Derby stalemate at Beechwood

(Image: David Stoker via X)

Auchinleck Talbot and Cumnock Juniors played out a rare goalless draw in the West of Scotland Premier Division, as both teams continue to battle at the league summit.

The fierce rivals, who last met less than three weeks ago, found chances hard to come by throughout the contest which turned out to be Talbot’s first 0-0 of the season.

The Nock felt they should have gone ahead on occasions in either half. Stranraer loanee Corey O’Donnell was denied by top saves from close range by opposing keeper Jordan Longmuir.

With a forward line that has proved lethal this year, Talbot were unable to break down the Cumnock backline. Efforts from Kyle McAvoy and Connor Boyd sailed over the bar, in what was a lacklustre night in front of goal.

Townhead Park boss Stephen Swift believes the clean sheet against their neighbours “typifies their season” on their journey to the league’s top end.

He said: “We’ve broke records for clean sheets and I believe that is our 13th this season. The boys have been absolutely brilliant and I felt we had real good chances and Longmuir has made some great saves.

“It was there for us after we done a lot right tonight. But there is a frustration saying every week that we are still in this.

“We do have slim hopes and it is in Talbot’s hands although we are top of the league with Troon at the minute. I’m just gutted that we didn’t get over the line tonight.”

Talbot assistant manager Allan McLuckie said: “Jordan’s (Longmuir) had a great save in the second half that probably earned us a point, but we have to take it in the context of the amount of games we’ve had recently.

“Credit to the boys, they defended resolutely throughout and I don’t think we’ve been cut open as such tonight.

“With the amount of games, we’ve had to rotate the team having one eye on Tuesday then on to tonight. Those who have come into the team have done really well and that’s why we need a squad like that to help carry us through.”

Talbot quickly turn to their attention to their next fixture on Saturday away at Pollok before returning to Beechwood to face Johnstone Burgh on Monday 11 May.

South Challenge Cup winners Cumnock travel to face Drumchapel United this weekend in their penultimate game of the season, as opposed to their rivals four games in the space of a week.