ANXIOUS Auchinleck Talbot boss Tommy Sloan is warning his side to tighten up at the back despite securing a 4-3 home win away to Largs Thistle in the McBookie Premiership.

Sloan was not at Barrfields Park as he was watching William Hill Scottish Cup opponents Kelty Hearts in action but he was given a full report by assistant manager Allan McLuckie.

And the Beechwood Park gaffer has again warned he expects the Fife side, who lost 4-1 at home to Solihull Moors in the Tunnock’s Caramel Wafer Challenge Cup, will be formidable opponents in the First Round tie on Friday week.

Sloan said: “I’ve had a full briefing on the game and it was good to take the three points.

“But we shouldn’t be going to Largs and conceding three goals.

“We will have to tighten up the back and that’s something we must work on,”

Of Kelty, Sloan said: “They are a very decent side and I was impressed with how they played.

“This will without be our most difficult game of the season and we will have to play well to get a result.”

However the ever level-headed boss is focusing only on Saturday’s home league clash with Hurlford United.

They are set to be without Neil McPherson (hamstring injury) and Graham Wilson (back)

He said: “We must keep our minds on the weekend game, it’s one at a time

“They are a decent side and Darren Henderson has them well organised. It’s a very important one for us and we must look to continue our good run by taking the three points.

“Only after the game is done can we start planning for Kelty Hearts.”

Meanwhile struggling Cumnock will look to reverse a run of three straight defeats as they head for North Ayrshire to take on Irvine Meadow.