Talbot triumph in dramatic final

WINNERS: Auchinleck Talbot lift their 15th Scottish Communities Cup at Broadwood (Image: Evan Warrander)

Auchinleck Talbot rallied late to devastate Largs Thistle and clinch their 15th Scottish (Junior) Cup on Sunday, capping off an “exceptional” season.

It was the Barrfields men who dealt the first blow in the contest at Broadwood. Lewis Davidson reacted to a Blair Devine cross from the left, heading low into the corner past Talbot keeper Jordan Longmuir to give Stuart Davidson’s side the lead in six minutes.

The Theesel had keeper George O’Connor to thank at crucial points in the game. The former Stranraer stopper was called into action to save close range efforts from the Bot’s Conor Boyd and Kyle McAvoy to keep his side ahead.

Largs’ hard effort to keep in front for long spells would come undone in the final 10 minutes.

Substitute Tarek Abed would see his 85th minute close range effort smack of the post, only for on-loan Morton attacker Cameron Keay to slot home the rebound to draw the tie level.

Keay would then turn provider to deal a double blow to their North Ayrshire rivals.

He squared the ball from the right edge of the box to Cameron Crooks who lashed home to spark jubilation from the Talbot crowd and dugout in what turned out to be the decisive goal.

Speaking to Now Ayrshire following the late turnaround, Talbot assistant Allan McLuckie believed the game was exemplary of the side’s character displayed throughout the season.

He said: “We didn’t play particularly well in the first half. At half time, we said it’s only one nil and we should go out and not give anything else away.

“Our resilience and fitness showed towards the end and I thought we were worthy winners. I’m fully delighted for the subs that came on and the rest of the boys who played their part.

“I’m also delighted for the supporters and the committee in what has been an exceptional season where we’ve got the rewards at the end of it. Everyone can be proud of their achievements.”

Devastated that his heroic stops meant little at the final whistle, Largs stopper O’Connor said: “It’s heartbreaking. 10 minutes away from winning the cup and it’s a hard one to take when the goals we concede are avoidable.

“We defended well most of the game. Auchinleck had their chances, but so did we. There’s not much words you can say after it, but that’s football.”

This latest triumph becomes Talbot boss Tommy Sloan’s ninth Scottish Junior Cup won since taking the reigns at Beechwood Park in 2003.

Auchinleck Talbot and Largs Thistle will both meet again in the Lowland League West in season 2026/27 following promotion from the West of Scotland Premier Division, with the former going up as league winners for the first time since 2020.