AUCHINLECK Talbot manager Tommy Sloan wasn't too disheartened after his team went down 1-0 at home to Glenafton Athletic.

Connor Lynass' superb individual goal handed 10-man Glens back-to-back victories over Talbot to leave the defending champions fourth, four points adrift of leaders Kirkintilloch Rob Roy.

The home side started the match brilliantly and had numerous chances to score before Lynass's goal and the Talbot gaffer highlighted the good part of their play.

Sloan told the Chronicle: "I was delighted with the first half performance. I thought we played really well and created some good chances, we just didn't manage to get a goal.

"Then we've lost a goal late in the half, a good individual goal from the boy.

"The second half was a bit of huff and puff and there wasn't much going on really, both goalies didn't really get tested apart from a free-kick they had.

"I'll take a lot of positives out the first half.

"I was in at half time and, even though we were one down, I was quite bright and positive about it."

Ex-Talbot midfielder Ally Park was sent off for a poor challenge on former teammate Bryan Young. Sloan felt referee Calum Scott got the decision spot on.

He said: "It's got to be a red. It's a straight leg tackle and it's not a good tackle. It's a poor challenge, really poor. I don't think there were many complaints from them either.

"When it went to the 10 men I thought we got too anxious, there were too many early balls put in the box whereas we should've been taking a bit more time and care there.

"To be honest with you, at the end, tiredness came into as well I think. I'm not too down about it, I must admit. We lost the game but we've got quite a bit to go yet."