Auchinleck Talbot manager Tommy Sloan says he was delighted to have landed long-term target Michael Wardrope after the midfielder starred in their 3-0 win over Bonnyton Thistle.

The 25-year-old arrived at Beechwood last week in a shock move from rivals Irvine Meadow.

Meadow’s top goal scorer went straight into the starting XI for the Bot’s next West of Scotland Football League Premier Division match against Bonnyton Thistle.

It took until the second half for the first goal in the league match at Beechwood Park after a goalless opening 45 minutes.

It came for the hosts, with Jamie Glasgow’s cross-cum-shot curling into the back of the net.

The Bot then doubled their lead with 16 minutes to go and their new signing playing a key role in the scoring.

Wardrope’s shot from distance was saved by the Thistle goalie but he spilled the shot allowing Graham Wilson to turn in the rebound.

Minutes later Mark Shankland then added a third to seal the victory for the Bot and move them top of the table.

Wardrope was picked out for particular praise on his debut with several sponsors awarding him the man of the match award.

Speaking to the Chronicle, Sloan said: “Michael has a lot of good qualities including a nice composure on the ball and being goal threat as well.

“He hit the woodwork at the weekend and was a bit unfortunate not to score.

“He was a player I tried to sign a number of years ago when he left Ayr United but at the time he went elsewhere.

“We have had an opportunity to get him in and we took it.”

Next up for Talbot is a return to cup duty where they face title challengers Pollok this weekend.

Sloan says he is wary of a response from the Lok in the South Challenge Cup tie after leapfrogging them in the table.

He said: “They dropped points at the weekend so they will be wanting to bounce back.

“We beat them a month or so ago at home as well so we are going to get a really tough one this week and they will be up for it.”