Report

Photographs by Paul Flynn.

MURRAYS MATCH REPORT
The Bot made the perfect start, taking an early lead after only 6 minutes when Glasgow arrowed a cross toward the back post where GARETH ARMSTRONG steered a header past the keeper put Talbot 1-0 ahead.
Talbot missed a golden chance to double their lead in the 8th minute when McIlroy found himself with only Newman to beat but he tried to pass the ball beyond the keeper, who made a good stop with his foot.
Newman was called into action again in the 17th minute when Glasgow tried his luck but his drive went straight at the keeper.
Newman made his second top save of the afternoon on the 26th minute when a net bound Glasgow shot was brilliantly turned round the post

Talbot were made to pay for not taking their chances when Meadow levelled in the 31st minute when Miller went down in the box when  challenged by Pope. CARSON took the spot kick and although Leishman went the right way it had enough power and direction to beat him to level the score.
In the 34th minute Talbot had a chance to regain the lead when Armstrong lobbed the ball to the back post where McCracken  headed it back across goal but McIlroy and Hyslop got in each other’s way and Gow was able to head it clear off the goal line.
With the half drawing to a close Talbot nearly restored their lead, when Glasgow cannoned a shot off the base of the right hand post.

In added time McPherson lost his footing and gifted the ball to Sharpe but he took a heavy first touch and Leishman was able to race outside his area and clear the danger.

Talbot had an opportunity early in the second half to regain the initiative but McIlroy directed a tame shot at Newman.

After this, the game went into a bit of a lull with both sides struggling to make any headway, however he Bot squandered another good chance when Glasgow looked set to score but he steered his shot wide of Newman’s left post.
The winning goal arrived in the 72nd minute when sheer trickery by Glasgow saw him hit the bye line and whip a cross into the near post where DWAYNE HYSLOP headed home from close range.

Talbot were looking about as comfortable as you can on a single goal lead but McPherson had to look sharp to clear a dangerous attack.
Shankland nearly scored with a free kick after Samson was fouled, but it flew inches wide of the left post with the keeper beaten.
Talbot kept possession and saw out the closing stages without any problems to secure the win.
Irvine Meadow – Newman, Latta, Pearson, Gow, Devlin, Miller, Carson, McLaughlin, Sharpe, Spence, Carnwath: Subs – Paterson, Connolly, Smith
Auchinleck Talbot – Leishman, Lyle, Pope, McPherson, McCracken, Stephen Wilson, Armstrong, Hyslop, Graham Wilson, McIlroy, Glasgow: Subs – Samson, Shankland, White, Waite