Auchinleck Talbot 2-1 Cumnock Juniors

Boyd (69′) Thomson (90′)                        Roulston (9′)

Auchinleck Talbot progressed to the Scottish Cup 2nd round, coming from behind to defeat their bitter rivals, Cumnock Juniors

Cumnock burst to life after nine minutes, Lee Roulston glanced an inswinging cross past William Muir to silence the home faithful.

The visitor’s positive start continued. Roulston found space at the edge of the box, but Talbot captain Neil McPherson blocked his strike.

Talbot currently sit top of the West of Scotland league with 7 wins from 7 games, but they struggled to settle as Cumnock continued to dominate possession and create the prominent chances.

The home side slowly grew into the tie towards halftime. Luke Gillies broke down the left, but no one in yellow could get a touch on his inviting cross.

Connor Boyd had an opportunity for the homeside on the stroke of halftime, but his low shot was well blocked in the box.

Cumnock boss Stephen Swift would have been pleased with his side’s lead and resolute defensive performance.

Talbot started the second half strongly, as they pushed for the equaliser. A corner kick from the right fell kindly to Luke Main, but he smashed over the bar from the edge of the box.

The home side threatened again ten minutes into the second period. Ewan Thomson dispossessed the Cumnock midfield, but could only roll his strike into Blair Currie’s arms.

The Juniors could have doubled their lead on the hour mark, but Talbot did well to scramble the ball clear in the six-yard box before Jon Craig could connect.

Roulston flashed a half volley wide shortly after, looking for his second of the game.

The home side equalised through striker Connor Boyd on 69 minutes. The striker raced onto a flick and finished low past Currie to haul Tommy Sloan’s side level.

Talbot pushed for the winner, Ross Clark clipped the crossbar with an arrowing strike after positive play by Kyle McAvoy.

The home side hit the woodwork again after 88 minutes, a smart turn and strike by Thomson on the edge of the box cannoned off Currie’s right post.

Ewan Thomson won Auchinleck Talbot the cup tie in the 90th minute, Clark was bundled over in the box, and Talbot’s talisman coolly dispatched the resultant penalty past Currie.

Calum McEwan gave away the penalty and was sent off minutes later, an unfortunate night for the substitute.

Beechwood Park erupted at the full-time whistle. Auchinleck Talbot are the first name into the hat for the Scottish Cup 2nd Round

Auchinleck Talbot: Muir, Clark, Shoneville, Wilson, McPherson, Sime, Main, Gillies, Boyd, McAvoy, Thomson

Cumnock Juniors: Currie, Craig, Brindley, McDonald, Brownlie, Roulston, Forde, Buchanan, Orr, Dykes, Conn