HUNDREDS of people thronged the streets of Auchinleck to welcome the returning heroes on Sunday for a record 13th time.
Black and gold ribbons were wrapped around the celebrated Scottish Junior Cup as Talbot defeated Ayrshire rivals Largs Thistle 2-0 in the final at New Douglas Park, Hamilton.
There were babes in arms and toddlers, many wearing strips and others with their faces painted clamouring to get a view of their players on a day which will go down in sporting and local folklore.
The social club was heaving as music played and the queue at the bar seemed never ending.
Among the fans was Bob Horton, who missed the final owing to baby sitting duties with his grandchildren but couldn’t wait to see the players coming back home.
Bob said: “I’m Auchinleck born and bred and have always been a Talbot fan.
But my son Scott, who used to play for Annbank was at the game. He is a big fan.
It’s a great achievement to win the trophy 13 times.
“I believe they could win it again but I can’t see another team ever winning it as many times. I only have praise for them, they are unbelievable. I have been up north and Talbot are know absolutely everywhere.
“The manager Tommy Sloan was a great football player himself and hard work has got them where they are now.”
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