Away – Page 3 – Auchinleck Talbot Football Club

Kelty Hearts v Auchinleck Talbot

PHOTOGRAPHS BY PAUL FLYNN.

MURRAYS MATCH REPORT

No strangers to the tv, Talbot once more rose to the occasion, imperiously sweeping aside the much fancied Kelty Hearts to book their place in the 2nd round of the senior cup.

The last time Talbot travelled through to the kingdom of Fife to face Kelty the tie had to be re-located to Ballingry as Kelty’s park was permanently unplayable but that wasn’t an issue this time round as the big spending Lowland league outfit have redeveloped their ground to a top of the range artificial surface with matching surroundings.

The Bot nearly made the perfect start within a minute of kick off. Shankland picked up a loose ball 25 yards out and let fly with an effort that swerved just wide of the anxious Mackenzie’s right post.

Kelty now settled into a pattern of play they rarely deviated from; content to keep easy possession deep in their own half before pinging long balls at a resolute Talbot defence.

Talbot’s first effort on target came in the. 11th minute. Pope fired a cross over that Samson headed back across goal & Graham Wilson out-jumped his marker but his header went straight at Mackenzie.

Kelty were having plenty of the ball but doing little with it & the next opening came Talbot’s way in the 11th minute. Shankland slipped a pass through toward Samson on the left of the area but the keeper was quickly off his line to make the challenge.

The opening goal came after 20 minutes and it had echoes of Talbot’s winning goal against Ayr United. Graham Wilson was up-ended by Russell out on the left touchline & Shankland whipped over a tremendous delivery to the far post where CRAIG MCCRACKEN raced onto it to bullet a header home.

Kelty had a half chance to pull back level a few minutes later. Husband fired in a decent ball from the right that broke off a defender toward Dodd but his low drive from 15 yards was blocked by McCracken then cleared by Lyle.

Kelty were making less headway than a feather heading into a headwind and Talbot threatened again in the 38th minute. Shankland pounced on a loose pass down the left & switched it inside to Graham Wilson who laid it back out to him on the wing. He drilled it low into the near post where Carstairs knocked it away for a shy.

Talbot kept the attack going and Pope whipped over a cross that Hyslop sent crashing off the right post with the keeper stranded.

The Bot were ending the half on the front foot and opened the Kelty defence again in the 40th minute. Shankland slid a pass through to Samson racing through on the left of the area and he drilled it low into the side-netting.

With half-time looming Talbot doubled their lead. Stephen Wilson lifted it up the left for his brother Graham to chase and he put Ashe under severe pressure. The Kelty defender fluffed his header back & Wilson latched onto it & tried to lob the advancing keeper. Mackenzie got a hand to it but the ball sailed through to KEIR SAMSON who hammered it home from close range at the far post to send Talbot in with a deserved two goal cushion at the interval.

Kelty had offered precious little so it was no real shock to see them make a change at the interval with Husband making way for Philp.
Talbot have a good habit of starting the 2nd half from the off & Tucker’s half-time team talk did its work again as the Bot got off to a flyer.

Within two minutes of the re-start Graham Wilson picked the ball up on the right & surged forward before floating a cross toward the back stick that had Mackenzie scrambling to turn it behind for a corner. Cennerazzo managed to head Shankland’s corner clear at the near post but only out to Stephen Wilson who plunked the ball back out to Shankland who promptly forced a 2nd corner. This time Shankland whipped it into the centre where Mackenzie only just beat McCracken to it under the bar to punch clear.

Talbot’s next attack saw Kelty’s captain in the book as Carstairs was forced to haul Stephen Wilson down he threatened to race clear. Pope took the free kick and in a trademark Talbot move he angled the ball toward Hyslop who easily out-climbed Cennerazzo to head it across goal where MARK SHANKLAND guided a header back across goal and into the top corner. Shanks leaped the fence to celebrate with the fans and picked up a booking for his troubles but with the game done & dusted no Bot fan minded.

Kelty were incapable of coping with Talbot at set pieces and the Bot nearly added a fourth in the 53rd minute. Stephen Wilson’s shot was deflected behind for a corner on the left and when Shankland fired it over McCracken was inches from connecting at the back post.

The home side had been muted but they did have an opportunity to snatch a goal back on the hour mark. Dodd lifted a cross over that Austin headed on toward Philp at the back post but he mis-controlled it and the ball ran through tamely to Leishman.

In the 63rd minute Kelty made their second change with Ritchie on in place of Dodd.

The Fifers picked up their 2nd caution of the evening with 65 mins gone when Russell slid in late on Hyslop; resulting in a Bot free kick out on the right. Shankland again produced a top class delivery & McCracken looked a cert to grab his 2nd from close range but Mackenzie saved his header on the goal line.

Kelty had a half chance to grab a consolation in the 72nd minute. They put together a good move down the right that ended with Austin firing a shot on target that Leishman blocked at his near post.

With quarter of an hour remaining Talbot nearly added a fourth. Pope combined well with Samson down the left before Samson cut in off the left flank & curled a shot just past the far corner with the keeper scrambling.

All Kelty were playing for now was their tattered pride & Philp had a half chance to pull one back in the 83rd minute. Reilly made a good run forward before releasing it to Ritchie who blazed over from 20 yards.

Leishman had been as much of a spectator as the Bot fans partying behind the goal but demonstrated that he’d kept his concentration when he pulled off a top class save to deny Kelty a late consolation with 5 minutes remaining. Cennerazzo waltzed in off the right wing & curled a shot toward the far corner which Leishman flew through the air to turn wide of the post.

As the clock ran down Talbot made a flurry of late changes with Graham Wilson and Shankland making way for Glasgow and White and then Healy replacing Samson.

The noisy travelling support raised the volume levels up a notch at the final whistle as the Bot fans celebrated a superb team performance and a comfortable win. Next up for Talbot it is a return to cup action as they begin their defence of the Scottish Junior cup at Beechwood against Bellshill Athletic.

