Sloan hopes games starting coming a little less thick and fast for Auchinlek Talbot
TOMMY SLOAN is desperate for time to reflect on Auchinleck Talbot’s storming start to the season.
Someone else in his shoes might have been tempted to reach for the panic button when the Ayrshire kingpins got their Sectional League Cup campaign underway with a 2-1 defeat at home to Darvel but Tucker stayed calm as Talbot duly qualified from their Section and have since emerged unbeaten in four league games, as well as progressing into the Scottish Cup 2nd preliminary round where they host the visit of Wigtown & Bladnoch this coming Saturday.
Before ‘flying the Junior flag’ against the South of Scotland League minnows comes a Sectional League Cup semi-final clash at home to Kilwinning Rangers which the Talbot boss recognises as an infinitely tougher test for his troops.
He insisted: “The one downside to our decent start is the games keep coming thick and fast because I believe our demanding schedule has an effect on players at a time when they are still building up their fitness levels.
“Saturday marks six weeks into the season and also our twelfth game so I will be far happier when the darker nights are here and we can revert to two training nights.
“The guys have put a lot into our games up to now so it would be great to give some of them a rest from their exertions but it’s a big gamble if you leave out your best players when there’s a cup final place at stake.”
The record six-times Scottish Junior Cup winning boss picked out last weekend’s match-winner in the 1-0 victory over Beith, Mark Shankland, for special mention.
He added: “I’m pleased for Shankers who has been doing particularly well in our recent games.
“He is establishing himself as a very important player but it’s vital we use his qualities sparingly and don’t burn him out before the winter is out.”