MIGHTY MEDDA TRUMPED BY TALBOT

Irvine Meadow XI v Auchinleck Talbot

18/09/2021

Scottish Cup R1

This game, simply put, is the perfect cocktail for entertainment. Two of Scotlands biggest "non-league" sides, pitted against each other in the first round proper of the worlds second oldest cup competition. Well supported, 20 miles apart, on a sunny September day, a bumper crowd was expected at Meadow Park as I made my way into the ground a good 45 minutes before kick off, ready to soak up the atmosphere. The buzz around the town and in the ground was evident. The fantastic Meadow Park, which the team have occupied since 1895, has an excellent grandstand complete with wooden benches, and room for around 700. Terracing surrounds the ground on two sides and was quickly filled up with fans as kick-off approached. Many people were confused that this game hadn't been chosen for television coverage, with the BBC choosing to cover the Berwick v Gretna game instead, but this meant that the traditional Saturday 3pm kick off was upheld.

From the outset both teams looked to get the ball down on the deck and create some early chances, with Talbot forcing a few early corners. However in the middle of the park, Irvine were winning the midfield battles. Auchinleck couldn't seem to hold onto the ball for more than a few passes without giving up possession, and on the 12th minute, Meadow should have took the lead. A long cross was headed back into the path of Pooler how tried to lift an awkward bouncing ball into the net, but Talbot 'keeper Leishman pulled off an unbelievable one-handed save to keep the scoreline level. However the pressure finally payed off for the home side, and on 16 minutes they were awarded a penalty when Faulds was fouled in the box near the by-line. Mark Mclennan fired home with aplomb to give Medda a deserved lead. Meadow continued to press well in the midfield and weren't allowing Talbot to advance, and continuing to force Leishman into saves to keep the score down. The large travelling support were largely silent, much to the probable relief of the home side who saw the game out to half-time and deservedly went in ahead.

HT 1-0

The second half appeared to start in exactly the same manner as the first ended, but there was glimpses that Talbot had been given exactly the team talk they needed. The midfield action was no longer one way traffic, and while Irvine were still on top, the chances were not appearing as often as before. The visiting fans had found their voice too, trying to drive their team on to an equaliser. On the 58th minute, Irvine passed up a golden chance to go 2 up. A breakaway from Faulds after a brilliant interception in the middle left him one on one with Leishman, but the keeper made himself big, and closed down the oncoming Medda man, brilliantly saving with his feet. This proved crucial, as 60 seconds later, the game was level. After the Talbot break, the ball squeezed out of the middle of the penalty box and fell to an unmarked Gareth Armstrong on the right hand side who brilliantly drilled home for 1-1, much to the relief of everyone associated with the away side. This goal turned the tide of the game, and Talbot managed to finally get into their stride after an hour of play. After forcing a string of saves from Meadow keeper Waters, they took the lead on 73 minutes after a poor clearance. The ball fell to Hyslop who lay the ball off for Mark Shankland to fire home a wonderful left footed volley from the edge of the box high past the stretching Waters. Less than 2 minutes later, it was 3 and the comeback was complete. A free kick was again poorly cleared, and Keir Samson was unmarked 10 yards from goal to blast home through a sea of bodies.

FT 1-3

Overall a deserved win for Talbot, who after equalizing totally dominated the game. Irvine had their chances to potentially put the game out of sight, and if not for two incredible save from the Auchinleck keeper, they may well have been. Talbot have been given another away draw in the 2nd round, this time to face Preston Athletic, and will look to go on another one of their famous cup runs. It must be said, Meadow park is a brilliant venue to watch football, especially with a bumper crowd in attendance, and I won't hesitate to return!

As usual, all photos from the game can be found in the photo gallery tab!

Irvine Meadow XI 1-3 Auchinleck Talbot

Mclennan (pen 16) Armstrong (59)

Shankland (73)

Samson (75)

18/09/2021, 3pm

Scottish Cup R1

Meadow Park, Irvine (Ground 81)

Admission: £8

Attendance: 1,103

MOTM: Leishman (Auchinleck). Kept the game from running away from Talbot with 2 wonderful saves.

Match 538, 18th of season.