Away – Page 6 – Auchinleck Talbot Football Club

Kirkintilloch Rob Roy v Auchinleck Talbot

MURRAYS MATCH REPORT

A depleted Talbot squad gave it their all and were unlucky not to take all 3 points in a tense draw away to table topping Rob Roy.
There was little between the sides in the opening spell, though the home side found themselves temporarily a man short when Sawyers took a head knock when challenging Leishman for the ball.
The first move of note came from Talbot in the 12th minute. Young released Pooler down the left & he played a good early ball into the near post where G Wilson side-footed it past the right post.
Fraser, the Rob Roy captain, had his name taken in the 15th minute for a late challenge on G Wilson in midfield and a minute later Sawyers was able to return to the fray after being patched up.
Ex-Bot player Boyle joined his captain in the ref’s notebook in the 29th minute for a foul on G Wilson.
The home side, with the wind at their back, were pushing Talbot back and they threatened the Bot goal twice in quick succession just after the half hour mark. Firstly Sawyers turned sharply in the box to create space for a shot, only to see his shot deflected behind for a corner. When the corner came over from the right, Boyle climbed to meet it but sent his header crashing against the right post.
Rob Roy had a half chance in the 37th minute. A long ball down the left was nodded on, releasing Watt down the left. He chipped it across goal looking to find McGuire 6 yards out but it went behind him & Talbot cleared their lines.
A minute later Talbot had a good chance to take the lead. White won the ball on the left & knocked it into the path of Pooler on the left edge of the penalty area. He spotted the keeper off his line & tried to lob it but didn’t get enough on it.
Leishman was called into action in the 41st minute after Talbot conceded a free kick just outside the box. Gallagher curled it on target & Leishman was on hand to tip it over the crossbar.
Pope became the 1st Talbot player cautioned when he brought McGuire down out on the right wing.
In the final minute of the half Thomson had a chance to put Talbot in front. Walker was guilty of a slack square ball across the edge of his own penalty area. Thomson intercepted it before it got to Boyle but drilled his shot straight at the keeper.
The 2nd half was only three minutes old when Rob Roy nearly caught Talbot out with a swift counter-attack. They successfully defended Pope’s corner into the back post & having cleared their lines worked it down the right where Gallagher was tripped just outside the penalty area. The free kick was lifted into the near post where Lyle headed it clear.
McGuire became the 3rd Rabs player cautioned when he talked himself into the book in the 50th minute.
Rob Roy were awarded what looked to be a soft free kick a minute later, when Lyle was penalised for winning an aerial battle with Gallagher. Gallagher took the free kick & whipped a dangerous cross over to the centre where Sawyers saw his header deflected past. When the resultant corner came over Sawyers again got his head on it but placed it way over the bar.
Graham Wilson was very unfortunate not to get his name on the scoresheet in the 55th minute. Thomson, out on the left touchline, hooked the ball over the static defence for G Wilson to race onto & he thumped a shot that came crashing off the underside of the bar before Green nodded it behind.
A few minutes later Pooler tried his luck from 22 yards out but pulled his shot wide of the right post.
Sawyers received a caution in the 61st minute. He was off the field for treatment & ran back on without permission when he saw a chance of challenging for the ball.
The playing surface brick hard & it nearly worked to Talbot’s advantage when a Lyle free kick into the area took a high bounce, forcing the back pedalling keeper to tip it over the crossbar.
Pope took the corner into the near post & the home defence failed to clear it, heading it up into the air. G Wilson tried to head it back across goal & McKenzie appeared to block it with his arm whilst trying to chest it, but the referee ignored Talbot’s penalty appeal & awarded another corner. When this came over, Young glanced a header off target.
Talbot’s next attack saw Pope lift a ball down the left to find Pooler inside the area. He cut inside & shot for goal; his effort taking a deflection that saw it over the bar. Tucker now made a change with Stevenson on in place of Thomson. When the corner came over the Rabs defence failed to cut it out & it came to the feet of White who toe poked it goal ward but once again fortune wasn’t with Talbot & it came off the underside of the bar & bounced on the line before being cleared.
Rob Roy made a change in the 74th minute with Mackie coming on for McGuire.
The home side hadn’t been in it for a while but they should have taken the lead with quarter of an hour remaining. Sawyers found himself clean through on Leishman on the right but hit a tame effort that was more pass back than shot.
Pooler did well down the left in the 78th minute, showing good feet to beat Green before cutting it across the face of goal. G Wilson gathered on the far side of the area & fired a shot over the top.
Rob Roy made their 2nd change in the 80th minute; Hughes replacing Sawyers up front & the sub was barely on the pitch when he missed a decent chance to put Rob Roy ahead. A ball in behind the Bot defence found him 20 yards from goal with Leishman well off his line. He dinked the ball past the advancing Leishman but steered it well wide of the left post.
The assistant referee came to Rob Roy’s rescue in the 83rd minute when a poor offside call robbed Talbot of the lead. A Bot free kick out on the right was flighted across to the back post where Pooler climbed to head it back across goal. Young, who was being played onside by Boyle, volleyed it home, only for the assistant ref to incorrectly flag for offside.
Three minutes from time Talbot had one final chance to take all 3 points. Pope lifted a free kick down the centre that eluded the Rabs central defence. Young, with his back to goal, tried to glance it past the keeper but just failed to make contact.
In the final minute of regulation time the assistant referee again came to Rob Roy’s aid. Young lofted a ball down the centre where G Wilson got the better of Boyle. He looked set to race clear but the linesman saw something no one else did & his flag brought him to a halt.
Twice Talbot were a fraction off taking the lead, and had a perfectly good goal disallowed, but if you’d asked any Talbot fan before kick-off they’d have been happy with a point and with Glenafton losing, Talbot are still right in the mix.
Next up for Talbot it is back to cup duty as they host Ardrossan Winton Rovers mid-week.

Kirkintilloch Rob Roy – McKinven, Walker, McKenzie, Green, Boyle, Whelan, McGuire, Fraser, Sawyers, Watt, Gallagher

Subs – McCall, Hughes, Pearson, Mackie, Brown (gk)

Auchinleck Talbot – Leishman, Lyle, Pope, Harvey, McPherson, S Wilson, Young, White, Pooler, G Wilson, Thomson
Subs – Stevenson, McCracken, Sloan, McCluckie, Hewitt (gk)

Ok folks…Was ‘Butch’ onside or offside? Here he becomes free inside the Rob Roy box and looks to get onto the end of this headed pass……

……which he does, by hitting the ball on the volley……

……and although he cooley smashes the ball home, he was deemed to be offside by the officials.

A first half chance for Talbot with Pooler firing a low pass across the face of goal where Graham Wilson gets to the ball first……

……but, unfortunately, ‘G’ slots the ball narrowly wide of the post.

