TOMMY Sloan isn't counting his chickens just yet.

The Talbot gaffer watched on with delight as his troops dumped defending cup holders Beith out on Saturday but he says it's still too soon for talk of lifting the cup again this summer.

A spot kick from Stevie Wilson was enough to book Talbot's place in the next round.

Speaking after the weekend win, Sloan said: "We are absolutely delighted just to be through. The boys played really well. We passed the ball quite well and we had a lot of possession."

Talbot looked to be up against it early doors when Beith were awarded a penalty after eleven minutes. However, Beechwood shot stopper Andy Leishman managed to parry away the spot kick to keep the scores level.

Sloan said: "That was a big one for us. Andy has been doing it throughout the years here and it's good to know that your goalkeeper can produce those big moments when you need him the most. He's a big player for us and he came up with a big save for us and we're glad to be in the draw.

"We're only in the last 16 though and now it's the business end of the season. That's what it's all about.

"Beith were hard to beat and they obviously won the cup last year and would probably have been a big threat again this year so it was good to get the win."

Sloan's side are next in league action against strugglers Hurlford United. They are looking to close the gap on table toppers Rob Roy who again away to Largs on Saturday.

Sloan said: "Hurlford have been challenging for the league with us for the last few years so it's a strange one to see them struggling so much this year.

"I'm not really interested with how Rob Roy or anyone else is doing in the league. That's not my concern. First thing's first, we have to look after ourselves and get our own results. We want to try and keep ourselves in the hunt for the league and keep putting points on the board.

"We're a few places down the league and we have to get back on track and start putting results together."

Talbot have already seen off Hurlford in this campaign, racking up a 2-0 win at Beechwood Park back in October thanks to goals from Craig McCracken and Willie Lyle.

Talbot have picked up just one win in their last four league fixtures, with their last being a 2-0 defeat to Pollok earlier this month.

The Talbot boss looks set to be without Graham Wilson who is struggling with a knee injury picked up in the weekend win over Beith.

Gordon Pope should be available for selection for Saturday's league match with Hurlford after recovering from an ankle knock.

Talbot take Hurlford at Blair Park on Saturday with a 1.45pm kick off.