Spare me a spot of bother in cup

Sloan says players will decide who takes penalty

Tommy Sloan wants his players to choose a penalty taker if they win one in Saturday’s Scottish Cup replay against Pollok.

Auchinleck would already be in the last 32 if Graham Wilson hadn’t blazed a spot- kick high over with three minutes to go, allowing the hosts to hang on for a 1- 1 draw.

But boss Sloan has ordered his cup favourites to put the penalty shocker behind them and win through at Beechwood at the second attempt.

Sloan said: “We need to get over that penalty miss but you don’t get better chances to win a cup tie.

“I will let the players decide who takes a penalty if we get one on Saturday.

“I didn’t mind Graham grabbing the ball because he had already hit the net and his confidence was high.

“Gordon Pope is the normal penalty taker although he had missed a couple. Then Stevie Wilson had taken over.

“It is still anybody’s game. There is a lot at stake for both teams so it won’t be easy.”

Earlier, Wilson had finished off a Mark Shankland cross to give Talbot the lead. Liam Wilson equalised before the Talbot goal hero failed at the death.

Craig McCracken and Dwayne Hyslop, who missed the first tie, could return.

will share the headlines when they entertain Morton in the William Hill Scottish Cup. Bellsdale will be jumping at the visit of a full- time senior outfit who won’t fancy the tight confines of a packed ground.

The Junior Cup holders warmed up with a 9- 0 rout of north minnows Islavale. Goals came from Ross MacPherson ( 2), Thomas Collins ( 2), Paul Frize, Jamie Wilson, Richie Burke, David McGowan and Kenny McLean.

head to Shettleston in the Super First Division after a 5- 2 win away to Blackburn United who were captained by former Maybole and Whitletts player Martin Lawrie.

David Cunningham hit a first- half hat- trick while Andy Stevenson and Jack McDowall were also on target.

Steven Auld, a recent signing from Cumnock, struck the post late on.

Boss Peter Leonard said: “Blackburn are unbeaten in their league and were hard to beat but David’s first two goals in the opening 10 minutes set us up.”

head to Kilbirnie after a shock 2- 1 defeat at bottom team Largs who made it two wins in a row.

Troon trailed 2- 0 after 15 minutes to goals from James Marks and Kevin Struthers.

Colin Spence was sent off along with Gary Fleming ( Largs) before Ross Robertson headed a last minute consolation.

Top game in the Ayrshire League is at Ladywell Stadium where entertain leaders who are off the back of 9- 0 rout of Lugar.

face a tricky trip to while head to