After making a tremendous run into the Rob Roy box, Dylan Pooler beats Danny Boyle and tries an audacious chip but the Roy ‘keeper comfortably saves the shot.

After creating space for himself inside the box, ‘G’ fires a thunderous shot past the ‘keeper but only manages to make a big dent in the crossbar.

Dylan and Danny can only watch, as Pooler smacks a shot off the dusty pitch and onto a looping path towards goal……

……but the Roy ‘keeper pulls off a great save to tip the ball over the bar.

From a corner, Stephen White thunders a strike towards goal from very close range……

……but, agonisingly, can only smash the ball off the crossbar, while everybody else is frozen to spot.

Wullie Sawyers finds himself one-on-one with Andy Leishman but fires the shot too straight at the ‘keeper and the chance is gone for Rob Roy.

With Talbot looking for a winning goal, ‘Tucker’ roars out the all important tactics.

As Stephen fights to create a chance for Talbot, McGoldrick and the rest of the Auchinleck bench can only hold their hands on their heads and pray a chance comes along.

Gordon Pope and Ross Harvey make sure the Black and Gold defence line is not breached.

After Talbot get a goal ‘chalked’ off, this Rob Roy player points out what went wrong for his defence.

McPherson clears his lines and ‘hoofs’ the ball back up the park.

Pooler gets stopped in his tracks, as the crowd closely watch the action unfold.

Harvey gets to the ball first and stops the Rob Roy attack.

Steven Wilson jumps the highest and heads the ball back down the park.

All eyes on the prize, as Thompson tries to win the ball for Talbot.

Some Talbot fans enjoying the sunshine football on a glorious Saturday afternoon. Photographs by Paul Flynn.

Ardrossan Winton Rovers v Auchinleck Talbot

A goal in each half was enough for Talbot to triumph in this festive friendly, but like their competitive season the scoreline could have been a lot higher if they had cashed in on the numerous chances that they fashioned throughout the game.

There was a few tweeks to the starting line-up with Brian Hewitt replacing Andy Leishman in nets, while Martin McGoldrick moved to right back and Neil McPherson slotted in beside Danny Boyle. James Latta was handed a start after a couple of months on the injury list while Dylan Pooler and Dylan Stevenson were given the nod.

Talbot were quick off the mark and in 2 minutes Steven Wilson threaded Keir Milliken through on goals but the stand-side linesman was quick to flag. Winton were looking rather dangerous up the right hand side and when a long weighted ball was sent into the Talbot area Hewitt who had came out his box to clear the danger actually fluffed his kick which fell to Caddis who’s 35 yard first time shot blew well past the empty net.

Talbot were having the better of the opening stages and on numerous occasions they had the home side well pinned back. Dwayne Hyslop had a couple of decent chances but ballooned a shot well over and did the same with a Stevenson cross. You could sense that Talbot were going to open the scoring and this came about on the 33rd minute when Steven Wilson picked out the unmarked Gordon Pope and he rifled a daisy cutter past Mullen from 25 yards.

Near the end of the first half Talbot squandered two good chances when Milliken pounced on a defensive error which broke to Stevenson but he had little chance to control the ball and Mullen did well to block the danger. Right on the half time whistle Pooler should have scored when he darted into the box to collect a through ball but shot straight into the keepers midriff.

Graham Wilson replaced Keir Milliken at half time and seven minutes later Shankland and McCracken came on for Latta and Hyslop. A minute after the substitutions Colligan blew a great chance for the home side when he cut in from the right but hurried his shot past Hewitt and well past the target. This was the last we saw of the home side as an attacking force and on the 65th minute Craig McCracken doubled the scoreline when a drop of the shoulder got him enough space to hammer the ball low past Mullen.

The game finished with Talbot camped around the home goalmouth and two decent chances fell to Shankland. One when he was crowded out by the defense before he got a shot off and another when he did get the ball on target but shot tamely into the hands of the keeper. With minutes remaining Graham Wilson was unlucky to add to the scoring when he ghosted into the area leaving three players in his wake but his finished effort was poorly hit and the keeper saved easily.

TALBOT: Hewitt, McGoldrick, Pope, McPherson, Boyle, S.Wilson, Stevenson, Hyslop (McCracken 52), Pooler, Milliken (G.Wilson 45), Latta (Shankland 52). Sub not used Lyle.