Kelty Hearts – Mackenzie, Cennerazzo, Linton, Carstairs, Ashe, Reilly, Husband, McKirdy, Austin, Russsell, Dodd

Subs – Scobbie, Philp, Campbell, Bragg, Ritchie, McBride, Jardine

Auchinleck Talbot – Leishman, Lyle, Pope, McPherson, McCracken, Armstrong, Hyslop, Stephen Wilson, Samson, Graham Wilson, Shankland

Subs – Glasgow, Boylan, Healy, McDowall, Young, White, Hewitt

Camelon Juniors v Auchinleck Talbot

MURRAYS MATCH REPORT

Talbot booked their place in the draw for the 1st round of the William Hill Scottish cup with a battling away win over Camelon.

The home side started the game with a stiff breeze at their backs but had a big let off only two minutes in. Lyle plunked a cross into the area that clearly hit Lockie’s arm but the officials managed to miss it & dismissed Talbot’s penalty appeal.

There wasn’t much goal mouth action and it took until the 17th minute before the first close call. Stephen Wilson whipped over a cross from the right & Samson sent an overhead kick just wide of Shaw’s right post.

A minute later Talbot had another effort at goal. White was up-ended as he burst forward & Shankland took the free kick, curling it over the defensive wall but it didn’t dip in time & flew over the bar.

Talbot deservedly took the lead in the 20th minute. Leishman lifted it up the centre where Graham Wilson flicked it on into the path of Samson. He raced through only to see Shaw block his effort. The rebound came out to White who laid it off to his left to find MARK SHANKLAND & he drilled a low shot past Shaw.

Camelon were finding it difficult to harness the breeze & were guilty of overhitting long balls which tended to either end in goal kicks or go straight through to Leishman.

The home fans were given encouragement in the 27th minute when Docherty went on a strong run down the right which saw his final ball cut out at the near post at the expense of a corner.

In the 31st minute the Wilson brothers combined to create Talbot’s next goal threat. Stephen played it up the right to Graham who looked set to break into the box one on one with the keeper but Skinner recovered well to dive in & slide it behind for the corner.

The referee had work to do in the 34th minute. The ball ran out of play down the right for a shy but then Skinner took a swipe at Stephen Wilson off the sidelines. Again, the referee & his assistant managed to turn a blind eye to it.

Two minutes later Pope had his name taken for a late challenge on Kane.

Five minutes before the interval Leishman found Stephen Wilson out on the right & he headed it on toward Samson. He paced away down the wing & slung a dangerous low ball across the area that the defence did well to clear.

Talbot’s next attack saw Shaw have a shaky moment. Pope lifted a cross into the centre which the keeper missed. Stephen Wilson went for it at the back post but took a knock as he challenged for it & Lockie was able to scramble it away.

The Bot finished the half strongly and a minute before the break gave Shaw work to do. Graham Wilson laid the ball out left to Shankland who fired a low ball over that Shaw did well to cut out at his near post.

As the half moved into added time Talbot had a late chance to double their lead. A ball over the defence found Shankland & he touched it into the path of Samson on the left of the penalty area who drilled a low shot on target that Shaw blocked and so the half ended with Talbot one ahead.
Talbot made a strong start to the 2nd half and put the Camelon keeper under pressure in the 50th minute. Samson switched it out to the right to Stephen Wilson and when he crossed it in Shaw spilled the ball under the challenge of White but the ref gave the keeper the benefit of the doubt & awarded a free kick.

The Bot came within a whisker of moving two in front in the 58th minute. Herron conceded a free kick out on the left touchline for a foul on Graham Wilson which Pope angled into the area. Young climbed to meet it & sent a header crashing against the bar with the keeper beaten.

Camelon made a double switch in the 59th minute with David Morrison & McMullan making way for Sneddon & Deans.

McCroary received Camelon’s 2nd yellow card of the afternoon in the 69th minute when he barged Shankland over on the touchline.

The home side were enjoying a lot of the ball in the middle third without looking remotely threatening at the business end as Talbot sat in on their lead.

In the 74th minute slack play by Stephen Wilson gifted possession to McKenzie out on the right & he whipped over a good cross that glanced off the top of Docherty’s head on its way behind.

Both sides now made a change; Hyslop replacing White in the centre for Talbot & Cameron coming off or Herron for the home side.

As time went on the game was becoming stretched with Camelon having to throw more men forward & this created openings for Talbot on the break. In the 77th minute Hyslop rose to head the ball on into the feet of Shankland who in turn spread it wide to find Samson in space. He tried to curl one for the far corner but got too much on it & it sailed wide of the left post.

A minute later McPherson played an early ball down the right that found Samson racing onto the end of it & he opted to hit it first time; driving a low shot in that Shaw smothered.

With 11 minutes remaining Tucker made a double substitution with Shankland & Graham Wilson being replaced by Healy & Glasgow.

Talbot came close to putting the tie beyond Camelon in their next attack. Hyslop sent it to Armstrong out on the left & when he squared the ball back inside to Hyslop he curled a shot just over the bar from 18 yards.

Camelon pushed forward in the closing stages, without any end product, and with 3 mins remaining Talbot sealed victory with their 2nd goal. Pope whipped over a good cross from the touchline that KEIR SAMSON met to power a header past Shaw.

In the final minute Kane briefly looked like threatening the Bot goal when he jinked inside the box but he hesitated too long before shooting & was crowded out. The ball came out to McCroary on the right & he fired in a cross that McPherson put behind for a corner.

Deep in injury time Talbot almost grabbed a third. Samson raced clear on the right & lifted over a cross that Glasgow met on the 6-yard line but Shaw made an impressive reflex save to keep out his header.

A good away win for Talbot who now return to league duty next Saturday when they travel to Barrfields to face Largs Thistle.

Camelon Juniors – Shaw, McCroary, Lockie, Don Morrison, Skinner, David Morrison, Kane, Herron, Docherty, McMullan, McKenzie

Subs – Sneddon, Cameron, Daramola, Deans, Swanson, Sneddon, Kinnear

Auchinleck Talbot – Leishman, Lyle, Pope, McPherson, Young, White, Armstrong, Stephen Wilson, Graham Wilson, Samson, Shankland

Subs – Glasgow, McKinlay, Healy, Hyslop, Pearson, Aiden Wilson, Hewitt

‘Gee’ goes chasing after the ball up the wing.

Gordon jumps the highest and heads the ball away from danger.

‘Whitey’ keeps an eye on the ball, as ‘Gee’ wins the ball back for Talbot.

After going on a powerful run up the park, ‘Whitey’ gets tripped and wins Talbot a free-kick.

