THE spoils were shared on Saturday as title rivals Auchinleck Talbot and Beith Juniors met at Beechwood Park.

Only two points separated the sides, who have played an equal amount of matches, heading into the match with the pair appearing to be the front runners to claim this season's West of Scotland Football League (WoSFL) Premier Division crown.

Talbot went into the match as the team in form having lost only once in 2024 - though in Chris Strain's Beith side they faced not only a team above them in the standings, but the league's reigning champions.

The match was as tight as could be imagined with the top Ayrshire sides eventually having to settle for a point a piece after a 1-1.

Tommy Sloan's men had taken an early lead in the match when Scott Schoneville providing an excellent finish from the angle.

Cumnock Chronicle: Scott Schoneville celebrates.Credit: Craig McGhee

The home side seemed to be heading in ahead at half-time before Evan Dunne headed home from a corner in the 45th minute to ensure the game was level at the break.

Both sides had their chances in the second half though neither was able to break the opposing rearguard down meaning it was 'as you were' come the final whistle.

Following the match Talbot boss Sloan seemed content with the result which continues the East Ayrshire side's incredible run of ten matches unbeaten.

Though as he spoke to the club's social media team there appeared to be frustrations with what could have been.

He told them: “I was disappointed a wee bit in the first half performance, I don’t think we started the game very well.

“We were a bit nervous and tentative at times even though we got a lead and hit the woodwork. I don’t think we got on the ball much, there were too many longer balls.

“I thought we improved in the second half and the last five or ten minutes we were pushing for a winner so that was certainly pleasing.

“A home draw - it’s not what we’re looking for but we’ll take it and move onto the next game. It continues a decent run for us."

Next up for Talbot is a midweek clash against local rivals Glenafton who have their own battle at the opposite end of the table.

The pair meet at Loch Park tomorrow, Tuesday April 2 (7.30pm ko), before Sloan's side are in cup action next weekend, facing Pollok in the semi-final of the league cup at Beechwood Park as they continue their quest to retain the trophy.