Kilwinning Rangers v Auchinleck Talbot

MURRAYS MATCH REPORT

Talbot moved to the top of the table after a hard fought away win over the Buffs at a sunny, but bitterly cold, Abbey Park.
The Bot had an early chance inside the 1st minute when Shankland forced a corner down the left. He swung it to the back post where McCracken slid in to meet it but could only slide it wide of target.
A few minutes later the home side came close from a set piece. A corner from the right pinged across the face of goal with Talbot unable to clear their lines. It came to Kerr inside the 6-yard box but his attempt was blocked. The ball spun out to Monti on the right edge of the area and Leishman came off his line to punch his cross clear.
Frye picked up a caution in the 5th minute for a late trip on McCracken. Pope lifted the free kick into the box where Boyle headed it down & Steven Wilson ran onto it & flashed a shot just over the bar.
The game then went through a sterile phase with maximum effort from both sides but zero chances created.
The next chance came in the 17th minute when Talbot ought to have taken the lead. A quickly taken free kick saw Lyle chip the ball down the right to find Shankland inside the area. He hooked it 1st time across goal to the far post where Hyslop met it but from point blank range he sent his shot against the outside of the right post.
In the 22nd minute Kilwinning came close to opening the scoring. McGuinness’s cross came off Harvey’s head & travelled beyond the back post where Boylan volleyed it just wide of the right post.
Strain produced a good stop in the 24th minute to deny Shankland. Milliken’s cut back from the bye line found Shankland 12 yards out & he hammered a shot at goal which Strain parried away to safety.
Cashmore squandered a gilt edged chance to put the Buffs in front in the 32nd minute. Monti judged the bounce of the ball better than Boyle to latch onto a long ball up the right. He looked up & squared it across for the unmarked Cashmore who tried to pass it into the net from 15 yards but couldn’t beat Leishman who dived to his left to make the stop.
Kilwinning had the edge in possession but without threatening to breach the Talbot defence and it was the Bot who had the last chance of the half, a minute before the interval, when Boyle met Shankland’s free kick from the right to glance a header wide of the far post.
There were no changes at the interval but the 2nd half was only two minutes old before Talbot were forced into a change. McCracken pulled up injured & had to leave the field to be replaced by Young.
The Buffs next effort at goal came via a long clearance downfield from Strain. Monti got on the end of his punt down the left and lobbed a shot at goal that sailed just wide of the right post.
Already on a caution, Frye was fortunate to escape an early bath in the 56th min when he fouled Young conceding a free kick 35 yards out. Shankland swept the ball across to the far post where Hyslop climbed to head it down across goal. The ball was there to be swept home but no Bot player was on hand to take advantage & the defence scrambled it clear.
Tucker made his 2nd change on the hour mark with Graham Wilson on in place of Milliken. Kilwinning made their 1st change at the same time with Kemp replacing Cashmore in attack.
A minute later McGuinness spurned a clear chance to put the Buffs ahead. Monti gathered the ball on the left of the penalty area & turned it back straight into the path of McGuinness who steered a low drive just wide of the left post.
The game’s only goal came Talbot’s way in the 65th minute. Young laid the ball out left to send Graham Wilson free. He surged down the wing before pulling it back to the edge of the area to return the ball to Young. He created the space for himself to curl a shot that was heading inside the right post until Strain turned it round the post. Shankland whipped the corner into the heart of the 6-yard box where GRAHAM WILSON bulleted a header home from close range.
Three minutes later Graham Wilson had a good chance to put the game beyond doubt. Young’s pass found Hyslop out on the left & he sent an early pass inside to send Wilson through on goal but his low drive went straight at Strain.
Kilwinning made a 2nd change in the 72nd minute with Cairnie replacing the injured Kerr.
Talbot had another chance to put the game away when Steven Wilson’s pass split the defence to send Shankland clear on the left. He raced into the area but hit a tired looking effort straight at Strain.
Boyle received a harsh yellow card in the 76th minute when he was adjudged to have impeded Strain.
In the 77th minute Graham Wilson had an opportunity to grab his 2nd when Shankland sent him clear on the left. He could’ve carried on into the area but spotting Strain off his line he went for the early shot but scuffed it straight at the keeper.
The referee made a bizarre call in the 81st minute. Frye squared up to Harvey, shoving the Bot defender in the chest, but the ref cautioned the Talbot defender to the ire of the visiting support.
With 4 minutes to go both sides made their final change. Stevenson replaced Shankland for Talbot & Clark came on for McGuinness for the home side.
Talbot had some defending to do in the final minute when Boylan got to the bye line & angled a dangerous ball back across the face of goal. Hyslop came to Talbot’s rescue, clearing the ball from in front of goal.
Deep into injury time Frye finally received his dues; picking up a 2nd yellow for a crunching late tackle on Graham Wilson who was also booked for his reaction.
This was a tough, physical game with Talbot edging it to secure all 3 points and having gained top spot Talbot will need to be on their A game next week to stay there as they host in form Beith in the league.

Kilwinning Rangers – Strain, Coleman, McCloskey, Kerr, Maitland, Frye, Monti, McGuinness, Cashmore, Lewis, Boylan

Subs – Cairnie, Kemp, Hanvey, Clark, Agnew

Auchinleck Talbot – Leishman, Lyle, Pope, Harvey, Boyle, McCracken, White, Hyslop, S Wilson, Shankland, Milliken

Subs – Stevenson, G Wilson, McPherson, Young, Latta

Cambuslang Rangers v Auchinleck Talbot

Talbot negotiated a potential banana skin with surprising ease as they rediscovered their form to breeze past Cambuslang Rangers in the 1st round of the West of Scotland.
The 1st chance of the game fell to the home side in the 2nd minute. McCracken took a poor touch inside his own penalty area & the ball came out to Kilmartin on the right edge of the penalty area. He arrowed a shot for goal which was heading into the top corner until Leishman threw himself to his left to turn it round the post.
Having survived this early scare Talbot took the lead in the 6th minute. Cambuslang conceded a free kick out on the right which Shankland perfectly delivered into the centre where MILLIKEN guided a free header past Stewart.
Cambuslang’s central defence were posted missing in action again a few minutes later when Boyle climbed to meet Shankland’s corner from the right but his powerful header went straight at Stewart who clutched it under the bar.
Talbot’s next attack saw Graham Wilson attempt to float a ball into the path of Shankland on the left of the area but Gebbie did well to cut it out, heading it back to his keeper.
The home side had a good chance to level in the 21st minute. A slick passing move down the right ended with Kilmartin racing down the right of Talbot’s penalty area. He had the chance to shoot but instead chose to cut it back across the face of goal & with no takers in the centre Talbot were able to clear.
Talbot doubled their lead in the 26th minute. Shankland squared the ball across to Pope who had his heels clipped as he ran onto it. Shankland took the free kick & lifted the ball to the back post where Harvey headed it up into the air. Cambuslang failed to clear their lines & McCracken gathered on the right of the area & whipped a cross into the centre where GRAHAM WILSON nodded Talbot 2-0 in front.
It could’ve been game over in the 31st minute. White lifted the ball up the left to find Milliken & he held it up before rolling the ball inside to pick out the run of G Wilson but he knocked it wide of the right post.
Talbot were dictating play & came close to adding a 3rd in the 37th minute. Shankland dinked a great ball through the centre to split the home defence. Milliken ran onto it & checked back, creating
space for the shot but Stewart managed to block his low drive from 15 yards.
Cambuslang hadn’t created much but they almost pulled a goal back in the 40th minute. Boyle had a chance to clear it but failed to take it & Simeon bundled his way through one on one with Leishman who made the block. The ball spun out to Bohme on the right & his effort at goal was deflected behind for a corner.
Talbot rode out Cambuslang’s late pressure to go in two goals ahead at the interval.
There were no changes at the interval but it didn’t take long into the 2nd period before Cambuslang decided it wasn’t working, with Boylan replacing Macleod out wide.
Gebbie made a crucial interception to thwart Talbot’s next attack. Graham Wilson got free down the right & drilled a dangerous low ball across the face of goal that Gebbie intercepted with Milliken waiting to pounce in front of goal.
The result was put beyond a doubt in the 56th minute when Talbot went 3-0 ahead. Shankland passed it through the centre of the Lang defence to send MILLIKEN racing through on goal and he kept his head & to prod it past the advancing Stewart.
Cambuslang needed a goal back quickly & Bohme tried his best to throw them a lifeline when he struck the ball on target from 20 yards but Leishman dived to his left to make the stop.
Both sides decided to ring the changes with Talbot going first as Hyslop came on in midfield in place of Steven Wilson with Cambuslang then responding by replacing Bohme with Hendry. The spate of substitutions ended with Stevenson coming on for Milliken.
Macbeth had his name taken in the 73rd minute for a trip outside the area. Shankland flighted the ball across goal where Hyslop just failed to connect with his head to extend Talbot’s lead.
Tucker now completed the Talbot’s changes with Pooler coming on for Shankland.
Talbot might have moved further ahead in the 79th minute. McCracken surged into the area down the left & cut it back across goal. It came to Pooler 6 yards out but it got stuck between his feet & the chance was lost.
If any side looked like scoring it was Talbot and the Bot threatened again with 10 minutes remaining. Stevenson’s cross from the right was only cleared out as far as Pope & his shot looked to be travelling on target until blocked by Kerr.
As the game moved into injury time Boylan picked up a caution for a late tackle on McCracken just outside the area. McCracken took the free kick himself & lifted a shot just over Stewart’s bar.
This was a morale boosting win for Talbot who will now look to maintain their form when they travel to Annbank next Saturday in the Scottish.

