AUCHINLECK Talbot boss Tommy Sloan has praised his players for reacting positively to the criticism they have faced.

The Beechwood boss cut a very frustrated figure just one month ago - when his side tasted defeat in the league for the first time against Largs Thistle.

However, Talbot have bounced back in emphatic fashion, winning all three of their matches since then - scoring 11 times and conceding just once.

The reaction has been a pleasing one for Sloan, who is now preparing his side for arguably their biggest match of the season thus far.

The East Ayrshire outfit face familiar foes in Broxburn Athletic on Saturday, October 26, with a place in the Scottish Cup third round at stake.

“The players have shown a bit of character and come back really well," he commented.

“We want to continue winning in the cup games, this is the biggest one we are in now.

“It’s always one you want to be in the hat for, when the senior sides come in. I think we have a real chance.

“The reaction after the defeat to Largs has been really good, I’ve been pleased with the way the boys reacted after we had words with them.

“The last few games have been an improvement, there is far more life to us now.”

(Image: Craig McGhee)

Sloan and his players are well aware they will need to be at the top of their game for the visit of Lowland League side Broxburn.

Just under 12 months ago, Talbot were humbled by the very same side - exiting the South Challenge Cup after a 3-0 loss to the then East of Scotland League side.

The West Lothian side earned promotion to the Lowland League at the end of last season, and have enjoyed a strong start to the campaign in Scotland's fifth tier.

They also earned their spot in the second round of the Scottish Cup to face Auchinleck after defeating Dalkeith Thistle 4-0 in a match aired live on TV.

Sloan commented: “We are playing a good side in Broxburn, they beat us recently in a cup competition and they’re in good form. They had a TV game in the last round where they won 4-0.

“They (the players) won’t need me to tell them they’ll be no mugs, we need to be at it on Saturday.

“We just need to keep things going the way we have been the last few weeks, that will give us a real good chance of getting through.”

(Image: Craig McGhee)

Despite his confidence, Sloan was left frustrated by his side's preparations for the match having been without a competitive fixture this weekend.

Instead, Talbot played a friendly against Thorn Athletic - a match which they won 7-1.

The Auchinleck boss said: “We’ve got friendlies in October and come April we’ll be getting asked to play six games in like ten days.

“It’s disappointing, especially when there are other sides in the league available to play.”

Auchinleck Talbot versus Broxburn will take place at Beechwood Park on Saturday, October 26, with kick off at 3pm.