AUCHINLECK Talbot boss Tommy Sloan could not hide his delight after watching his side secure derby bragging rights over Cumnock Juniors.

Talbot pipped their rivals to all three points after leaving it late to complete a comeback 2-1 victory at Beechwood Park.

The visitors had taken the lead early in the second half, after a goalless first 45, with Jon Craig converting the opener.

But Connor Boyd levelled around the hour mark before Tarek Abed notched a dramatic 89th minute winner for Sloan's side.

The Beechwood boss commented: “I’m delighted, obviously, to take the points. As a spectacle, there wasn’t many chances in the first half.

“Cumnock had the lion's share of the possession in the first half but we probably had the best chance that we couldn’t take.

“In the second half, I think Cumnock deserved to go in front but we’ve reacted well by putting two or three subs on and it had a decent effect on us.

“We’ve managed to turn it round so I was delighted to get the points.

“I don’t think we’ve played particularly well but we’ve dug in there and we’ve managed to get the points.”

(Image: Craig Mcghee)

Despite being far from thrilled with the overall performance, Sloan was happy to see his side 'win ugly' to continue their positive start to the campaign - winning two and drawing one of their opening three matches.

He continued: “This time last year we were losing games by an odd goal and probably playing a wee bit better than that.

“That can happen sometimes, it’s about putting the ball in the net and we’ve managed to do that.

“It was a tough match but we’ve managed to come through it and now we look forward to Hurlford.”

(Image: Craig Mcghee)

Heading into that match away to Hurlford on Saturday, August 10, Sloan is hopeful that the derby victory can provide confidence within his squad - as he welcomes a brief break from midweek fixtures.

He added: “It should give us a wee lift, hopefully there’s a bit more confidence in the boys.

“Seven points out of nine is a good start and hopefully that’s something to build on – and hopefully performances will get better as the season goes on.

“We’re feeling for our best team, as Cumnock are, and not everybody’s been involved yet.

“It’s not always like that when it’s one game a week, the midweek games have helped that.

“I think it’s a tough ask as part time players to play midweek and play to the same level.”