Cambuslang Rangers – Stewart, Gebbie, Halliday, Kerr, Bishop, Macbeth, Bohme, Simeon, Gormley, Kilmartin, Macleod

Subs – Boylan, Chalmers, Hendry, Nolan, Brand (gk)

Auchinleck Talbot – Leishman, Lyle, Pope, Harvey, Boyle, McCracken, White, S Wilson, G Wilson, Shankland, Milliken

Subs – Hyslop, Stevenson, Young, McPherson, Pooler

talbot-goal-1 — From a Shankland free-kick, Milliken opens the scoring by getting his head to the ball and fires it into the far corner of the net. 0-1.

talbot-goal-1-celeb — ‘High five time’, as Danny Boyle congratulates Keir for the opening goal.

talbot-goal-2 — After a poor clearance by Cambuslang, Milliken crosses the ball back into the box and Graham Wilson sends a powerful header straight into the back of the net. 0-2.

talbot-goal-3 — Keir Milliken races into the box and although he is challenged by the defender and ‘keeper, he still manages to chip the ball over the danger and into the back of the net. 0-3.

action-3 — Boyle jumps the highest and heads the ball towards goal.

action-6 — From outside the box, McCracken fires in a decent shot.

action-5 — Andy Leishman is called into action, as he pulls off a great save to thwart Rangers.

action-9 — A spectacular volley from Gordon Pope but unfortunately, it goes high over the bar.

action-4 — Steven Wilson gets challenged from both sides by the Cambuslang defence.

action-2 — Although the Rangers defender manages to win the ball, he takes a real sore one, as he ‘clatters’ into Mark Shankland.

action-10 — McCracken shrugs off the defender in order to go on a big run up the park.

action-1 — Wilson clears the ball back down the park.

action-7 — As the Black ‘n’ Gold faithful look on, Hyslop tries to win the ball back for Talbot.

action-8 — Dylan Pooler races into the opposition’s box.

action-11 — Talbot captain, Wullie Lyle, passes on orders to Danny Boyle. Photographs by Paul Flynn.

Glenafton Athletic v Auchinleck Talbot

MURRAY’S MATCH REPORT
Talbot fans enjoyed the sunshine but not the result as the Bot slumped to their 2nd successive defeat; losing 3-1 to Glenafton at Loch Park.
The 1st chance of the match came Talbot’s way. Wilson beat Menzies in the air to nod it into the box where McChesney could only partially clear it. The ball came out to Hyslop 16 yards out but he fired over the crossbar.
The Glens threatened in turn after 10 minutes. McChesney’s deep cross found Orsi in space & he headed it back across goal where Park hooked a shot over.
Play then switched straight to the other end when Meikle headed Leishman’s lengthy clearance behind for a corner. Young delivered the corner to the far post where McChesney headed it off the line.
A couple of minutes later Wilson won a corner off Menzies down the left. Once again Young delivered a good ball to the back post where Boyle got on the end of it but couldn’t direct it on target under pressure.
So far so good, but then with quarter of an hour gone Talbot conceded a cheap opener. Marlow was given far too much time & space out on the left. He was able to pick out a pass to Dallas at the edge of the area & he laid it into the path of LYNESS who strolled forward unopposed before sliding a shot past Leishman.
Just like last week Talbot were struggling to create any clear chances. Hyslop had a half chance in the 21st minute when Pope’s cross found him beyond the back post but his header went straight at McGarrity.
Soon after, Milliken was unlucky when he raced onto a ball down the left. He got there fractionally before McGarrity & toed it beyond the keeper but he couldn’t keep his feet & the chance was gone.
Talbot did create a good opening in the 24th minute but failed to take it. Young lifted a free kick into the box where Boyle climbed to head it down across goal. It came to Wilson 6 yards out but on the stretch he could only scoop the ball up in the air & McGarrity gathered under the bar.
Dallas had his name taken in the 26th minute for a late challenge on Stevenson.
The Glens threatened a 2nd goal in the 31st minute. Orsi whipped a cross in from the right & Andrew glanced a header wide of the right post.
In the 36th minute Wilson picked up a yellow card for a late challenge on Menzies out on the touch line.
The Glens did double their lead in the 37th minute and again Talbot were guilty of slack defending. A shy from the right came into the box. Orsi gathered 16 yards out & was allowed to traverse the area under no real pressure before firing for goal. His shot was blocked by Harvey inside the 6-yard area but it fell kindly to DALLAS who tapped it home from close range.
The 2nd goal knocked the stuffing out of Talbot & it was the Glens who finished the half in the ascendancy. They won a free kick in the 42nd minute out on the left which Gray delivered into the area. It was cleared but only as far as McAusland who slipped the ball through to Andrew inside the area & he fired into the side netting from an acute angle.
On the stroke of half time Talbot’s defence were undone by a high ball down the left. The defence left it for Leishman but it was right at the edge of the box & as he gathered the ball he carried it out of the area; resulting in a free kick just to the left of the area. Gray took it & curled a shot on target which Leishman tipped over the bar.
Tucker decided changes were in order at the interval & made a double switch with McGoldrick on in place of Harvey & Steven Wilson replacing Hyslop but before either sub could make any impact the game was as good as over when the Glens extended their lead in the 48th minute.
Boyle stretched to cut out a ball down the right but couldn’t make it & Park raced free down the wing. He knocked the ball across the 6-yard area & ANDREW ran onto it to fire home.
Things went from bad to worse for Talbot when Graham Wilson received his 2nd yellow card & his marching orders in the 55th minute after leading with his arm in an aerial challenge.
Tucker now made his final change with Thomson coming on for Stevenson.
It should’ve been 10 a side in the 63rd minute when Dallas, already on a yellow, was guilty of a late challenge but the ref bottled the decision.
Glenafton now made their 1st change with Meikle replacing McChesney in defence.
Talbot pulled a goal back in the 70th minute. Milliken gathered out on the right & cut back onto his left foot before crossing to the near post where STEVEN WILSON headed home.
The Glens then made two further changes with McCann on for Dallas & then Borris replacing Orsi on the wing.
Talbot had done well to steady the ship but gradually the extra man told & the Glens almost extended their lead in the 82nd minute. A Glens counter-attack saw Orsi speed away & he pulled the ball back across the box. Lyness ran onto it & with Leishman off his line he looked favourite to score but Talbot’s keeper dived smartly to his left to smother his low shot.
Talbot saw out the remainder of the game without further alarms but the damage had already been done earlier on. Next up for Talbot is the 1st home league game of the season as Arthurlie visit Beechwood.

