Craig’s cracker ends Talbot jinx

Now for Pollok as champions chase a fifth title

Craig McCracken hopes Auchinleck have laid down a title marker after scoring the goal to end a hoodoo.

The former Ayr United defender fired home a 25 yarder as four times champions Talbot beat Kilbirnie for the first time in two seasons.

Talbot, who have conceded only eight goals in 12 league games, now host Pollok and are looking to close on top two Rob Roy and Glenafton.

McCracken said: “That’s five matches in which we failed to beat Kilbirnie so it was extra pleasing to eventually end our hoodoo against them. Over the piece we just edged it and it is a great win in what is one of the hardest places to visit.”

have only four games to save their top flight status after crashing 3- 0 away to Kilwinning.

The third bottom Portland Parkers lead Largs by a point and are three ahead of bottom dogs Buffs who have three games in hand.

Ryan Nisbet twice hit woodwork at Abbey Park but Troon still drew a blank as the Scottish Cup quarterfinalists threw themselves a safety lifeline.

Bryan Boylan and Darren Moffat had the hosts in the driving seat before former Ayr United kid Nisbet struck post and bar on either side of the interval.

Troon were finally killed off in the dying seconds Cashmore beat close range. when sub Ian Ally Semple from

head to who are still looking for points to avoid a relegation cliffhanger.

bid to ramp up their First Division promotion charge at home to bottom team

But they will hope for a dry week after last week’s game against Petershill was called off, the fifth successive home match to fall to the weather.

Peter Leonard’s men trail leaders Shettleston by six points but have three games in hand. head to in the Ayrshire League knowing anything less than a win will kill off their fading promotion challenge. A 4- 2 loss away to Ardeer, their second defeat to them inside three weeks, has left Vics looking over their shoulders in second place.

Promotion is still in Whitletts’ hands if they win their five remaining games, including home fixtures against Winton and Kello.

A Ryan Morrow double was answered by a Tony Balfour penalty but goals from Lee Munro and David Henry had Ardeer cruising before Niall Kennedy scored the rebound from his penalty which was saved.

Vics had trialist Munya Mbanje sent off for retaliation on the final whistle. play at Dam Park with fire damaged Ladywell Stadium still out of action while play host to