Keir Samson has a dig from inside the box but his shot gets saved by the ‘keeper.

The deadlock gets broken, as ‘Shankers’ smashes the ball into the back of the net. 0-1.

Mark wheels away to celebrate his opening goal for Talbot.

I think we know where the ball is going to be played.

The Camelon ‘keeper roars out the instructions to his team-mates.

Mark takes a sore one to the foot in this challenge, as he tries to keep hold of the ball.

Samson does his best to fight his way through the opposition.

Stephen Wilson charges down the park after the ball.

Gareth Armstrong gets roared on by Dylan Young, as he races down the park.

Dylan Young rattles the ball off the crossbar with a powerful close range header.

I thought flares were something you wore in the seventies.

Other players watch, as Samson does his best to win the ball back.

The benches and the crowd look on, as Lyle looks to get another attack going.

Young fires the ball down the park after racing forward.

Samson gets beaten to the ball by the Camelon defender.

Talbot seal the game late on, as Keir Samson sends a powerful header into the back of the net. 0-2.

Keir and some of the black and gold faithful raise their celebratory hands aloft after his goal.

Glasgow finds himself with plenty of space and time inside the box but he fails to find the net with his strong header.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY PAUL FLYNN.

Dundonald Bluebell v Auchinleck Talbot

MURRAY’S MATCH REPORT

Talbot survived a scare in this hard fought William Hill Scottish cup tie as they battled to a 2-2 draw away to Dundonald Bluebell.

The Bot got an early indication this wasn’t going to be an easy afternoon when McKenzie burst forward toward the Talbot penalty area. As he was challenged the ball broke left to Wilson whose low drive was smothered by Leishman.

Talbot’s first attack came after 5 minutes. Armstrong spread the ball out right to find Graham Wilson who fired it low across the area. The defence could only clear it as far as Armstrong, 15 yards out, but he took too many touches & was closed down before getting a shot away.

In the 10th minute Pope played it up the line to find Samson running in behind Mackie. He lifted a cross over to the far post where Stephen Wilson headed it back across goal & Lennox gathered under pressure from Graham Wilson.

A minute later Pope again played it down the left for Samson. He shrugged off Mackie’s challenge and fired in a shot from a tight angle that Lennox parried away.

Leishman was called upon in the 17th minute. A long ball down the right skipped off Young’s head and fell to Calum Smith. Leishman quickly raced to the edge of his area to make the block. The rebound came to Smith on the right touchline and he fired it low across goal where Young cut it out.

The home side had an opportunity to test Leishman again in the 21st minute. Chris Gay was nudged over as he broke forward resulting in a free kick 25 yards out. Drummond fired it round the wall but Leishman dived to his right to push it away.

Within a minute Talbot moved ahead. Armstrong slipped a well-weighted pass down the left for KEIR SAMSON & he out-paced Mackie before prodding the ball past Lennox to make it 1-0.

Talbot had a chance to extend their lead in the 25th minute. Nimmo caught Samson 22 yards out and the ref awarded Talbot a free kick. Shankland took it but his shot hit the top of the defensive wall & spun out for a shy. Stephen Wilson took it quickly, releasing Armstrong on the right of the area where he fired a shot that Lennox gathered at his near post.

The Bot’s next attack saw Pope on the overlap & his low cross caused Lennox difficulties with the keeper fumbling the ball but able to gather at the 2nd attempt.

Dundonald threatened an equaliser in the 32nd minute. The ball was played into Chris Gay at the edge of the area & he carried it forward before firing just past the right post.

Samson was getting joy down the left & was involved in a penalty shout in Talbot’s next attack. He gathered on the left before driving inside into the box where he was blocked by Mackie but the referee judged the collision accidental & waved play on.

Armstrong set the ball rolling on Talbot’s next attack as he surged forward through midfield before releasing it to Samson down the right. He made for the bye line before cutting a dangerous ball back across the face of goal but there were no takers in the centre. The ball came out to Shankland on the opposite wing & he whipped a good cross over that Nimmo headed clear.

Five minutes before the interval Talbot came close to grabbing their 2nd. The Bot won a free kick out on the left which Shankland curled over. Lennox touched it away but it came out to Samson 16 yards out, who with his back to goal fired an overhead kick on target that Lennox touched over the bar.

Talbot were ending the half strongly and threatened the Dundonald goal again in the 43rd minute. Pope drove into the box and fired a right foot shot at goal that deflected off Graham Wilson & just wide of Lennox’s right hand post.

The Bot kept pressing and had the home side pegged back but couldn’t add to their tally and went in 1-0 ahead at the break.

Dundonald made two changes during the half-time interval with Rogerson & Wilson staying in the clubhouse to be replaced by Matt Gay and Jeffries.

The changes seemed to rejuvenate the home side who made a strong start to the 2nd half without particularly threatening in the final third.

The first effort at goal after the break came in the 55th minute for Dundonald. Leishman punched a corner clear that came out to Mackie just inside the area & he directed a scissor kick wide of the right post.

On the hour mark Matt Gay cut in off the right past Armstrong & lifted a cross just beyond the back post which Calum Smith met but was unable to head back on target. Talbot now launched a swift counter down the right where Graham Wilson combined with Samson to release Samson on the right of the area where he fired into the side-netting.

Talbot had a chance in the 64th minute when Shankland lifted a cross over to find Samson 6 yards out but it was just too high and he couldn’t get over it and sent his header flying over the bar.

A minute later Talbot spurned a golden chance to double their lead. White challenged for the ball in midfield and the ball cannoned through to Graham Wilson on the right. He was clean through and strolled on into the penalty area before squaring it across to Samson. He looked a cert but the ball got caught between his feet & Lennox was quickly off his line to save at his feet.

Slack play in the Dundonald rearguard gifted Talbot their next opening. A loose pass came out to Shankland just outside the area and he went for goal only to see Durie deflect his shot behind. Shankland took the corner and his delivery cut the keeper out and flew to the back post but no one could get the touch needed.

With 20 minutes remaining Dundonald made their final change with Walton replacing McKenzie and a minute later Talbot made a double switch with Glasgow & Healy on for Shankland & Samson.

It was all square in the 73rd minute. Talbot’s midfield were posted missing allowing Chris Gay the time to slide a pass through the defence for JOHN SMITH who placed it low past Leishman.