Glenafton – McGarrity, McAusland, Marlow, Menzies, McChesney, Gray, Orsi, Park, Dallas, Andrew, Lyness
Subs – McCann, Borris, Meikle, Cairns, Lockhead (gk)

Talbot – Leishman, Lyle, Pope, Harvey, Boyle, McCracken, Young, Hyslop, Milliken, G Wilson, Stevenson
Subs – Pooler, S Wilson, Thomson, McGoldrick, White

aviary_1474136544999 — Glenafton open the scoring, as Lyness races into the Talbot box and slots the ball into the back of the net. 1-0.

aviary_1474136898836 — Big smiles all round, as Lyness celebrates his goal.

aviary_1474138391666 — On the rebound, Glenafton’s Dallas pounces first and smashes the ball past Andy Leishman. 2-0.

aviary_1474138540749 — Dallas’ expression shows exactly what that goal meant to him.

aviary_1474144845219 — With the 2nd half barely started, Glenafton make it three, as Dallas is left with acres of space at the back post to smash the ball home. 3-0.

aviary_1474145079705 — As the shirt says, Glenafton celebrate scoring their 3rd goal of the game.

aviary_1474146175784 — Although down to ten men, Talbot manage to score a consolation goal, as Stevie Wilson scores with a looping header. 3-1.

aviary_1474147967568 — ‘Butch’ gets another Talbot attack going.

aviary_1474148136425 — The danger is cleared, as Pope fires the ball back up the park.

aviary_1474190974712 — It’s the thumbs up from Milliken, as he is ready to go again.

aviary_1474191109763 — Keir tries a last minute lunge for the ball but Glenafton have the ball protected.

aviary_1474192906592 — Lyle watches Mcgoldrick muscle his way back up the park.

aviary_1474193075962 — As the ball heads towards goal, Andy makes sure it doesn’t hit the back of the net.

aviary_1474193218262 — With the home supporters eagerly watching, Talbot’s McCracken races forward into the home teams box.

aviary_1474193367713 — If we made the football this size…… Photographs by Paul Flynn.

Wigton & Bladnoch v Auchinleck Talbot

Talbot failed to show up for the 1st half of this cup tie but were a team transformed after the interval & cruised to victory over their South of Scotland league opponents.
It was a case of Talbot flattering to deceive early on as the Bot got off to a short-lived flying start. In the opening couple of minutes Talbot forced a couple of early corners, from the second of which, McGoldrick glanced a header wide of target.
After this initial flurry, the 1st half became a frustrating affair for Talbot with Wigtown content to sit deep & look to break, and Talbot struggling to get through them.
In the 17th minute Young & Dunn had their names taken after a confrontation in the centre of the pitch.
In a half devoid of clear chances, Talbot’s main threat came from set pieces. Boyle got his head onto the end of Shankland’s free kick in the 28th minute but placed his header wide of the right post.
Talbot’s best chance of the half came in the 32nd minute courtesy of a quickly taken free kick. Young hit it in behind the Wigtown defence but Wilson took a poor 1st touch & it broke off him through to the keeper.
For the remainder of the half both sides huffed & puffed to no avail & the sides went in at half-time with neither keeper having made a save.
Talbot came out like a team transformed after the interval & as early as the 46th minute carved out a decent chance. Shankland laid the ball off to Wilson & he fired a low shot wide of the right post.
Millliken received a caution in the 53rd minute for a shirt tug on Dougan.
A minute later Young hit the target from 20 yards but his shot went straight at Roddie.
McIntyre then became the 4th name in the ref’s book when he was cautioned for a late tackle on Milliken.
The opening goal came in the 58th minute and what a strike it was. Richardson conceded a free kick 30 yards from goal for a foul on Wilson & SHANKLAND gave the keeper no chance; curling a superb strike over the wall & into the back of the net.
Tucker now made a change with White coming on for Pooler.
Talbot nearly doubled their lead on the hour mark. Milliken gathered out on the left & drilled it low across the goal mouth. The slightest touch would’ve put it in but Wilson just failed to connect at the near post.
It was all Talbot now & it was no surprise when the 2nd goal arrived in the 66th minute. A diagonal ball found Milliken out on the right & he swept a good cross into the centre. Shankland glanced a header on target and although Roddie parried it WILSON followed up to tap in the rebound.
Talbot’s next attack saw White burst forward before releasing Shankland down the left. He lifted a dangerous cross to the far post where Rennie headed behind. Shankland went across to take the corner & whipped it into the near post where Milliken fired over the bar.
Wilson had a chance to grab his 2nd in the 70th minute. He started the move sliding the ball out right to Latta who returned the favour, crossing it into the centre where Wilson headed on target but straight at Roddie.
The game was as good as over a minute later when Talbot moved 3-0 ahead. White burst into the area & fed the ball out to Shankland on the left. He cut inside McIntyre before chipping a shot for the far top corner. He saw his effort come back off the woodwork but Wilson gathered on the right & quickly crossed it back across goal where SHANKLAND headed home from 6 yards out.
With quarter of an hour remaining Talbot tested Roddie again. Shankland’s mazy run into the box ended when he was challenged by Richardson; however the ball broke back into the path of Wilson who drilled a low shot on goal which Roddie blocked.
Wigtown had a chance for a consolation goal in the 76th minute. They won a corner out on the left & the Bot defence were caught sleeping as they took a short one to Miller. He curled a cross over to the far post where Dougan rose unopposed but he lifted his header over the bar.
Tucker now made a double substitution with Young & Shankland making way for Hyslop & Drummond.
It should have been 4 for Talbot in the 81st minute. Latta angled a great cross in from the right touchline & Wilson looked a certainty to head it home but somehow he placed it the wrong side of the left post.
Wilson had another headed chance a minute later. This time the cross came from the opposite wing as Pope whipped the ball into the centre where Wilson glanced a header just wide.
The final goal came in the 83rd minute. Hyslop’s break from midfield was ended when Cluckie tripped him inside the area & the ref pointed to the spot. WILSON took it & confidently dispatched it to claim his 2nd of the afternoon & make it 4-0 to Talbot.
In the closing seconds Talbot had a final chance to add to their tally. Wilson headed Lyle’s ball down to the feet of Milliken, sending him clean through on the right but instead of shooting he tried to square it across the 6-yard box & the chance was lost.
In the end a comfortable enough win for Talbot who face a trip to Beith in the next round.
Next up for Talbot is their 1st home game of the season when they host Cumnock on Monday night.

