Report

MURRAYS MATCH REPORT

Talbot fans left with mixed emotions after this league encounter, partly relieved to have taking anything from the game whilst simultaneously disappointed at a failure to convert a late penalty which would have seen Talbot snatch a late winner.
The Bot got off to a good start, Armstrong’s cross finding McIlroy free in the box & Johnstone had to be at his best to throw himself to his left to keep out his header. Soon after, Waite had a half chance from the edge of the area when he connected with a cutback from the right but steered it wide of target.
Talbot’s next effort came from Pope who tried his luck from 20 yards. He didn’t catch it cleanly, but still forced a stop from Johnstone who had to turn it wide of his right post.
Unfortunately, this early flurry of chances proved a false dawn and as the half wore on Troon began to get a grip on the midfield, dominating possession. For all their possession, they were unable to make much headway in the final third.
They did threaten the Talbot goal in the 22nd minute from a set piece. McCreadie whipped a dangerous free kick in from the right towards Nade & Harvey did well to beat him to it & head over his own bar.
Hyslop had his name taken in the 25th minute for a mis-timed tackle on McCrae. Several Troon players intervened in an attempt to get Hyslop sent off, including Stevenson, who picked up a yellow card for his part in the fracas.
Glasgow found himself in behind the Troon defence in the 28th minute when a ball over the top of the defence skidded off the top of McInally’s head but he failed to control it & the ball sped through to the keeper.
The next chance came Talbot’s way after half an hour. Kemp fed the ball out to Waite who returned it back inside to Kemp who lifted a shot over the target from the edge of the area.
Keenan had his name taken in the 31st minute for a late challenge on Kemp.
Both sides huffed & puffed for the remainder of the half without creating anything & the 1st half finished goal less.
Talbot got off to the worst possible start to the 2nd half, falling behind three minutes after the re-start. McCrae lifted a ball into the area over the head of Lyle. NADE gathered it & had the strength to hold off Lyle & McPherson before slamming it home.
Troon were content to sit on their lead & were looking comfortable doing so, at least until the hour mark when Glasgow passed up a good chance to equalise. McIlroy rose to meet a ball down the left & his head flick sent Glasgow racing clean through. Johnstone raced off his line to narrow the angle & Glasgow opted for the early shot, blasting over the bar from the edge of the area.
A minute later Talbot had another opportunity. Glasgow’s effort at goal was deflected behind for a corner & when it was swung in Hyslop met it to power a header on target which Johnstone blocked in the goal mouth.
Tucker now made a double switch with Armstrong & Kemp making way for Shankland & Stephen Wilson.
Wilson was involved soon after coming on, meeting a partially cleared corner 18 yards out to hammer a first time effort wide of the left post.
Troon were forced into a change in the 68th minute when Pooler limped off with cramp to be replaced by Simpson.
Harvey had his name taken in the 71st minute for what looked like a hard but fair challenge midway inside the Bot half.
A minute later Talbot made their final change with Graham Wilson on for Waite.
Talbot were given a boost in the 76th minute when Stevenson went in for a clumsy aerial challenge & received a 2nd yellow & an early trip to the clubhouse.
Troon now completely retreated into their defensive shell & looked to hold onto what they had with Talbot dominating territorially.
Troon’s defence withstood the pressure well but finally cracked in the 86th minute when Talbot levelled. Stephen Wilson lifted a ball in from the right which SEAN MCILROY met with his back to goal & hooked it over his shoulder past the stranded Johnstone.
A minute after levelling Talbot were presented with a golden chance to seal a late win. Graham Wilson burst down the left side of the box only to be sent sprawling by McCreadie & the ref pointed to the spot. Pope took the spot kick but suffice to say it wasn’t his finest, low down the centre & Johnstone was able to block it. The rebound came back to Pope who looked odds on to finish at the 2nd time of asking but Johnstone spread himself well to deflect Pope’s effort over the bar.
Talbot kept pushing & Troon had to survive a further late scare when Shankland’s in swinging corner looked to be sailing straight into the net but once again Johnstone came to the rescue clawing it away from the goal line.
Next up for Talbot it is the William Hill Scottish cup preliminary round where they host Banks o Dee at Beechwood this Saturday.

Talbot – Leishman, Lyle, Pope, Harvey, McPherson, Hyslop, Waite, Armstrong, Glasgow, McIlroy, Kemp

Subs – S Wilson, G Wilson, McDowall, Shankland, Hadden

Troon – Johnstone, McCreadie, McInally, Keenan, Syme, Chatham, McCrae, Stevenson, Nade, Pooler, Love

Subs – Simpson, Clark, Strachan, Lamont