Things went from bad to worse for the Bot and they found themselves a goal behind two minutes later with an early contender for goal of the tournament. Nimmo lifted a high ball down the right that Calum Smith knocked down into the path of JOSH JEFFRIES who cut in off the right & looped an unstoppable shot into the top right hand corner.

The drama continued as Talbot raced to the other end from the re-start and won a penalty. Stephen Wilson sped down the left and cut in inside to Glasgow whose shot was blocked by Durie’s arm. The ref pointed to the spot and Pope took it, firing a tame effort on target that Lennox parried away to his right. Pope followed up and got to the loose ball and the keeper turned from hero to zero as he dived to retrieve it and up-ended Pope resulting in a 2nd penalty. This time GRAHAM WILSON took over spot kick duties and gave the keeper no chance as he buried it high inside the left post to make it 2-2.

Unusually for a competitive cup tie there hadn’t been any bookings but Calum Smith had his name taken in the 79th minute for a late challenge on Lyle.

Dundonald had a chance for a late winner three minutes from time. A corner from the left was pulled back to the on rushing Chris Gay but he fired over from 15 yards.

As the game moved into injury time it was Talbot who who nearly snatched the win. A promising Talbot counter was ended when Glasgow was hauled down by Durie resulting in a yellow card for the full-back. The free kick was flighted up field where it broke to Glasgow on the right of the area and his low drive was saved by Lennox.

In virtually the final action of the match Talbot were inches from the win. A ball over from the right came across to Stephen Wilson and his shot was deflected just past the post by Durie.

The fans certainly got their money’s worth and both sides have it all to do again next Saturday at Beechwood.

Dundonald Bluebell – Lennox, Durie, Drummond, Mackie, Nimmo, Chris Gay, Rogerson, McKenzie, Calum Smith, Wilson, Wallace

Subs – Matt Gay, Jeffries, John Smith, Walton, Hendry, Crowe (gk)

Auchinleck Talbot – Leishman, Lyle, Pope, Young, A Wilson, White, Stephen Wilson, Armstrong, Graham Wilson, Samson, Shankland

Subs – Glasgow, Healy, Pearson, McDowall, McKinlay, Hewitt

‘Shankers’ races up the wing, as ‘Popey’ looks on.

‘Whitey’ wins the header inside the opposition’s box.

Steven White does his terrier like work in the middle of the park in order to win the ball back.

Samson tries his luck from a very difficult angle but his shot gets blocked by the ‘keeper.

Gordon makes sure there is no way through for Dundonald.

The Talbot wall stands firm, as Dundonald fire in the free-kick but…

…’Big Andy’ pulls off a great save to stop the shot from hitting the back of the net.

The deadlock gets broken, as Samson races into the box and pokes the ball under the ‘keeper and into the back of the net. 0-1.

Keir Samson wheels away with clenched fists after opening the scoring for the boys in Black ‘n’ Gold.

‘Gee’ gets beaten to the ball in the middle of the park.

Samson does his best to try and dribble his way through the Dundonald defence.

With the ball certain to hit the back of the net, the Bell ‘keeper does exceptionally well to tip the ball over the crossbar.

Gareth Armstrong charges down the park in a blistering run.

Dundonald find the equaliser, as they race away to celebrate pulling level. 1-1.

And within a blink of an eye the tie is completely turned on it’s head, as Dundonald take the lead via a wonder strike. 2-1.

The Bluebell players bring out their inner Cheshire Cat, as they are all smiles after taking the lead.

After missing his initial penalty, Gordon goes chasing after the rebound but gets brought down by the ‘keeper and gets awarded a second penalty.

Up steps Graham Wilson to take the 2nd penalty and he duly buries the ball into the back of the net. 2-2.

The Wilson brothers are all smiles, as ‘Gee’ races away to celebrate his equalising goal.

Jamie looks on, as Armstrong gets stopped in his tracks by a great tackle from the Dundonald defender.

Hamish McKinley gets surrounded by blue shirts, as he fights his way down the park.

Talbot go chasing for a late winner, as Jamie has a go at goal from inside the box.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY PAUL FLYNN.

Glenafton Athletic v Auchinleck Talbot

Talbot showed their intent when they broke up-field where Keir Samson whipped a cross into the box for the incoming Mark Shankland to crash a header off the bar and following an almighty scramble the loose ball was safely gathered by keeper Craig Burns.

This triggered a sustained period of Talbot pressure where Talbot notched up a series of corner kicks a few of which came close to providing the opening goal with Pope and McIlroy going close.

Talbot won a number of corners another in quick succession and on 22 minutes the ball fell for Mark Shankland on the outskirts of the box to crack an unstoppable dipping shot into net.

Talbot came close to doubling their lead on the half hour mark after another clever run by McIlroy took him to the edge of the “D” before lashing an angled shot which although it beat Burns at full stretch the ball bounced of the post and was eventually snapped up by Shankland to drive deep into the box only for the keeper to pull off a stunning block.

On 34 minutes McIlroy slipped the ball into the box for Calvin Kemp to take a touch before slamming the ball home from the corner of the six yard box to make it 2-0

Three minutes before the break and against the run of play the Glens halved the deficit when Kit Cummins drilled the ball low into the corner of the net beyond the advancing Leishman.

In the second half Kemp smacked a shot from just outside the left-hand side of box that cracked off the far post. Shankland drilled the loose ball low along the face of the goal where Kemp contrived to miss the empty net and fire the ball over the bar from 2 yards.

On 50 minutes another Talbot corner kick produced a fantastic point blank save by Burns from a Pope header and the ball scrambled to safety. Talbot doubled their lead on 58 minutes after a ball played in from the right found Shankland in the box with time and space to pick his spot and blast the ball home from 10 yards out.Six minutes later and Burns pulled off another point blank save by sticking out a foot to stop Steven White’s close-range shot.

Talbot continued to press and Burns was forced into another good save blocking Neil McPherson’s effort and soon after he stopped a low shot from White. On 72 minutes however the visitors extended their lead as Glens were made to pay after giving away possession to allow Shankland to push down the left unimpeded before whipping the ball to the back post where the incoming Kemp guided the ball into the net from close range.

With the last kick of the game Craig McCracken through on goal slotted the ball beyond advancing Burns to make it 5-1 for Talbot and complete the scoring .

