AUCHINLECK Talbot manager Tommy Sloan was frustrated after their Junior Cup third round tie with Hill o’ Beath Hawthorn was called off on Saturday.

The 53-year-old had been hoping to continue his side’s good run by following up the 4-1 hammering of Kirkintilloch Rob Roy with safe passage into the fourth round draw.

Like the majority of the ties at weekend, Talbot’s match was pushed back to Saturday, December 2, after freezing weather hit the junior game across Scotland.

Now, the Talbot boss is hopeful that his side can head to the Kingdom of Fife on Saturday and avoid a potential fixture headache later in the season.

Sloan told the Chronicle: “It was disappointing but there were plenty in the same boat. It’s just one of those things. Hopefully it can beat the weather this weekend but there has been a bit of cold in the air.

“It was called off at 8.30am. The inspection has to be pretty sharp because their are buses and supporters travelling. If it’s more local you can give it more time.

“It is frustrating because we want to keep our wee run going. we put in a good performance against Rob Roy, we played well and we will need a good performance against Hill o’ Beath.

“They are a good side and have scored eight in their last two against Superleague opposition. We will need a good performance.

“I’ve had them watched so we know they are a good side. They’ve got really good players but the scores tell you that. They are a good team and we are a good team.”

Sloan has previous experience of Keir’s Park having visited the Haws ground as a player with Kilwinning Rangers for a Junior Cup tie 20 years ago.

He added: “I’m sure I’ve played there before with Kilwinning. It’s a tight pitch at Hill o’ Beath, it’s one of the tightest in Scotland. It’s got a good surface to be fair.”

“The squad is shaping up fine more or less. We have doubts over one or two, Mark Shankland picked up a knock in training on Saturday.

“Craig McCracken is still suspended, that will continue until we play. Liam Weir was out for a while but he is back in the frame for Saturday.”