Auchinleck Talbot manager Tommy Sloan applauded his side for being the ‘hungrier’ team after they beat Pollok 1-0 at the weekend.

The Bot went into the West of Scotland Football League Premier Division clash desperate for a win to claw back points on the league leaders.

Before kick off the Lok were 11 points clear of Talbot at the top of the table – and despite Auchinleck having five games in hand they were keen to cut the deficit down themselves on Saturday.

The only goal of the game at Beechwood Park came early in the first half when Jamie Glasgow’s corner was met by the head of Craig McCracken, whose effort found the net via the underside of the crossbar.

The away side’s hopes of salvaging a point took a hit when they were reduced to ten men late on after Grant Evans was shown a red for a challenge on Bryan Boylan.

The hosts stood resolute to cut Pollok’s advantage down to eight points at the top of the tree.

Speaking to the Chronicle, Sloan said: “It was an important win and one that over the piece I think we certainly deserved.

“We had the better efforts at goal alongside scoring a good one.

“I thought we were a bit hungrier than Pollok at the weekend and that was the most pleasing thing.

“We looked as if we wanted it a bit more, and you could see that throughout that team.”

Sloan insists the match was a must-win for his side as they chase after the Lok and the league title.

He said: “It was a game we really had to try and get the three points in just to peg them back a bit.

“We are delighted we have got ourselves in a position now that there is a bit of leeway there – if we do drop points we can still peg them back.”

Despite his delight for closing in on the leaders back Sloan admitted that Pollok are not their only rivals for top spot with other teams lurking over their shoulder.

He said: “I am well aware that the title race it is not just between ourselves and Pollok.

“I am sure there are one or two other teams that will think they are still involved and I am quite sure they are.”