Clydebank v Auchinleck Talbot

MURRAYS MATCH REPORT

Talbot almost paid the penalty for some woeful officating but showed character to bounce back from losing a two goal lead to secure a 3-2 win away to Clydebank.
The travelling support had plenty to cheer early on as Talbot dominated the 1st half. With only 2 mins gone Talbot tested the home defence. Graham Wilson gathered at the edge of the box & laid it out to Pope whose dangerous low cross was cleared by Duncanson.
The opener came after 12 mins and was worth the admission money alone. Hyslop squared the ball to MARK SHANKLAND and from 30 yards he hammered a shot that flew past Waters to his right to put Talbot 1-0 ahead.
Two minutes later Talbot were back on the attack. Hyslop passed it inside to Graham Wilson who burst forward toward the penalty area. He had Shankland spare to his left but opted to go for goal & his drive was blocked by Vezza.
With quarter of an hour gone Talbot doubled their lead. McIlroy won a corner down the left which Shankland lifted beyond the far post where GORDON POPE met it to head it back down & across and into the opposite corner.
At this stage it looked to be a question of how many Talbot were going to score & the Bot came close again in the 17th minute when McDowall cut in off the right & fired a left foot drive just over the bar.
Two minutes later Talbot were denied by the woodwork. Shankland lifted a corner in from the left to the near post where McIlroy glanced a header off the crossbar with Waters beaten.
The chances kept coming and Shankland had an opportunity to grab his 2nd on 21st minute. Pope lifted a ball down the left where McIlroy held off Duncanson before rolling it back into the path of Shankland who burst into the area but curled his shot over the bar.
The game settled down with Talbot still well in control & the Bankies unable to muster anything resembling a chance.
In the 34th minute Talbot tested Waters again. Graham Wilson met a shy from the left & chested it down into the path of Shankland whose low drive was held by the keeper to his right.
Waters came to the Bankies rescue in the 39th minute when a good Bot move ended with Graham Wilson slinging a cross over that looked to be drifting in until the keeper clawed it away to safety.
Talbot were back on the front foot two mins later. Stephen Wilson pinged a ball over the defence to find Graham Wilson speeding free on the left & he hit the bye line before cutting it across the face of goal but unfortunately it went just behind McIlroy in front of goal.
Up til now it had been a fairly routine evening but the officials took centre stage in the final minute of the half. Clydebank won a free kick 20 yards out when McCracken collided with Shelvey.
McClair took the free kick & drove it straight into the wall. The ball spun out to Hyslop who was blatantly barged over. The only 3 people in the park who didn’t see it were the match officials but to rub salt into the wounds play went on with the Bankies down the left of the penalty area & the referee then awarded them a soft penalty when he penalised Lyle for the ball hitting off him.
LITTLE took full advantage of the referee’s generosity sending Leishman the wrong way from the spot to pull a goal back for the Bankies.
The 2nd half was only 3 minutes old when the referee pointed to the spot for the 2nd time. Alexander found McClair out on the right & when his ball came across Shelvey looked certain to score. Leishman raced out to make it difficult & Shelvey scooped his shot way over but Leishman collided with the Bankies man after he’d shot. The ball was lost in the shrubbery behind the goal long before Leishman collided with him but once again the ref pointed to the spot & once again LITTLE gave Leishman no chance to level the score.
Talbot reacted positively to the setback and threatened to regain the lead in the 50th minute. Stephen Wilson’s ball up the right found McIlroy inside the box & he hit it on the half-volley back across goal where Waters tipped it over the bar.
Shortly after Talbot had another opportunity. A cross from the right broke to Shankland inside the penalty area but his low drive flew straight at the keeper.
The Bot support could have been forgiven for thinking it wasn’t their night when the ref awarded the Bankies their 3rd penalty on the hour mark. McClair raced down the left & into the box where he went sprawling to the deck and the ref again pointed to the spot. Little was again on penalty duties but this time Leishman made the stop.
Tucker made a change with 62 mins gone bringing on Kemp in place of Graham Wilson.
The sub was involved 5 mins later when he raced down the left before lifting a cross into the centre where McDowall headed just over the bar from 6 yards out.
This was to be McDowall’s last contribution of the evening as Tucker made a double switch with Shankland & McDowall making way for Samson & Glasgow.
It was now Talbot back in control with the Bot pressing for the winner.
Lyle forced a corner down the right in the 71st minute which Glasgow delivered low into the near post. Kemp tried to force it home but it was scrambled behind for a 2nd corner which the defence cleared.
A few minutes later Talbot won another corner down the right. This time Glasgow played it back to Lyle who crossed it toward the back post. The defence failed to clear their lines & it came to McIlroy 12 yards out but he couldn’t get any purchase behind his shot & Waters saved easily.
With quarter of an hour remaining Talbot had another chance. A ball over the top found Kemp in behind the defence. He beat the keeper to the ball 30 yards from goal but was unable to knock it round him & Waters cleared.
Having awarded the home side 3 pens the referee shocked the visiting fans by awarding one to Talbot with 11 minutes remaining. Samson met a cross from the right & side-footed it wide of the left post before being clattered to the ground by the onrushing keeper. The ref booked the keeper and awarded the spot kick which GORDON POPE dispatched low inside the left post to restore Talbot’s lead.
The closing 10 minutes were surprisingly tame with Talbot able to see the game out without any further alarms to earn a deserved victory.
Talbot are back on their travels this Saturday when they travel through to Valefield to face Kilbirnie Ladeside in the league.

