TOMMY SLOAN has sounded a warning shot to Auchinleck Talbot’s Premier Division rivals after the Beechwood Park men chalked up an eighth win in nine games – by insisting that he still doesn’t know his favoured starting line-up.

Talbot secured their place in the last eight of the West of Scotland Cup in convincing fashion on Saturday, with Kyle McAvoy’s double and a Luke Gillies strike securing a 3-0 win over Kirkintilloch Rob Roy at Guy’s Meadow as the holders moved one step closer to retaining the trophy they won in 2022-23, when Clydebank were beaten in the final at Meadow Park.

Talbot will now host Second Division Craigmark on March 16 following Monday night’s draw for the quarter-finals and semi-finals, with a last four tie against Hurlford, Cumbernauld or Pollok awaiting the winner.

Speaking to Talbot’s media team after Saturday’s win, Sloan insisted, despite his team’s recent form, that they shouldn’t be considered among the favourites for the trophy.

“It was a decent performance,” Sloan said. “There wasn’t a lot of football played, but three goals to nil? You’d take that every time.

“I don’t think you can make us favourites [to win the tournament]. We’re a work in progress here.

“It’s now February and I don’t know my strongest team yet. But we have players doing really well and putting a good case for themselves, and that’s what we’re looking for from anybody that takes the field.”

Watch Tucker's full interview, and post-match highlights from the game, at Auchinleck Talbot's YouTube page.

Meanwhile, Talbot have warned supporters of both teams ahead of this Saturday’s derby clash with bitter rivals Cumnock that segregation will be in place at Beechwood Park for the big Premier Division fixture – and that alcohol and pyrotechnics are strictly forbidden within the ground.

Cumnock’s supporters should enter by gates 6 and 7 on the Main Street side of the ground and will occupy the terracing behind the Bank End goal and up to the main stand.

Talbot fans should enter by gates 1 and 2 at the Talbot social club, and will occupy the main stand, the Coal Road enclosure and Main Street terrace up to the segregation point on the east terracing.

The game kicks off at 2pm. For full details of segregation arrangements see the latest weekly newsletter on Talbot's official website.