Auchinleck Talbot knock back game switch

Jan 9 2009

AUCHINLECK Talbot have knocked back a request from Cumnock to play Saturday’s big derby on Sunday.

But if the game is frozen off, the Beechwood men will consider playing at Townhead Park on the Sabbath.

The Cumnock plea came after fans were hit with a fixture quandary with many wanting to watch the Ayr United v Kilmarnock Scottish Cup tie.

Close to 10,000 will head to Somerset Park for the first big derby in eight years. And many could be drawn away from the bumper junior clash.

One junior fan hit out: “It’s barmy fixture planning by the juniors. Ayr v Killie games don’t come around that often so you would think that would be taken into account when drawing up the schedules.

“I’m a Cumnock supporter and never miss a game against Talbot but I’m also desperate to see the big game at Somerset. Now I don’t know what to do.”

Cumnock, who have been idle since November 22 when they beat Neilston 1-0, are anxious to get back playing.

Boss Campbell Money said: “We have been wiped out six Saturdays in a row by either frost or waterlogged pitches which doesn’t help the finances. There will be some fans who will be swithering and may well opt to go to Somerset and that will be a financial blow.”

Money insists Cumnock can still beat the drop, despite languishing second bottom with only one win in nine games.

He said: “There are still plenty of games to go and we are in a similar fight to last season. However, this time, we are out of the Scottish Cup so can concentrate on the league.

“The big pile-up almost cost us last time but I am sure we can once again get the points required.”

Talbot boss Tommy Sloan revealed a switch to Sunday would have suited him –- if all his players had been available. But Bryan Slavin and Danny McKelvie would be struggling to make Sunday.

Sloan said: “Playing on Sunday would have allowed me to watch Dundee Violet who we play in the Scottish Cup the following week. And we would also get a better crowd but unfortunately, some of our squad aren’t available. But if Saturday falls, I would consider playing on Sunday.”

Veteran striker Stevie Mallan is doubtful with a calf knock and it will be a last minute decision if he plays.

Sloan said: “It’s a big game for both teams who are desperate to get back playing. Cumnock won their last game before the big freeze while we were doing OK.”

Elsewhere, the big Premier clash on Saturday is at Newlandsfield where hot title favourites Pollok face big spending Irvine Meadow. The Glasgow giants are reckoned to be home and hosed for the flag while Meadow’s chief aim is a tilt at the Scottish Cup.

Meadow this week boosted their squad by signing former Partick Thistle and Airdrie United midfielder Stephen Docherty from Bathgate.

Glenafton, who suffered successive last gasp 2-1 defeats to Auchinleck and Pollok, bid to get back on track with a trip to third top Beith.

Maybole, Girvan and Annbank all have home advantage in the First Division as they bid to return from the big freeze at home to Renfrew, East Kilbride and Shotts. Relegation points are up for grabs when bottom two Hurlford and Kilwinning clash at Blair Park.

Big game in the Ayrshire League sees third top Irvine Vics at home to leaders Kello. Second top Lugar get it easy with a trip to struggling Saltcoats who have yet to taste a league win this season.