinleck Talbot – Leishman, McPherson, Wilson, Stafford, McCracken, Boyd, Healy, Hyslop, Samson, Glasgow, Mason

Subs – Shankland, Boylan, McDowall, Lyle, White, Pope, Hewitt

Talbot failed to hit the heights but were still more than good enough to claim a single goal victory at Townhead to close in on Hurlford at the top of the table.
The last two derby encounters were chock full of goals & incidents but it wasn’t the case this time round with the game falling flat & neither keeper being in danger of being overworked.
The first chance of the match came in the 5th minute when Shankland towered above Niang to arrow a header across the area toward Graham Wilson but it just slipped past him in front of goal.
A minute later Cumnock had a half chance. McPherson tried to let the ball run out for a goal kick, allowing Patterson in to nick it on the bye line. He cut in on his right foot & fired a shot from a tight angle that Leishman blocked at his near post.
Talbot’s next effort at goal came in the 11th minute. Shankland teed the ball up Harvey who let fly from 20 yards; drilling a shot just wide of Semple’s left post.
It was to be an afternoon when bookings vastly outnumbered chances & the 1st card came in the 12th minute when Murray was cautioned for deliberate handball. Five minutes later Montgomerie joined him in the book for a cynical trip on Graham Wilson as he raced up field. Pope took the resultant free kick & fired a low drive on target from 35 yards that went straight at Semple.
The longer the half went the scrappier it grew & it took until the half hour mark before the next clear chance. Cumnock were awarded a free kick 25 yards out when Harvey blocked Niang’s run with the Talbot defender also receiving a caution for the challenge. Miller took the free kick & curled it past the wall but just wide of Leishman’s right post.
Graham Wilson joined the crime count in the 36th minute when cautioned for an aerial challenge on Montgomerie.
Cumnock conceded a needless corner in the 39th minute due to an over hit backpass. Shankland delivered it into the centre where it broke to White. He caught it clean, firing a 1st time volley from 15 yards on target but fortunately for Cumnock it flew straight at Semple.
In the final minute of the half Talbot picked up another booking. White conceded a free kick for a shove on Montgomerie then received a caution for disputing the decision. Crawford whipped the free kick into the area but the Bot defence were able to clear and the sides trooped off goal less at the interval.
Tucker made a change during the break & when play resumed McIlroy was on in place of Graham Wilson.
The 2nd half pretty much left off where the 1st had ended, with both sides fully committed, but neither side looking like scoring.
With 53 mins gone Lyle received a caution when he brought down Miller 30 yards out. Montgomerie took the free kick but sent it sailing high over the bar.
The referee was running out of space in his notepad as he added two more names to his book in the 56th minute. Cautioning Stephen Wilson for a foul on Miller & then booking Semple after he raced out his goals to remonstrate with the officials.
Both sides now made a switch with Reid coming on for Patterson & White making way for Armstrong.
Talbot gave the Nock defence a fright in their next attack when Lyle whipped a dangerous cross over to the back post but Samson just failed to reach it.
The game had goal less draw written all over it but a moment of madness from Lundie gifted Talbot a penalty in the 65th minute. There wasn’t any danger when the ball was played into Samson just inside the right edge of the area but Lundie breenged into him, bowling him over, and the ref pointed to the spot. GORDON POPE took it & gave Semple no chance; firing it low inside the right post to give Talbot the lead.
Two minutes later it should have been game over. Samson gathered on the right & squared a great ball across the face. Hyslop looked a cert to tuck it home from 6 yards but got his feet wrong & mis-kicked in front of goal.
Talbot were having a good spell & when Samson found Stephen Wilson free on the right his cross had the defence stretched to clear.
Cumnock’s player-manager now joined his team mates in the book for dissent.
Talbot had another great chance to kill the game off in the 74th minute. McIlroy swept a cross over from the left that came to Stephen Wilson. He cut inside past his man but blazed his shot over the bar from 6 yards.
Hyslop received a harsh yellow card in the 75th minute when he slid into a tackle on Dinwoodie. It looked like he’d won the ball cleanly but the ref thought otherwise. This was Dinwoodie’s last involvement as he left to be replaced by a Trialist.
Semple kept Cumnock’s slim hopes alive in the 77th minute. Crawford sclaffed a clearance into the sky & when it came down McIlroy touched it off to Shankland. His volley was heading into the roof of the net til Semple tipped it over the bar.
With 9 minutes remaining Talbot completed their subs when Glasgow came on for Samson.
Cumnock pushed forward in the closing stages but without really offering any threat. Twice Montgomerie had a go from distance but neither effort remotely troubled the Talbot goal.
With 2 minutes remaining Cumnock received a slice of luck when Pope’s clearance cannoned off Niang & flew into the penalty area. It came toward Cumnock’s Trialist on the right of the area but before he could get a shot away Lyle slid in to put it behind for the corner.
In the final minute of regulation time Cumnock were awarded a free kick midway inside their own half. Semple hoofed it down the left where Murray headed it across the penalty area forcing Pope to clear at the back post.
Talbot had one final chance to add to their lead deep into injury time. McIlroy met Pope’s ball up the left & headed it on to Glasgow who cut inside Reid before firing a shot across goal & wide of the left post.
A poor game but a very valuable 3 points that now sees Talbot only 5 points adrift of Hurlford with 5 games in hand. Next week Talbot are back in cup action as they host Craigmark Burntonians in the 3rd round of the West.