Referee – Mike Taylor

Wigtown – Roddie, McIntyre, Rennie, Agnew, Richardson, Cluckie, Jones, Dunn, Jamieson, Dougan, Miller
Subs – Robertson, Lowe, Chilton, Rose, Gerrit, Whyte (gk)

Talbot – Leishman, Lyle, Pope, McGoldrick, Boyle, Latta, Young, S Wilson, Milliken, Shankland, Pooler
Subs – McPherson, White, Drummond, Hyslop, G Wilson, Hewitt (gk)

Glenafton Athletic v Auchinleck Talbot

MURRAY’S MATCH REPORT

Talbot claimed a deserved share of the spoils at a rain soaked Loch Park but left it very late before grabbing an equaliser.
Talbot were 1st to show & won a corner inside a minute when Marlow blocked Latta’s cross behind. Shankland swung it over to the penalty spot where Drummond ran onto it but steered his header wide of McGarrity’s right post.
The home side very nearly took the lead in the 3rd minute. McGill played it into the area to find Andrew in space on the left & his shot across goal beat Leishman but came back off the foot of the post.
It was Talbot’s turn to hit the woodwork in the 8th minute. McChesney bowled Milliken over 30 yards out resulting in a free kick. Shankland whipped it up & over the wall only to see it clip the outside of the left post with McGarrity well beaten.
Talbot conceded a soft penalty at Muirkirk on Saturday and it was déjà vu for the visiting fans when Drummond was adjudged to have barged into Andrew just inside the penalty area. The ref awarded a penalty & DALLAS sent Leishman the wrong way to put Glenafton 1-0 ahead.
The game then became as dreich as the weather with nothing of note happening for a lengthy spell.
Pope received a caution in the 24th minute for a late challenge on Borris and was joined in the notebook 4 minutes later by Pooler. Talbot’s latest signing raced into the box onto the end of Young’s pass & opted to take it round McGarrity rather than shoot from a tight angle. He knocked it past McGarrity & went over but the ref judged it a dive & booked him, to the ire of the visiting fans who were looking for a penalty.
Glenafton’s McGill was cautioned in the 34th min for a late tackle & the Glens were then forced into an early change as Borris, who hadn’t recovered from an earlier knock, limped off to be replaced by Orsi.
From the resultant free kick McGoldrick flighted the ball down the right. The ball bobbled past a static Glens defence through to Young deep inside the area but his 1st touch let him down & it went out for a goal kick.
Andrew had a real opportunity to double the Glens lead in the 39th min. He was sent clean through on Leishman but he tried to lift it over him & Andy reacted quickly to make the stop. The home side finished the 1st half strongly but couldn’t add to their lead.
Tucker made a change at the re-start with McPherson making way for Wilson & Latta dropping back to right-back.
Wilson was only on the park 5 minutes before picking up a very soft caution for an innocuous foul. The Glens were awarded a free kick 30 yards out but Gray sent his shot straight into the wall.
Talbot carry a threat at set pieces & stretched the Glens defence in the 54th minute. A corner was taken short to Shankland & Drummond was a hair’s breadth from heading it home in the centre. Talbot kept the pressure on & Pooler came close as he turned McAusland & shot just past the right post.
It was Talbot making the running & Wilson nearly levelled in the 58th minute. Shankland played a dangerous ball in from the left for Young in the centre. He just failed to reach it but the ball broke out to Wilson who hammered a shot just wide of the left post.
Glenafton had fallen right out of it so it was no surprise when they made their 2nd change, McCann coming on for Dallas.
The home side had an opportunity in the 72nd minute. Park met Gray’s corner from the right but didn’t make the most of it, glancing his header wide of target.
McCann & Drummond had a coming together in the 74th min & both ended up in the ref’s book.
Tucker made a 2nd change with 11 mins remaining with Lyle replacing Pooler.
The referee made it one penalty a piece in the 82nd minute. The Glens were penalised for a foul at the back post from Shankland’s corner and Pope stepped up to take it but safe to say it wasn’t his finest effort from 12 yards as he lifted it way over the bar.
Credit to Talbot though, they kept going and produced another close call in the 86th minute. Milliken did well out on the left & fired it low across the area where Shankland turned his man before firing narrowly past the left post.
Just when it looked as though the Glens would hold on for the win, Talbot finally produced an equaliser. In the final minute Talbot won a corner on the right and when Shankland’s ball came across the 6-yard area, MCGOLDRICK met it to glance a header into the far corner.
A case of better late than never for Talbot, who now face the long trek south to face Wigtown in the preliminary round of the Scottish cup this Saturday.

Glenafton – McGarrity, McAusland, Marlow, Meikle, McChesney, Gray, Borris, Park, Dallas, Andrew, McGill
Subs – McCann, Orsi, Hunter, McAnespie, Lochhead

Talbot – Leishman, McPherson, Pope, McGoldrick, Drummond, White, Young, Pooler, Milliken, Shankland, Latta
Subs – S Wilson, Boyle, Lyle, Baird, Hewitt

Craigmark Burntonians v Auchinleck Talbot

If anything Talbot got rid of the blue strip hoodoo by winning their first ever match in the cursed away strip, but apart from that this was nothing more than a match exercise against a youthful Craigmark side. Talbot traveled to Dalmellington with 12 players and were forced to strip assistant manager Allan McLuckie who joined Willie Lyle on the bench. Talbot introduced trialists Neil McPherson and youngster Michael McGoldrick who is Martin’s brother to the side, both players gave a good account.

Talbot had the dream start to the match when Keir Milliken was brought down in the box by keeper Higgins. However the keeper redeemed himself by saving Gordon Pope’s spot kick. The keeper was again in action when from a cleared corner he turned a Steven Wilson rasper around the post. From the resulting corner Talbot took the lead when Craigmark cleared a Shankland corner back out to him and his cross into the box was headed by McPherson into the path of Milliken who hooked the ball high into the net past Higgins.

Craigmark threatened a few times after that but it was Talbot who were the more dangerous. On the 31st minute they doubled their lead when Milliken left the home defence in his wake before cutting into the outskirts of the box where he sent over a low cross which Shankland swept past the keeper.

A few minutes before the interval in was 3-0 when Steven Wilson sent Milliken clear and this time he lifted his cross above the defence onto the head of Shankland who nodded home.

Talbot replaced James Latta with Willie Lyle but ten minutes after the interval shoddy defending by Talbot left Nisbet in the clear and he made no mistake and curled the ball past the helpless Leishman. Talbot hit back and Higgins did well to save at the feet of McPherson while on the 64th minute Michael McGoldrick managed to pull the home defence out of shape and his intelligent ball to Pope saw the defender hammer a 25 yard screamer which Higgins palmed clear. Three minutes later Talbot were denied by the post when Willie Lyle dispatched a wicked drive past the keeper after Shankland had set him up from a clever corner kick.

