Cumnock manager Peter Leonard has declared his confidence ahead of their Junior Cup fourth round tie against Auchinleck Talbot, which takes place on Saturday at Townhead Park, kick-off 1.45pm.

The ‘Nock are on a high after moving off the bottom of the Super League Premier Division with back-to-back wins and the gaffer was “very hopeful” his side could progress.

Leonard told the Chronicle: “I think I’m confident based on the fact that when we first played the Talbot when I first arrived, obviously there were a lot of bodies missing.

“I’ve had a chance to work with them now so what I’d say is that we’ve got a far better chance of beating them, especially on the surface out there, I do think that gives us an advantage.

“I don’t think I’ll need to be making big team talks next week.

“I think the game motivates the players so we’re very hopeful that we can move into the last 16 of the Scottish Cup.”

Cumnock saw off Girvan 3-1 on Saturday thanks to goals from Stephen McKenna, Jamie Ballantyne and Keir Samson.

Leonard was pleased with how his team played but knew he still had things to work on.

He added: “Obviously we’ve got a wee bit of momentum. We drew with Kilbirnie which was important and obviously the win against Clydebank was a biggie.

“I think we played well against Clydebank that day.

“Today was a bit different, it was a bit more huff and puff because Girvan are always dangerous on the counter attack.

“We did have the chances to put the game away early doors and didn’t then obviously they get the chance to get back into the game.

“I think second half we managed the game a hell of a lot better so I was pleased with that performance.

“We do play good football but we slowed the game down after we went 1-0 up and that’s what caused us our grief.

“When we get a certain pace or tempo to the game we’ve got to keep at that and that’s what were trying to achieve.

“From where we were to where they are now, I think we’ve come wee a bit of a distance.

“The players now know what’s wanted of them so it does make a difference as well.

“We have three to come back and hopefully one or two new faces by next week or the week after come in still so we’re looking to still improve the squad.”

Meanwhile, Talbot boss Tommy Sloan was relishing the match after they beat Kilbirnie Ladeside 5-0 at Beechwood Park.

He said: “It was a good win against Kilbirnie, I was delighted with the result and some of our play was excellent.

“I thought there was a wee period where Kilbirnie looked dangerous but we always threatened.

“I look forward to the Cumnock game. They are on good form at the moment, Peter has had a great reaction since he joined.

“From the outside looking in anyway, they are on a good run.

“We’re in good form ourselves so it makes for a good game.

“Graham Wilson missed Saturday. He’s not been well and has been off his work.

“We’re waiting to see if he makes it but we will give it every chance. Liam Weir isn’t ready either.

“He picked up a head knock in training and we’ve been told to rest it.”