Cumnock Juniors – Semple, Niang, Crawford, Lundie, Murray, Dinwoodie, Montgomery, Burns, Patterson, Degnan, Miller

Subs – Reid, Hunter, Trialist, Trialist, McMurdo (gk)

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

Subs – McIlroy, Kemp, Glasgow, Armstrong, McCracken

Largs Thistle

Auchinleck Talbot

Benburb FC

Talbot firmly put Cumnock in their place with a dominant display in their Scottish cup encounter at Townhead; routing the home side 5-1 to the delight of the majority of the crowd.
Right from the off Talbot looked the hungrier side & could have taken the lead inside 3 minutes. Pope lifted a ball down the left to McIlroy who laid it inside to Hyslop. He got the break of the ball & carried on into the penalty area where he lifted a shot over the bar from 16 yards.
The opener came in the 9th minute after a messy spell of play out on the right. The ball ricocheted around before being gathered by Glasgow who surged on a diagonal run before releasing the ball to the unmarked SHANKLAND on the left of the area & he coolly passed the ball across goal past Semple to put Talbot 1-0 ahead.
Talbot continued to press & put together a neat move down the left in the 16th minute. Shankland & Glasgow combined well before the move was abruptly ended by a late tackle from Lundie. Shankland took the free kick & curled a dangerous ball over beyond the back post that floated out for a goal kick.
The Cumnock keeper was put to the test in the 19th minute when Shankland gathered on the left, knocked it past Murray, and lifted a cross beyond the far post where Glasgow met it only to see his effort blocked by Semple.
Esplin picked up the game’s 1st caution, in the 21st minute, for a late challenge on Hyslop 35 yards from goal. POPE took the free kick & fired a low shot straight down the centre that slipped through the hands of Semple like a bar of wet soap to put Talbot two ahead.
Cumnock looked a team drained of belief and they nearly fell further behind in the 25th minute. Talbot won a corner which was whipped into the near post where Harvey directed it onto target only for Semple to dive & turn it round the right post.
Talbot were looking very comfortable in their lead but Cumnock slowly began to make some headway & their 1st real chance of the match came in the 36th minute. Anson managed to flick the ball over McPherson & it briefly looked like he would have a sight of goal but the ball ran away from him inside the box.
It was almost game over in the 40th minute when Talbot came close twice to adding to their lead. Pope sent Shankland free on the left of the Nock penalty area & he brought the best out of Semple who did well to turn his drive round the post. When the corner came over Hyslop rose to meet it & did everything right, heading it down, but a Nock defender fortuitously got in the way & the defence cleared.
For all Talbot’s dominance the game was thrown back into the balance 3 minutes before the interval when Cumnock pulled a goal back. Talbot were caught dreaming at a Cumnock shy & when the ball was thrown in from the right ANSON met it to guide a header low inside Leishman’s right post.
On the stroke of half-time Cumnock, much against the run of play, threatened to produce a leveller. Talbot were on the attack and Steven Wilson appeared to be bundled over 25 yards out but the ref waved play on. Cumnock swiftly countered & a ball over the top found Samson running into the Bot penalty area. He had a chance to go for the shot but chose to keep going & dallied on the ball too long before being dispossessed, and so Talbot left the field a goal to the good at the interval.
