Auchinleck Talbot are dealt double blow

Apr 10 2009

AUCHINLECK Talbot have been dealt a double blow as they prepare to face Rob Roy FOUR times before the season’s end.

Danny McKelvie cracked his ribs and Stewart Davidson pulled his hamstring during Saturday’s 3-1 win over Vale of Clyde which takes them into the West of Scotland Cup semis.

Both are out of Saturday’s league trip to arch rivals Cumnock and the first leg of the Scottish Cup semi-final against Rob Roy the following week.

But boss Tommy Sloan fears he could be without his star pair for even longer.

Talbot have also still to play Rabs in the league and Sloan reckons they’ll be a tough nut after watching them beat Irvine Meadow 3-2 last weekend.

Sloan said: “They played with only one up and were impressive as they caught Meadow on the break.

“Losing two players is a big blow for us but we have a squad of 19 and it’s opportunities for others.”

Goals from top gun Sean McIlroy, Liam McVey and Stevie Mallan swept Talbot to victory against tough tackling Vale who took no prisoners.

CUMNOCK will take on Premier leaders Beith in the other West semi after coming from behind to win 2-1 at Glenafton.

Craig Feroz fired Glens ahead at the break and Jamie Doyle hit the post with a free-kick soon after.

But strikes from Gareth Armstrong and Graham Wilson beat veteran keeper Chris Kelly to give new boss Stevie Farrell his third win since replacing Campbell Money at the helm.

Cumnock had a host of players unavailable while Glens missed keeper Chris Fahey and skipper Willie Howie.

IRVINE MEADOW blew their chances of silverware when they crashed 3-2 at home to Rob Roy. Jamie Docherty grabbed a hat-trick for the visitors with Andy McLaren and Zander Ryan replying.

In the Ayrshire Cup, GIRVAN edged out MAYBOLE 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw at Ladywell. Paul Kerr gave ‘Bole an interval lead but Danny Cunningham equalised in 69 minutes after keeper Martin McCaulay failed to hold a cross.

Into spot-kicks and Darren Mitchell, Scott Houston, Tony Murphy and Kris Mitchell counted for Girvan. Brian Kerr and Alan Love replied for ‘Bole but Paul Kerr and Paul Cameron both missed.

Maybole have re-signed old favourite Carlo Walker from Troon.

Boss Peter Leonard said: “Carlo has a good instinct on the game and is a popular figure in the dressing room. He will also help me on the management side.”

In the Ayrshire League, DALRY edged closer to the pack with a 1-0 win over former leaders KELLO whose spectacular slide continued. A penalty from skipper Jason Stewart won the points at Portland Park.

But the gloss was taken off their win when Stewart was rushed to hospital with a double fracture of the cheekbone.

CRAIGMARK have been given a chink of light in their battle to stay alive.

Former player Jim Marshall wants to join the committee and there has been other interest from the village.

Veteran do-it-all Tommy Farrell has warned this season could be their last.

He admitted: “Jim read of our plight and is keen to help but we still need more.”