Craigmark were still proving to be dangerous and Dyer curled a shot past the post minutes before McLuckie replaced Martin McGoldrick. On 72 minutes Marc Dyer reduced the deficit when he picked up a loose ball out side the Talbot 18 yard box where he unleashed a wicked shot which Leishman got a hand to but couldn’t stop going into the net.

Talbot were finding things difficult as the home side used their luxury of a good sized bench while the Talbot players were being worked hard especially in midfield. The game finished with Craigmark winning a few corners but Talbot should have increased their lead when woeful defending left Milliken with only the keeper to beat but he fired his shot off Higgins legs. With minutes remaining the same player swerved a decent shot past Higgins goals.

Leishman, Latta, Pope, McGoldrick, Drummond, White, McPherson, McGoldrick, Shankland, Milliken, S.Wilson: SUBS: Lyle, McLuckie.

Cumnock Juniors v Auchinleck Talbot

Talbot completed a clean sweep of victories over old foes Cumnock, defeating them for the 4th time this season to book their place in the Evening Times cup final.
The Talbot ranks were depleted by injury & the defence had a makeshift look about it with Lyle partnering White in the centre of defence, Boyd filling in at right-back & the management team doubling as substitutes.
Despite this, Talbot got off to a strong start & nearly took the lead after 4 minutes. Pope fired a free kick from his own half into the Cumnock box which Hyslop headed down into the path of Shankland whose shot just cleared the crossbar.
Ronald looked Cumnock’s main threat, and he provided Malone with a chance in the 9th minute when he got round the outside of Pope & fired a low cross into the near post which Malone flicked on target, only for Leishman to produce a fine save to deny him.
Cumnock made an early change, bringing on Scott in place of McKenzie after 17 minutes.
Johnson was called into action in the 19th minute after Love fed the ball back to Young on the right & his cross to the back post had to be punched clear by the Nock keeper.
Milliken came close a few minutes later when he out-muscled Esplin to win the ball just outside the Nock box before firing over the bar.
Samson had his name taken in the 26th minute when he tripped Steven Wilson 22 yards out, just as he was about to shoot. Shankland took the free kick & curled it over the wall for the far corner. It looked to be heading in but Johnson dived full length to tip it round his right post.
Talbot were making most of the running & they threatened again in the 32nd minute. Love played it out right to find Shankland & he played an inviting ball across the face of the penalty area but there was no one in the 6-yard box to convert for Talbot.
Wilson ought to have put Talbot ahead in the 34th minute when he met Milliken’s cross from the left but he guided a free header over the bar from the centre of goal.
Finally, Talbot made their pressure count in the 36th minute when they moved ahead with a well-constructed goal. Talbot players swapped passes down the right before Milliken squared it across to YOUNG & he passed the ball inside Johnson’s left post from 18 yards to give Talbot the lead.
Cumnock hadn’t offered much threat but they did have a half chance right on the stroke of half-time when Boyd conceded a free kick 30 yards out. Scott hit it but whilst he got it up & over the wall it didn’t dip in time & flew over the bar & Talbot went in a goal ahead at the interval.
There was no let up from Talbot after the re-start & they made all of the early running in the 2nd half. Shankland sent Boyd free down the right in the 51st minute & Lundie did well to head his dangerous cross clear in the centre.
Moments later the Nock defence were stretched again. Love beat Wood to Shankland’s hanging cross & nodded it back across goal where Young attempted to steer it home, only to see his effort blocked by Murphy.
The pressure continued & Talbot won a free kick wide right of the penalty area which Shankland swept to the far post where Pope just failed to make contact.
Cumnock managed to force a couple of corners in quick succession but could make nothing of them and then Ronald had a half chance when he latched onto a ball over the top but he dragged it out wide left before firing a shot well wide of target.
Cumnock were thrown a lifeline in the 59th minute when hesitant defending allowed them to equalise. There seemed little danger when a ball came over the top but Lyle hesitated for a fraction, letting it bounce, and SCOTT nicked in behind him & slotted it past Leishman to make it 1-1.
Rather than lift Cumnock the goal seemed to energise Talbot who stepped up a gear.
Steven Wilson had a decent crack at goal in the 61st min when he cut in from the left & fired wide of target. A minute later Hyslop had a half chance to restore Talbot’s lead. Love closed down Crawford & blocked his attempted clearance. It spun inside the area to Hyslop who could have hit it 1st time but opted to take a touch & Murphy was able to block.
Milliken then tried his luck from distance, firing a powerful shot wide of target from 30 yards.
The referee bizarrely awarded Cumnock a free kick when Hyslop beat his opposite number to the ball & kicked it off him, and Talbot nearly paid for the referee’s blunder when Scott whipped a dangerous ball in from the right that glanced off the top of Murphy’s head & wide of target.
Wilson squandered a golden chance to put Talbot ahead in the 68th minute. He threaded the ball out to Milliken on the right of the area & Johnson could only parry his shot on target. The ball came out to Wilson 12 yards from goal but he shot past the right hand post with the keeper stranded.
Watt found himself in the book in the 69th minute for dissent & Steven Wilson joined him a few minutes later when he was penalised for a late tackle.
The longer the game went on the more Talbot asserted their authority, pushing Cumnock back deeper & deeper into their own half.
Cumnock had a rare chance to test the Bot defence in the 80th minute. Hyslop conceded a free kick out on the right for a foul on Samson, receiving a booking into the bargain, & Scott whipped the ball over to the far post but it proved to have just too much on it & no one could get a touch.
Talbot were unfortunate not to take the lead in the 82nd minute. Shankland fizzed a cross over from the right touchline for Love to attack. He dived to head it for goal but it cannoned off Crawford & flew just past the post.
A minute later Talbot missed their 2nd glaring chance of the evening. Love did well out on the wing, jinking past Wood into the penalty area. He pulled it back for Young whose shot was blocked by a defender. The ball broke kindly, falling to Shankland straight in front of goal but he opted to go for power & the spectacular finish & ended up volleying over from 8 yards.
Fortunately, no harm was done as Talbot took the lead in their next attack. Leishman knocked the ball out to Young & he scurried forward from midfield before releasing it out right to MILLIKEN who slammed a low drive past Johnson to put Talbot 2-1 ahead in the 84th minute.
Cumnock looked a beaten team & frustration got to Ronald who picked up a caution for a clumsy challenge on Milliken.
Tucker made a late change in the 87th minute when Love limped off the field to be replaced by Findlay. The sub almost made the perfect impact, lobbing a shot on target from out wide on the right that Johnson had to claw away from his right hand post.
In the closing seconds Wood managed to escape a yellow card despite persistent chirping at the ref, only to get booked in injury time for flattening Shankland by the corner flag. Talbot took the free kick short & worked it back to Hyslop who thundered a shot over the bar from 25 yards in the last action of the match.
This was a good performance from the Bot who could and should have won by a more convincing margin. Next for Talbot is the season’s finale at Newlandsfield where they will be presented with the league trophy before facing Renfrew in the Evening Times final.

