Auchinleck Talbot backed by mystery fan

Sep 25 2009 by Mike Wilson

GO AHEAD Auchinleck Talbot have revealed ambitious plans to reinforce them as leading lights.

Beechwood Park will have floodlights next season thanks to a mystery fan who is determined to shun publicity.

The dedicated supporter will not only pay for the lights, he will install them himself.

Long serving treasurer Davie Loy revealed: “It’s a wonderful gesture from someone who has been a keen supporter for around six years. We got the plans at the weekend but the hope is they will be in place for next season.

“The lights would have to be inspected by the SJFA before we could use them for games. They will certainly add to the ground and with a lot of other currently being done around Beechwood, we’re pleased at the way things are looking.”

The announcement gives Talbot a big boost ahead of their first ever tie in the senior Scottish Cup.

Highland League whipping boys Fort William, who crashed 8-0 to Buckie Thistle last weekend, make the long trip south on Saturday.

And it will be a major shock if they don’t head home on the end of a defeat which will take Talbot a step closer to a dream tie against the big boys.

Tommy Sloan’s men go into the tie on a high after spanking Vale of Clyde 4-1 for their fifth straight league win to top the Premier Division.

A Sean McIlroy penalty gave Talbot an early lead only for Mark Gannon to hit back. Ricky Robb restored the lead at the break before second-half strikes from subs Danny McKelvie and Stevie Mallan sealed it.

Champions IRVINE MEADOW are playing catch-up after losing 2-1 at Beith for their third league defeat.

Keeper Michael Wardrope was sent off after only five minutes and Beith cashed in with goals from Andy Reid (penalty) and John Craig. John-Paul Boyle netted a consolation.

In the First Division, MAYBOLE boss Peter Leonard was exasperated after a 3-2 defeat at Kilsyth. He claimed: "We've taken only one point from the last two games but it could easily have been four. This league is so tight, who knows who will win it."

Road delays meant the kick-off was held up until 2.15pm with the 'Bole players having little time for a warm-up. And they looked rusty at the start, falling behind in two minutes.

It was all square in 20 minutes when Stuart McGrady was tripped and Paul Kerr slammed home the penalty. Maybole pushed hard but were caught and a mix-up between Chris Clarke and keeper Martin McCaulay resulted in a spot-kick which Kilsyth converted.

Kilsyth added a quick third but 'Bole were back in the match a minute before the break when McGrady scored with a header. Despite good spells of pressure in the second-half, the equaliser wasn't forthcoming.

Maybole have failed in a bid for transfer listed Whitletts man David Cunningham.

GLENAFTON crashed to a shock 3-2 defeat at Glencairn for whom Paul McLaughlin scored an injury time winner.

Glens lost the injured Chic Connolly after 15 minutes and fell behind to Paul Thomson. But they levelled at the break when Simon Eeels curled home a 25 yard free-kick.

Stephen O’Keane put the home men back in front but Craig Feroz set up a great finish with a super lobbed equaliser.

WHITLETTS boss Jim Geddes hailed his team for a fantastic performance as they beat Dalry 3-0.

Geddes said: “We carried on from a week earlier when we played with ten men for 88 minutes against Glencairn.”

Elliot Duffy ran on to a through ball to split the teams at the break. A David McGivern penalty and a James Davidson header sealed it.

Dalry finished the game in a sea of red, Tony McCormick picking up two cards and Nick Cusack one. Boss John Garroch later quit.