Clydebank – Waters, Duncanson, Paterson, McLean, Darroch, Vezza, C McClair, Alexander, Shelvey, Little, Black

Subs – Morrison, J McClair, McHugh, Higgins, Rowan

Talbot – Leishman, Lyle, Pope, McPherson, McCracken, Stephen Wilson, Hyslop, McDowall, Graham Wilson, McIlroy, Shankland

Subs – Samson, White, Glasgow, Kemp, Waite

Lochee United v Auchinleck Talbot

MURRAYS MATCH REPORT

A late goal blitz put Talbot firmly in command of this Scottish Semi-final as the Bot emerged 4-1 winners at Thomson Park over an out-played & out-fought Lochee United.
It didn’t take Talbot long to get into their stride & it was the Bot who were first to threaten. Glasgow played a one-two with Graham Wilson before driving into the box & D Millar did well to nip across to slide it out for a corner.
The first shot at goal came after 10 minutes. Hyslop headed Leishman’s ball down the right to find Samson breaking forward & he hit it early; firing on target from 20 yards but without any power to trouble the Lochee keeper.
Two minutes later Samson’s pace won Talbot the first of their numerous corners. Glasgow’s ball in came back out to him & his 2nd attempt had to be batted away by Millar under his crossbar.
Talbot came close to taking the lead after 14 minutes. The Bot forced a couple of corners in quick succession & when Glasgow’s 2nd delivery came over it found Pope in space beyond the far post. He fired it back across goal where Graham Wilson side-footed on target only for Webster to clear it off the line.
Lochee had offered very little but they were given an opportunity to test the Bot defence in the 18th minute when they won a free kick out on the right. Cameron whipped the ball into the goal mouth where Leishman came to punch it clear.
The referee made a howler in the 21st minute when he seemed to be the only one in the park who didn’t notice Lochee’s keeper, Millar, clean out Samson as he burst into the box. It looked as stonewall as penalties go but to the ire of the Talbot support & astonishment of the Lochee bench the referee awarded a goal kick.
Four minutes later Samson was brought down again when he was clipped by Kirk. This time it was just outside the area & the ref had no problem spotting it. Glasgow took the free kick & fired it up & over the wall but it curled just over the bar.
Talbot were back on the attack in the 27th minute. Leishman bowled it out to Pope & he sent it down the line to find Glasgow racing up the wing. He fired a good low ball into the centre which Millar did well to cut out at his near post.
It was pretty much all Talbot at this stage & Graham Wilson had a half chance in the 32nd minute when Hyslop headed the ball down to him inside the area but he didn’t catch his shot cleanly.
Talbot got a fright in the 34th minute when a ball was clipped over the top to find Birse bursting down the left of the penalty area. Leishman read it & was quickly off his line to challenge him & McCracken knocked it behind for a corner.
With 38 mins gone it was like a scene from a horror flick when Cameron received a head wound that left him looking like a survivor in a zombie movie. It looked as though he’d run his race but despite the gore, he was back into the fray a few minutes later after being patched up.
Talbot came close to breaking the deadlock in the 40th minute. Glasgow’s cross was met by McCracken who dived to head it back across goal where Hyslop flashed a header just wide of the right post.
Three minutes before the interval Lochee had a chance to snatch the lead against the run of play. They were awarded a free kick out on the right that Kirk delivered to the far post. Kenneth won the header back across where it came to Birse 8 yards out but fortunately for Talbot it wouldn’t sit down for him & Pope was able to hook it clear before he could get a shot away.
And so in a re-run of last year’s clash at Thomson park the sides went in goal less after a 1st half dominated by Talbot.
Talbot came out all guns blazing at the start of the 2nd half and put the home side under pressure.
McCracken had a chance to put Talbot ahead in the 49th minute when he met Glasgow’s corner from the left at the back post but he didn’t make a clean contact & sent it wide from close range.
Two minutes later Talbot won another corner down the left when Samson raced into the box only for Millar to put it behind. Once again Glasgow delivered it to the far post and this time Hyslop met it but his header was blocked in a crowded goalmouth.
The pressure was building & Samson sent Glasgow racing free down the left & his cut back had the defence scrambling. They cleared it but only back out to Glasgow who won a corner down the left. Glasgow whipped it to the back post where Hyslop headed it back across goal & GRAHAM WILSON bundled it home from close range to give Talbot a deserved lead with 55 mins gone.
Kenneth received a yellow card in the aftermath of the goal for dissent.
Around the hour mark Cameron had to leave the field for the 2nd time when his head wound started bleeding again but once again they carried out emergency repairs & he returned to the action.
Lochee pushed men forward looking for a way back into it but had little to show for it as they were unable to breach the Talbot defence or test Leishman.
Tucker made a double substitution with 20 mins remaining; Kemp & McIlroy coming on for Samson and Graham Wilson.
Within 3 minutes of coming on McIlroy had a half chance to put Talbot further ahead. Glasgow pinged a ball down the left that eluded Kenneth & found McIlroy racing onto the end of it but Webster did well to get across & nick it off his toes.
A minute later though and Talbot doubled their lead with a well worked goal. McIlroy slid a great pass down the right to find Lyle on the overlap & he cut it back into the path of DWAYNE HYSLOP who chipped it into the net.
With quarter of an hour remaining Glasgow had his name taken for a trip out on the right and Tucker threw on his last sub; Armstrong coming on for White.
In the 78th minute Lochee made their one and only change when Cameron was replaced by Deasley.
The home side looked like they’d been thrown a lifeline in the 82nd minute when they pulled a goal back. McNally lifted over a dangerous cross from the left that went beyond Pope at the back post. Deasley headed it back across goal where BIRSE touched it home from close range.
Any ideas Lochee had of a comeback were short-lived however as Talbot restored their two goal cushion within a minute. The Bot won a free kick on the left that Pope angled into the area. McCracken’s header back across goal was brilliantly saved by Millar but he could do nothing to prevent STEPHEN WILSON from slotting the rebound home to put Talbot 3-1 ahead.
Two minutes later and McIlroy nearly added a fourth. Armstrong lifted a ball down the centre & McIlroy shrugged off the challenge of Kirk inside the area before drilling a low shot just wide of the left post with the keeper rooted.
In the final minute of regulation time Talbot capped a great performance with a fourth goal. Leishman launched it down the centre where Kemp challenged for it inside the area. The ball broke back to SEAN MCILROY whose first attempt was blocked but it came back to him and he rammed a low drive past Millar to make it 4-1.
As the game slipped into injury time the Lochee keeper was called into action one final time when he had to stretch up to tip Pope’s free kick over the crossbar.
This game bucked the trend of tight low scoring affairs in 1st legs and Talbot are now in an incredibly strong position going into next Saturday’s decider at Beechwood where Talbot will be short odds favourites to make it to their third consecutive Junior cup final.Lochee United – J Millar, D Millar, Kenneth, Kirk, Webster, Cameron, Ritchie, Lawson, McNally, McComiskie, Birse

Subs – Deasley, Davie, McDonald, Cavanagh

Auchinleck Talbot – Leishman, Lyle, Pope, McPherson, McCracken, Stephen Wilson, Hyslop, White, Graham Wilson, Glasgow, Samson

Subs – McIlroy, Kemp, Armstrong, McDowall, Shankland

Hearts Of Midlothian v Auchinleck Talbot

Photographs by Paul Flynn.