The Cumnock support had been offered a flicker of hope when they pulled a goal back but it didn’t survive long in a 2nd half where Talbot were in complete control from the off.
The Bot could have extended their lead in the 49th minute. Glasgow’s slide rule pass took the Nock defence out the equation to send McIlroy free on the right but his 1st touch proved too heavy & Semple raced off his line to dive at his feet to smother the ball.
Two minutes later Shankland tried his luck from distance. White’s header found him on space on the right & he drilled a shot on target that Semple parried away.
The pressure finally told & Talbot grabbed their 3rd goal in the 54th minute. Lyle lifted a cross into the centre which glanced off a defender’s head & came out to the left. SHANKLAND ghosted past Muir & arrowed a neat finish across goal & into the bottom corner to put Talbot in command.
Any hopes of a Cumnock fightback were ended on the hour mark when Talbot moved 4-1 ahead.
The Cumnock defence were unable to clear their lines & the ball pinged back & forth 30 yards out before falling to Shankland. He deftly chipped the ball through to GLASGOW who buried it low past Semple.
Cumnock now made a double substitution bringing on Hilton & M McKenzie.
Samson did well out on the right in the 63rd minute. He controlled a long ball over the top & whipped a dangerous cross over that Lyle had to head over his own bar.
Hyslop had his name taken a minute later for a late challenge, resulting in a Cumnock free kick 25 yards from goal. Samson took it but drilled his shot straight into the wall.
An incisive counter-attack almost saw Talbot add to their lead. Glasgow brought the ball out from the back & raced into the Nock half before finding Steven Wilson on the right. He crossed it first time into the centre where McIlroy bulleted a header for goal but it went straight at Semple.
Tucker now made his 1st change with Graham Wilson on for McIlroy.
Glasgow nearly nabbed his 2nd of the afternoon in the 70th minute. He latched onto a loose ball on the edge of the penalty area & sent a low shot skidding off the outside the right post with the keeper well beaten.
Talbot made their 2nd change in the 75th minute with Faulds replacing Hyslop in midfield and a few minutes later Tucker completed his changes when Thomson came on for Steven Wilson.
The scoring was complete in the 85th minute when Talbot added their 5th goal from an unlikely source. Glasgow spread the ball out to Shankland on the left & he fired a low ball across the face of goal which LYLE bundled home from close range.
As the clock ticked down the referee took pity on the hosts with a couple of sympathy vote decisions. In the final minute of regulation time Glasgow was clearly tripped in the penalty box but the ref waved play on & deep into injury time Crawford ought to have been shown a straight red for a crude challenge on Thomson but the ref only booked him.
A great derby win for Talbot to book their place in the last 16 of the Scottish. Next week it is back to league duty & an away day at Pollok.Cumnock – Semple, Muir, Ballantyne, Lundie, Murray, Crawford, Samson, Burns, Anson, Esplin, Montgomerie

Subs – S McKenzie, Hilton, M McKenzie, Hunter, Johnston (gk)

Talbot – Leishman, Lyle, Pope, McPherson, Harvey, S Wilson, White, Hyslop, McIlroy, Glasgow, Shankland

Subs – G Wilson, Faulds, Thomson, McCracken, Armstrong