Published: Wednesday, 24th October, 2007 09:50
Yoker lekked out in West Cup
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West of Scotland Cup: Round 1
YOKER made the journey to Ayrshire on Saturday to face Super League giants Auchinleck well aware that some folk were looking at them as potential lambs to the slaughter.
With Sean Brady and Graham Jaap still absent through injury, Brian Smith continued at the back. Up front Billy McLafferty made a return to the starting line-up partnered by Bryan Boal, the latter making his first competitive start for almost two and a half years after a horrific knee injury. For the first time this season Derek Readie wasn’t included in the first eleven.
As expected Talbot looked to dictate the game in the early stages but despite large spells of possession Kenny Meechan was barely called upon to make a save in the Yoker goal.
The home sides first chance came on the half-hour mark when James Latta skipped past Kenny Murray on the right and cut back to Gavin Friels but the Scotland Junior international pulled his shot wide.
YOKER came into the game as the half progressed and Boal and Lenny Marshall both saw efforts go narrowly wide.
With it looking like Yoker would go in at the break goalless, Talbot struck a sucker blow in first half injury time. Alan Prentice lost possession and a Friels strike deflected off defender Colin Clark leaving Meechan helpless to stop it. This was a cruel blow to Yoker who looked to have Talbot flustered and the large home crowd frustrated.
The second half began much the same as the first with the hosts starting at an excellent Tempo but again as with the first half, Yoker held firm including a fine Meechan save and an excellent last ditch tackle from skipper Scott McKay. A couple of set-piece deliveries from Gary Bissland had Talbot nerves shaking as Smith and Frew both went close with headers.
Home gaffer Tommy Sloan made a couple of changes as he looked to regain his sides dominance on the match, these changes paid dividends when Gilmour turned home a Young cross to double the home side’s lead. Readie was then introduced for Yoker, replacing McLaffety and his direct running had Talbot struggling, only a fine save from Barnes prevented the big striker pulling one back. With just a few minutes remaining Young struck from twenty-five yards and the ball struck his team-mate Boyle to wrong-foot Meechan and give Talbot a scoreline which in truth flattered them - they could hardly believe their luck with the two deflected goals.
Yoker can take heart from their performance knowing that similar displays in the league will see them push for promotion.
Boss Jim George bemoaned his sides luck. He said: “Two deflections were harsh, the first especially was a blow as it came right on half-time. We need to take the positives from the game though and there were plenty. It’s onwards to Lanark next week for what will be a tough three points to win but we’ll be hungry for them.”
Yoker Athletic: Meechan, McKay, Murray, Clark, Smith, Frew, Prentice (Peacock), Marshall, McLafferty (Readie), Boal (Keaveney), Bissland. Not Used: Smith, Cairns.
Yoker’s next match is a league match at Moor Park this Saturday versus Lanark Utd, KO 2pm. Their next home is on November 3 against Lochee Harp in the Scottish Cup, KO 1.45pm
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