Cumnock – Johnson, Wood, Crawford, Lundie, Murphy, Esplin, Ronald, Samson, Watt, Malone, McKenzie
Subs – Scott, Quinn, Lowe, Shepherd

Talbot – Leishman, Lyle, Pope, Hyslop, White, Boyd, Young, S Wilson, Milliken, Shankland, Love
Subs – Sloan, McLuckie, Findlay, Johnstone

Cumnock Juniors v Auchinleck Talbot

Cumnock Juniors 2 Auchinleck Talbot 3 (H-T 0-1) | Auchinleck Talbot Forum

Talbot beat Cumnock for the 3rd time this season, and this was the sweetest of the 3 for the Bot support as it secured their place in the West of Scotland final & was sealed by an injury time winner.
The game had all the intensity you would expect from the fixture & the ref was called on as early as the 2nd minute when Burns looked to flatten Hyslop with a reckless tackle. To the disbelief of the large Bot support, the ref awarded the free kick to Cumnock.
Endeavour was triumphing over football, with both sides battling for the ball over the pitch, and a stiff breeze not aiding matters.
Cumnock won a free kick in a good area in the 10th minute when Watt was fouled out on the touchline. Scott whipped a dangerous free kick in from the right which Leishman punched clear.
Talbot put together a good passing move in the 12th minute. Hyslop squared it for Pope who fed it up the left to Graham Wilson. He sent it across the box to Steven Wilson who touched it onto the path of Shankland who hit a low shot straight at Johnston.
The 1st goal came in the 18th minute after a bad error from Woods. The Nock right-back needlessly tripped Graham Wilson just inside the penalty area & the ref pointed straight to the spot. GRAHAM WILSON buried the penalty inside the right post to put Talbot 1-0 ahead.
Cumnock weren’t getting much joy out the Bot defence but they did threaten an equaliser in the 27th min. Watt timed his run in behind the defence & when stymied the ball broke to Malone whose shot was heading on target until blocked by the outstretched leg of McGoldrick.
Two minutes later Talbot tested the Nock keeper. Hyslop, dominant in the air all day, flicked the ball into the path of G Wilson on the right of the area & he tried a curler to the far corner which Johnston saved.
Talbot made an injury enforced substitution on the half hour mark when McGoldrick left the field & Young came on. This led to a reshuffle, with Steven White dropping into defence.
There wasn’t much to get excited about in the remaining quarter of an hour with Talbot looking comfortable in their lead, the only scare coming a minute before the interval from a set piece. The ball was driven in from the left looking for Murphy but the Cumnock centre-half couldn’t get his head on it with Leishman stranded off his line.
The 2nd half was only a minute old when Esplin talked himself into the book.
Steven Wilson had a half chance in the 49th minute. Hyslop flicked the ball into the centre & when the defence failed to clear their lines it came out to Wilson 15 yards out but he snatched at it & volleyed well wide of goal.
Lundie picked up Cumnock’s 2nd booking in the 54th minute for a barge into the back of G Wilson resulting in a Bot free kick 35 yards out. Shankland succeeded in hitting the target but Johston was well positioned to make a comfortable save.
Cumnock made the game’s first change in the 57th minute when Quinn came on for Malone and a minute later G Wilson landed in the ref’s notebook when penalised for an aerial challenge.
The game was now swinging Cumnock’s way & Watt had an opportunity to level in the 59th minute. White misjudged a high ball at the edge of the area & when it bounced over him Watt flashed a shot wide of the right post.
It was all square in the 61st minute. Watt spread the ball out to Scott on the right wing & he knocked it into the near post where MONTGOMERIE dispatched it past Leishman.
Talbot made a 2nd change after 67 mins with Milliken coming on for Lyle, with Boyd dropping back to right-back but before the sub had a chance to touch the ball Cumnock moved in front.
Once again, Scott was the provider, speeding down the right before cutting the ball back across the box. McCracken deflected it out but it came straight to ESPLIN who steered a low shot into the bottom right corner.
Cumnock should have been down to ten men in the 69th minute when Watt lunged into a reckless, late tackle on McCracken but the ref felt it only merited a booking.
In a role reversal of the 1st half Cumnock were now looking comfortable defending a one goal lead with Talbot chasing the game without threatening the Nock goal.
That was until the 78th minute when the Bot drew level thanks to a well taken goal. Boyd headed the ball towards the Cumnock box where Shankland hooked it on into the area. GRAHAM WILSON ran onto it & smacked a perfectly aimed volley over the keeper into the roof of the net to make it 2-2.
The goal galvanised Talbot who produced a couple of half chances in the next few minutes. Firstly Milliken skinned Woods for pace down the left only to see his low cross smothered at the near post by Johnston. Moments later Hyslop laid the ball off to Boyd on the overlap & he paced free on the right & drilled a low ball across goal which forced Murphy into a last gasp clearance.
Shankland had a chance to win it with 5 minutes remaining. Hyslop opened the defence up with a disguised pass to the left that eluded Graham Wilson but landed right at the feet of Shankland on the right of the area, however he got no weight behind his shot & Johnston was able to save to his right.
As the game moved into the closing stages & penalties loomed Cumnock looked to have the upper hand as Talbot conceded a couple of needless free kicks deep in their own half which Leishman & the defence dealt with.
However, in the 2nd minute of injury time it was Talbot who had the last word. Pope flighted a ball out to the right of the penalty area which Hyslop headed across goal & SHANKLAND beat Lundie to it to head home from close range, winning the game for Talbot & sending most of the crowd home happy.
This was a hard fought win for the Bot who now face Hurlford at Newlandsfield in the West final at the end of May. At this stage of the season every game’s a big one, and next up for Talbot is another derby encounter when they host Glenafton on Monday night in the league looking to move another 3 points closer to retaining the league.

Cumnock – Johnston, Woods, Lyndsay, Lundie, Murphy, Esplin, Montgomerie, Burns, Watt, Malone, Scott
Subs – Ronald, Samson, Quinn, Lowe

Talbot – Leishman, Lyle, Pope, McGoldrick, McCracken, White, Boyd, Hyslop, G Wilson, S Wilson, Shankland

Subs – Gillies, Milliken, Young, Latta, Johnstone