Auchinleck Talbot manager Tommy Sloan insists he is keen to put his side’s 1-1 draw with Largs Thistle behind them as they continue their title hunt.

Talbot were back in West of Scotland Football League Premier Division duty at the weekend after their South Challenge Cup win over Pollok a fortnight ago.

It was a big game for both sides at Barrfields Park in the context of the bottom and top end of the table.

It was the league leaders who hit the back of the Largs net midway through first half.

Mick Wardrope’s free kick from the right was headed in by Craig McCracken to start the scoring.

Thistle responded before the break, William Sewell heading in from close distance to level proceedings at the break.

In the second half, both sides battled but were unable to find a winner as the points were shared.

Speaking to the Chronicle, Sloan said: “There was a lot of effort in the first hour especially.

“We had a good period in the second half to take the lead and didn’t manage to do it.

“It then became a bit scrappy and stretched near the end.

“We could have lost a goal near the end just the same.

“So, it was a tough afternoon, we will take the point and move on from it.”

Next up for the Bot is another midweek match as they look to take advantage of Pollok’s loss to Irvine Meadow at the weekend.

Auchinleck host Rutherglen Glencairn tonight hoping to stretch their lead over the Lok to five points at the summit.

Despite the prize at stake Sloan insists he is not expecting an easy ride against the Glens.

He said: “They have just halted Glenafton’s winning run, so that is a real boost for them going into tonight.

“We played Rutherglen earlier in the season and we scored a late goal to win away from home in a very tight match.

“They are a big, strong, physical side and as I say they will come in with a bit of confidence after beating Glenafton who have been doing really well.”