Keeper Andy boosts ’Bot by signing two year contract
Andy Leishman has handed Auchinleck a massive boost before one of their biggest games of the season.
Talbot head to title rivals Darvel tonight (Wednesday) with their long serving shot stopper signing a new deal until 2024.
The news has thrilled the Auchinleck faithful who know a win at Recreation Park would leave them hot favourites to lift the crown.
But a victory for Darvel, who beat Talbot 2-1 at Beechwood in October, would blow the race wide open.
Announcing the Leishman deal, Talbot said: “Andy has in many ways become an image of what it means to be Auchinleck Talbot.
“He is brave, strong, wears his heart on his sleeve, plays his heart out with everything he has each weekend, before dusting himself off and returning to work on Monday morning.
“He’s a great role model for the younger generations of supporters who sport Talbot goalie tops with the famous No.1 on the back.
“He has that something extra for a club that is something extra and we look forward to the near future with him between the posts.”
Tommy Sloan’s men left it late to beat Pollok 2-1 and book a Challenge Cup semi-final at home to Sauchie.
Trailing to a Matty Grant header, they hit back with two goals in the last 15 minutes from Keir Samson who has also signed for next season.
Talbot, who have agreed extended deals with Gareth Armstrong, Bryan Boylan and William Boyd while signing defender Lewis Crawford from Broomhill, face a tough trip to Largs.
GLENAFTON entertain Rutherglen on a superb run of 13 points from 15 under new bosses Ryan Stevenson and Mark Roberts. The former Ayr United duo, who have made Kilwinning’s Calvin Kemp their first signing, kept up their hot run with a 3-1 win at Beith thanks to goals from Ollie Rowe, Ross Fisher and Leon Murphy.
TROON host Kilbirnie and will take heart from a 1-1 draw away to Hurlford. Tommy Maitland grabbed a last-minute equaliser to cancel out Marc McKenzie’s goal for the hosts.
CUMNOCK were kicking themselves at dropped points in a 1-1 draw at home to Bonnyton. Jordan Moore gave ‘Nock an interval lead but Callum Walsh denied them.
‘Nock are idle until April 16 when they entertain Darvel before closing away to Blantyre and Beith.
WHITLETTS entertain leaders Arthurlie in the game of the day in Conference A with the promotion places still to be settled.
Vics have re-signed Sean Ewart for a ninth season while skipper Jordan Boyd, Jordan Baird, Isaac Kerr, Blair Anderson and Kaylum Ferguson have also penned new deals. Midfielder Jackson Sivwright has joined from Irvine Meadow.
CRAIGMARK head to MUIRKIRK before closing against Whitletts (away) and Forth (home). The Dalmellington men are firmly in the mix despite a 2-0 defeat at Arthurlie.
Muirkirk, who have signed goalie Nathan Bogle for a fifth season, beat Forth 1-0 with a goal from Nathan Gordon.
That followed a 2-1 midweek defeat at GIRVAN where Calum Bryan’s early goal was wiped out by Martyn Brown and Mark Curragh.
Boss Matt Maley said: “We have been through some highs and some lows but myself and my management team are grateful for the support.
“The two midweek games we played under our new floodlights were amazing and demonstrated the importance our supporters play.”
MAYBOLE kept their promotion hopes alive with a 2-1 win away to Irvine Vics. Rab Patterson and Michael Reilly struck before Ciaran Walsh replied for the hosts.
‘Bole close the season away to leaders Arthurlie on Wednesday, April 20.