AUCHINLECK TALBOT 1 Talbot’s toast to Wilson the hero
Wilson (59) HAMILTON ACCIES 0
Hamilton Accies became Auchinleck Talbot’s latest victims after the Ayrshire junior side took great glee in claiming another senior scalp.
Whether it tops the sweetness of their win over Ayr United was up for debate last night but there was ample celebratory toasts last night as Graham Wilson netted the only goal of this intriguing cup tie.
In truth, Hamilton Accies – who have looked like a team in freefall since their relegation from the top flight last year – were toiling before Wilson turned the ball into the net just before the hour mark.
Keir Samson’s long throw-in had been flicked on by Gareth Armstrong and, with the Accies defence all over the place, Wilson took full advantage.
It says much about the nature of the game that a second goal for the hosts looked more likely than Accies clawing their way back in.
Angry visiting supporters could be seen remonstrating with the Accies coaching staff at the side of the dug-out as they made clear their frustration at not just this result in isolation but in the insipid nature of performances so far this season in the Championship.
Still, the day belonged to Auchinleck and they were determined to revel in it.
“The players and the fans will have a great weekend celebrating and they deserve it,” enthused manager Tommy Sloan.
“I’m absolutely delighted. Accies had a good start and put us under pressure, but we saw it out and we created some good chances of our own.
“It was a wee bit edgy at the end, but we got there. It was a tremendous performance, right through the team.
“People are already asking me if this is better or bigger than when we beat Ayr, but right now I don’t care – all that matters is we won.
“The goal was a classic, a great throw-in, a touch on and a really good finish. The place went mad and we were jumping for joy in the bench.”
It was a far more sobering Saturday night for Accies manager Stuart Taylor.
With a quarter-final against Kilmarnock in the Scottish Challenge Cup on Tuesday he has called upon his players to show the desired mettle to get back to winning ways.
“I understand the anger and frustration of the fans,” he said.
“I feel the same. We go over to the fans win, lose or draw because we always appreciate them coming out.
“I am frustrated and angry.
“I need to pick them up for Tuesday night. You want the next game so that you can win it and move on. It is about character and mental strength.”
“That isn’t for me to answer [if the players have that] but we will see on Tuesday.”