Cambuslang Rangers v Auchinleck Talbot

Blantyre Victoria v Auchinleck Talbot

Photographs by Paul Flynn.

MURRAYS REPORT

Talbot booked their place in the 5th round of the Scottish Junior cup with a commanding away win over Blantyre Victoria.

The Bot couldn’t have asked for a better start, taking the lead seconds after kick off without Blantyre touching the ball. Sean McIlroy played it to Stephen Wilson who fed the ball up the wing where McIlroy had continued his run. He lifted a cross to the back post where GRAHAM WILSON headed home from close range.

The Bot came close to doubling their lead in the 2nd minute. McIlroy lifted a cross over from the left wing which Hylsop headed back across goal. It was heading on target but it was cleared out the goal mouth by a defender.

It was nonstop pressure in the early stages and the Vics defence had another close call in the 4th minute. Stephen Wilson won a corner down the right & when Glasgow fired it in low to the near post Stephen Wilson flicked it across goal where it was scrambled clear. It only came out as far as Pope whose shot from just inside the area was blocked on its way through to goal.

11 minutes in & Talbot ought to have doubled their advantage.. Trainor produced a superb stop to deny McIlroy when he flew to his right to palm away his strike from 20 yards. The rebound came to Glasgow 8 yards out & he cannoned his shot off the bar.

The gluey surface was making it difficult for both sides and play got bogged down for a spell in midfield.

Talbot’s next attack came in the 21st minute. Stephen Wilson gathered the ball inside his own half & raked an early ball down the right to send Graham Wilson clear. He squared it across toward the waiting McIlroy but Campbell got there first to clear the danger.

Glasgow very nearly got the Bot’s 2nd in the 24th minute. McIlroy nicked possession just outside the area & shoved the ball through to Glasgow on the left of the box. He knocked it wide of the advancing Trainor & flicked it goal ward from a tight angle but Law was on hand to clear inside the right post.

Hughes became the first man booked when he received a caution after 28 mins for a late challenge on Stephen Wilson.

Trainor had a lucky escape two minutes later. The Bot won a free kick out on the right that Pope bent toward the back post. The keeper came to claim it but missed it completely & it sailed just wide of the far post.

Next up for Talbot was McIlroy. Glasgow whipped a great cross over from the right onto his head but he couldn’t generate enough power to beat Trainor.

Coleman became the 2nd Blantyre player in the book when he was cautioned for dissent after conceding a foul on Hyslop.

Talbot’s set pieces were causing havoc in the home defence & the Bot had a half chance in the 38th minute following a corner from the right. Glasgow’s cross was headed back by Hyslop, the defence failed to clear, and it broke to McCracken whose effort was blocked.
In the final minute of the half Talbot almost fluked a second. Trainor showed quick reactions to dive low to his left to prevent a deflected cross from sneaking into the bottom corner & so for all Talbot’s pressure they only went in a goal ahead at the interval.

The 2nd half started off much as the 1st had finished with Talbot on the front foot & the home side labouring to cope with set pieces. Three minutes after the re-start Hyslop was unlucky not to add to Talbot’s lead when he met a corner from the right & flicked it for goal only to see Jones clear it off the line.

A minute later McCracken received a caution for a trip inside the Blantyre half.

Talbot grabbed their 2nd of the afternoon in the 53rd minute. Glasgow played it down the line to McIlroy who in turn sent GRAHAM WILSON through one on one with the keeper. He took it round Trainor before rolling it into the empty net to make it 2-0.

Talbot continued to get joy from cross balls and their next effort at goal came in the 59th minute when Hyslop climbed well to meet Pope’s cross but sent his header wide of the right post.

Blantyre were forced into a change on the hour mark when Hughes limped off to be replaced by Connelly.

Tucker made his first change in the 67th minute with McDowall on in place of Hyslop.

Blantyre now had their first shot on target when MacDonald gathered out on the left & fired on target from 20 yards but it went straight at Leishman.

The home side now made a 2nd switch with Henderson coming on for Kerr and Tucker responded soon after; completing Talbot’s changes with a double substitution, Samson & Kemp replacing Graham Wilson & McIlroy up front.

Boyle came close to reducing the deficit in the 74th min when he latched onto a clearance & fired a low drive just wide of the right post from 25 yards.

Talbot then immediately went down the field and made it 3-0. Samson’s head flick found JAMIE GLASGOW running in behind the defence & he steadied himself before slotting a left foot shot past the keeper.

Three minutes later Talbot had an opportunity to extend their lead. Pope knocked it into the feet of Samson & he spun his marker to create the space before firing a shot across goal & wide of the left post.

Connelly had a chance to grab a consolation effort with 10 mins remaining when Boyle’s pass sent him through on the right of the area but he hurried his shot & blasted it well wide of the left post.

Three minutes later Blantyre were unlucky twice in quick succession. A corner from the left was headed on target & Lyle had to clear it off the line at the right post. The ball came out to Boyle at the edge of the area & his shot was heading into the roof of the net til Leishman tipped it over the bar.

As the game entered the closing stages it was Talbot back on the attack & Talbot nearly got their 4th in the 89th minute. Glasgow won the ball inside the Blantyre half & slotted a pass through to Kemp on the edge of the box. Trainor did well to dive to his left to palm away Kemp’s net bound shot & then Jones reacted smartly to slide in & block Samson’s follow up behind for the corner.

Deep into injury time Talbot grabbed their 4th goal to complete the scoring. A pass down the left sent JAMIE GLASGOW through & although Trainor got a slight hand to his low drive he couldn’t prevent it from landing inside the near post.

A good win for the Bot in testing conditions & they’ve earned a home draw against Rutherglen Glencairn in the last 16. Next up for Talbot it is back to league duties as they travel through to Blair Park looking to close the gap on runaway leaders Hurlford.

