AUCHINLECK Talbot boss Tommy Sloan has challenged his side to be more ruthless in front of goal - despite watching his side progress into the last 16 of the South Challenge Cup.

Auchinleck left it late to earn their place in the next round on Saturday with Connor Boyd scoring the only goal in a 1-0 win against Cumbernauld United in the last minute of regulation time.

(Image: Craig McGhee)

Despite the victory, manager Sloan felt his team let a number of opportunities pass them by before finally finding the back of the net.

He said: “I’m glad we managed to get through at the end up, we had plenty of opportunities but didn’t manage to take one until late in the game.

“Cumbernauld had a few efforts on goal and hit the woodwork but there is no question we deserved to get through.

“It’s all about getting through in the cup, that’s the main thing. We wanted to be in the draw and we’re looking forward to that.”

Talbot - who won the trophy in 2022 - will find out their opponents in the next round later this week and despite the competition now reaching the latter stages Sloan said they are not thinking about adding to their tally just yet.

“We never think about winning the cup at this stage of the competition," he said. "We are just trying to remain in them as long as we can.”

(Image: Craig McGhee)

Instead, the Beechwood boss wants to put focus on his side finding a consistent level as they move towards the second half of the campaign.

He added: “We are not where we want to be. The Benburb game I was not impressed at all but there has been an improvement the last couple of weeks.

“We’re still searching a wee bit for a consistent line up, it’s difficult and having a younger side won’t help that situation.

“The biggest problem is that we are not as free scoring as we would like to be. Once you are hitting the net regularly things become a lot easier. That’s not just about strikers either, it’s a team thing.

“We need to start taking opportunities but I’m sure it will come.”

This weekend will see Auchinleck return to West of Scotland Football League Premier Division action.

Sloan's side face a tough test in the form of an away trip to play unbeaten league leaders Clydebank with kick off at Holm Park at 2pm.