West Region Sectional League Cup

AUCHINLECK TALBOT 4

GLENAFTON ATHLETIC 0

By Murray Steele

TO paraphrase the song, Talbot’s fans were happy when it rained as the Bot opened their campaign with a derby demolition of local rivals Glenafton at a sodden Beechwood Park.

Before kick-off the fans had a chance to show their appreciation to two Bot legends, Jimmy McMillan and Gavin Collins who were applauded onto the park before later being inducted into the hall of fame.

Glens had a penalty shout denied in six minutes when Dale Moore floated a cross over from the left. Mick McCann crumpled to the deck as the ball sailed over him but the referee wasn’t interested.

The breakthrough came in 17 minutes. Graham Wilson slid the ball out to find Jamie Glasgow and he burst up the wing before slinging in a dangerous cross. Stephen Wilson was nudged in the back and the ref pointed to the spot. Gordon Pope sent Brian McGarrity the wrong way.

Talbot couldn’t have asked for a better start to the second half as the Glens conceded a second penalty in 52 minutes. Stephen Wilson chipped the ball toward Glasgow inside the area but it was blocked by the arm of Craig Menzies. The ref had no hesitation in pointing to the spot and once again Pope netted. Glens were having their best spell and in 62 minutes Joe Andrew turned smartly outside the Talbot area and fired a shot which went straight at Leishman.

Ally tested Leishman again in 68 minutes. Leishman turned Park’s half-volley over the bar. It was game over in 72 minutes. There looked to be a foul on Graham Wilson in the build-up by Dan Orsi but play continued and the ball came to Mark Shankland who waltzed past several defenders before attempting to chip McGarrity.

The keeper tipped it out but Hamish McKinlay tucked the rebound home. Talbot scored again deep in injury-time. McKinlay shoved the ball across the area where Shankland curled home a right foot shot.

AUCHINLECK TALBOT: Leishman; Lyle,Pope, Aiden Wilson, Young, Armstrong, Stephen Wilson, McIntyre, Graham Wilson, Glasgow, McDowall. Subs: Shankland, Samson, Healy, Pearson, McKinlay.

GLENAFTON ATHLETIC: McGarrity; McAusland, Cairns, Menzies, McChesney, Park, Gallagher, Marlow, McCann, Andrew, Moore. Subs: Orsi, Nisbet, Potter, Burns (gk)