Auchinleck Talbot secretary Henry Dummigan believes that Saturday’s Scottish Cup tie against Hearts could be one of the biggest days in the club’s history.

Talbot have enjoyed success against professional teams in the past, including in this season’s competition by beating Scottish Championship side Hamilton Accies in the previous round.

In 2019, Talbot beat fellow Ayrshire side Ayr United, in another match that will forever be remembered by the Beechwood Park faithful.

The Auchinleck side are no strangers to the Gorgie club, having travelled to Tynecastle in 2012 and again after seeing off Ayr three years ago.

But Dummigan believes that this Saturday can serve up a game for the ages.

He told the Chronicle: “It’s amazing for the club, players, fans and the town to have this game coming here.

“We’ve always performed well in these kind of games in the past, against the so-called bigger teams in the country.

“I think it’s a combination of everyone being right up for it and the boys loving being in the spotlight with a chance to shine.

“Those other games have been great, but I think this one could be the best, with having one of the top Premiership sides coming here.

“We’ve enjoyed going to Tynecastle in the past as Hearts have always looked after us very well, so we’re looking forward to returning the favour as well.”

Talbot currently sit second in the West of Scotland Football League Premier Division, but have four games in hand on top side Pollok.

Henry believes this Saturday’s game is the perfect chance for Auchinleck’s players to test themselves against the very best, and allow them to see where they want to be in a few years.

He continued: “All these games give you the indication that we’re on the right track.

“Doing it in cup games and doing it week in, week out are two slightly different things, but I think we could rise to the challenge.

“Nobody is expecting us to win, so it’s a good chance for us to go and put on a good performance and show what we’re all about.

The game, which was a sell-out within a few hours of tickets going on sale, is being broadcast live on the BBC Scotland channel and will have a financial spin-off for the club.

The Game can also have its financial benefits to a club like Talbot. Henry said: “The tickets sold out in a couple of hours and it is financially beneficially the further you manage to go in these cup games.

“We’ve been good in the past with putting the money to good use with upgrading the stadium and things like that,” Henry added, and I’m sure we’ll continue to do so in the future, just to ensure that moving forward we can be the best we can be.

“The stadium is fit for purpose for these big games now, so we’re thoroughly looking forward to it.”

Talbot take on Hearts on Saturday (January 22) with a 12.30pm kick off.