Blantyre Victoria – Trainor, Law, Jones, Campbell, Coleman, Caldwell, Kerr, Boyle, Hughes, MacDonald, Zeb

Subs – Henderson, Allan, Connelly

Auchinleck Talbot – Leishman, Lyle, Pope, McPherson, McCracken, Stephen Wilson, Hyslop, Armstrong, McIlroy, Graham Wilson, Glasgow

Subs – Samson, Kemp, McDowall, White, Hewitt

Renfrew v Auchinleck Talbot

Photographs by Paul Flynn.

MURRAYS MATCH REPORT

Talbot came from behind to win this away league fixture at Renfrew. The game arranged at short notice after both sides saw their Scottish cup ties fall foul of the weather.

The Bot had an early opportunity when they won a free kick 30 yards out inside two minutes. Pope took it but didn’t go for goal; instead sliding a low ball into the area that was cleared.

There wasn’t much football being played with both sides scrapping for the ball all over the pitch.

The next effort at goal came Talbot’s way in the 9th minute. Stephen Wilson beat McIntosh on the outside & lifted it into the area where Samson drilled it over the bar from a tight angle.

Renfrew had a chance to test the Bot defence when they won a free kick out on the right in the 11th minute. Dallas angled the ball out to Morton in space down the left & he whipped a dangerous cross over that Hyslop headed clear under pressure.

Healy received a yellow card soon after when he up-ended Graham Wilson as the Bot broke down the left.

Talbot came close to taking the lead in the 14th minute. Stephen Wilson’s cross was headed behind for at the back post for a corner & Glasgow’s corner was met by Hyslop inside the 6-yard area but his header flew just over.

Two minutes later Talbot had another opportunity to break the deadlock. Pope fired in an accurate cross to find Graham Wilson in front of goal but he steered his header over the crossbar.

The home side were under pressure again after 27 minutes when Campbell conceded a free kick for shoving Hyslop. Pope swung the free kick into the area where a defender headed clear. It came to White who headed it out to the right to find Stephen Wilson. He fizzed a volley across that Campbell headed over his own bar.

Glasgow’s corner came out to Stephen Wilson on the right edge & he lifted a cross to the back post where Graham Wilson headed it back across goal. Hyslop dived to meet it a few yards out but sent his header flying just over the bar.

Against the run of play the hosts took the lead on the half hour mark, with a helping hand from the referee. When Benton threw himself through the air into the Talbot box it looked for all the world like a contender for least convincing dive of the season but he managed to hoodwink the ref who pointed to the spot. MORTON took the spot kick & drilled it home to put Renfrew 1-0 ahead.

Three minutes later Campbell nearly levelled the score when he intercepted Glasgow’s driven cross & bulleted a header narrowly wide of the right post.

A minute later O’Keefe had his name taken for a late challenge on Glasgow.

The Bot had a fright in the 37th minute when Renfrew threatened to extend their lead. A free kick was lumped into the area where White was beaten by the bounce of the ball. It fell for Morton whose shot at goal took a slight deflection off McPherson on its way through to Leishman.

McIntosh became the 3rd Renfrew player booked when he received a caution after 38 mins for a late tackle on Stephen Wilson.

Talbot’s next attack saw Samson race free on the right & slide a dangerous ball right across the face of goal but unfortunately there were no takers.

The Bot continued to press but without success & Renfrew held on to their lead at the interval.

The home side had to make a change during the interval with McGillion replacing McIntosh who had picked up a knock in the closing stages of the half.

What Talbot needed was an early goal and they succeeded; drawing level in the 52nd minute. Stephen Wilson swept a cross in from the right & DWAYNE HYSLOP met it unchallenged in the centre to head Talbot level.

Glasgow found himself in the notebook a few mins later when he pulled Morton back as he raced forward. Soon after, he had a half chance to put Talbot ahead. Burgess failed to gather Armstrong’s cross & the ball came out to Glasgow on the left of the area. He skipped past Healy but his low shot for the near post lacked the power to beat Burgess.

Renfrew were still in it & they nearly opened up the Bot defence in the 59th minute. Morton flicked the ball inside to Dallas who burst into the Talbot penalty area but Pope was alive to the danger & got across to slide it behind for a corner.

Renfrew made their 2nd change on the hour mark with McLeay coming on in place of Hardie.

Talbot’s next opportunity came via route one. Leishman punted it downfield where Graham Wilson headed it on into the path of Hyslop who fired a volley over the bar.

Tucker now made a change with McIlroy replacing Samson up front.

Campbell had been skating on thin ice after a series of offences & finally received a caution in the 66th minute for handball.

Renfrew now made their final change with McGillion coming on for O’Keefe.

McPherson aided the Bot attack in the 69th minute when he carried the ball up the left before lifting a ball over the defence to find Graham Wilson inside the area. He hit it early & fired into the side netting.

Talbot made their 2nd change with 70 mins gone with McDowall on in place of Glasgow.

The substitution paid off immediately when a ball down the left found McDowall racing clear in the box. He was caught late as he hit it across the face of goal & the ref pointed to the spot for the 2nd time. STEPHEN WILSON took it & gave the keeper no chance; sending him the wrong way to put Talbot in front.

It was now all Talbot & McIlroy had a chance to put it beyond Renfrew when he met Stephen Wilson’s corner but he glanced his header across goal.

Tucker completed Talbot’s changes in the 77th minute when Kemp came on for Graham Wilson.

A minute later Lyle had his name taken for a foul midway inside the Bot half. The free kick was played out to Dallas on the left & he whipped over a cross that Leishman failed to gather but White was on hand to clear the danger.

Talbot killed the game off & completed the scoring in the 82nd minute. McIlroy headed the ball down to McDowall who took a wild swipe at it. Fortunately for Talbot the ball sliced straight to CALVIN KEMP whose shot powered past Burgess who got a hand to it but couldn’t prevent it landing in the back of the net.

The closing stages were a nondescript affair with Talbot seeing the match out comfortably to secure all three points.

Next week, weather permitting, Talbot will travel through to face Blantyre in the Scottish cup

Renfrew Juniors – Burgess, Healy, McIntosh, Henry, Campbell, Maxwell, Dallas, Benton, Hardie, O’Keefe, Morton

Subs – Innes, McGillion, Barbour, McLeay

Auchinleck Talbot – Leishman, Lyle, Pope, McPherson, White, Stephen Wilson, Armstrong, Hyslop, Graham Wilson, Samson, Glasgow

Subs – McIlroy, Kemp, McDowall, Waite, Hewitt