Auchinleck Talbot dream of bigger things

Nov 26 2009 By Michael Pringle

BRING on the Old Firm. And I wouldn't mind a crack at Ayr or Kilmarnock either.

That's the dream of Tommy Sloan who on Saturday leads Auchinleck Talbot into the biggest game in their history.

And sending him best wishes are Ayr United players Martyn Campbell and Neil McGowan who work for the same building firm.

Talbot head to Stirling Albion in the second round of the Active Nation Scottish Cup knowing they are only one game away from going into the hat with the big boys.

Sloan says: "Without doubt, it's the biggest game we will ever have played. But I honestly feel we are not without a chance.

“I have watched Stirling and know they play at a higher level than us, chasing the Second Division title. But I am sure we will have scoring opportunities.

"What a thought that we could be only one game away from playing Rangers, Celtic, Ayr or Kilmarnock. It's the stuff of dreams."

The cup tie has been the talk of the Taylor Wimpey building site where Sloan is a fork lift driver. With Campbell the site manager and McGowan a labourer, football chat is never far away.

Campbell, the gaffer, laughs: "There is a lot of good banter. The lads say Tucker doesn't work because he is always on the phone talking football while Neil says I work him too hard.

"Hopefully, in a one off game, Talbot have a real chance. But if they win, we'll never be able to shut him up. "

Stopper Campbell has missed Ayr's last two games with a hamstring problem and is racing the clock for the long trip to Banff to meet Deveronvale. It's the second season in a row Ayr have faced opposition from outwith the senior leagues. Campbell says: "I just hope it isn't as complicated as our tie against Lochee which took an age because of the weather.

"This time, we want to get the job done quickly and professionally."