Auchinleck Talbot boss hails Latta

Dec 11 2009 by Mike WIlson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

TOMMY SLOAN hailed James Latta for his two goal show which takes holders Auchinleck Talbot into the last 32 of the Emirates Scottish Junior Cup.

And he urged his Beechwood heroes to retain the silverware and earn another ticket into the senior cup.

Boss Sloan said: “There is a huge incentive to be in the senior tournament as Irvine Meadow have proved by pulling a big tie like Hibs.

“Unfortunately, we didn’t quite manage to join them after losing to Stirling Albion but we would love another shot at it.”

Latta’s double swept Talbot to a 4-1 win at Girvan and a ticket into Tuesday’s draw at Hampden.

Sloan said: “James played a lot of his career with us at full-back but now he is a big player in midfield.

“He scored two in the last round and now has another double so he is a top player for us.”

Talbot were in easy street after six minutes when Craig Pettigrew, who like Latta began his career with Ayr United, struck a 20 yard cracker.

Latta struck two in seven minutes before the break while Stuart Davidson volleyed the fourth in 77 minutes.

Girvan managed a last minute consolation from Michael Moffat and then had veteran Kevin Biggart sent off for two yellows in injury time after kicking the ball away.

Talbot midfielder Gary Phillips has been placed on the open to transfer list at his own request.

Girvan central defender Michael Holden is also available.

ANNBANK boss Steph McMillan praised his team for a professional performance as they beat Dundonald Bluebell5-2 away.

McMillan said: “It’s the second year in a row we have reached the last 32 but this time has been harder with a trip to Sunnybank and a daunting task against Dundonald.

“Last year, we then lost 3-1 to Ashfield so hopefully we can go one better this time.”

Bankies trailed after only five minutes but hit back two minutes later when Jim Wilson ran on to a great through ball from Ross Donaldson.

It was 2-1 at the break when Mick McCann set up Neil McGinn to fire home from 18 yards.

Bluebell started the second-half on fire and equalised with a free header from a corner but Bankies were soon back in command.

Wilson restored the lead with a sizzling 25 yard half volley into the top corner. Wilson then set up Paul McKenzie, the smallest man on the park, to head the fourth while McCann wrapped it up with front post header from a Donaldson corner.

BEITH went top of the Premier Division with a super 2-1 win at Rob Roy thanks to a double from former Ayr United striker Andy Reid.

CUMNOCK came from behind to leapfrog Kilsyth into third in the First Division with a 3-1 win.

Trailing at the break to a goal from Andy McGinty, Gareth Campbell struck two penalties in 47 and 50 minutes while Paul Gordon wrapped it up late on. Kilsyth had Jarvis sent off for two yellow cards.

Boss Stevie Farrell said: “I told the players at half-time they would have to be patient. It was a pleasing performance.”

MAYBOLE boss Peter Leonard dubbed a 1-0 defeat at leaders Glencairn as another sob story.

He claimed: “We played really well considering we were down to ten men for 81 minutes.”

Craig Stevenson was sent off for a last man foul on Steve McGladrigan. But ‘Bole held firm until the hour when Barry Crawford was penalised for a shoulder charge in the box and Stephen O’Keane rattled home the winner from the spot.

Paul Cameron then came off with a broken nose while Martin Reilly hit the post. Paul Kerr and Alex Walker also went close.

A move to bring back defender Stevie Crawford from Cumnock has fallen through.

GLENAFTON beat Dalry 2-1 in a match switched to Loch Park thanks to a second-half double from sub Steven Samson.

Trailing to a sucker punch goal just before the break, Samson ran on to a Simon Eeles pass and then fired Glens ahead with three minutes to go.

Only a superb injury time save from keeper Ally Semple denied Dalry an equaliser.

Defender Mark Quinn and midfielder Pedro Serrao have joined striker Michael Hart on the transfer list.