Dwayne turns back on pain to help team
Midfield veteran in fine form
Dwayne Hyslop nearly hung up his boots after an old knee problem began to cause him pain.
But a change of heart is Auchinleck’s gain and the silky midfielder has fired four goals in two games since deciding retirement wasn’t for him.
Hyslop hopes to continue his scoring run when Talbot head to Cumnock on Saturday with a one point lead and a game in hand at the top of the West Premier.
The 33-year-old, nicknamed Peewee, is now in his tenth season at Beechwood after signing from Annbank United in 2012.
He revealed: “I had knee surgery a few years ago but was feeling it sore again. Then came the Covid shutdown so it wasn’t a great time.
“I was thinking about packing it in but began to miss playing so I concentrated on just trying to get fit again.
“Four goals in two games isn’t a bad return and hopefully I can keep it going. My knee is feeling better and more pain free so hopefully I can give it another season.
“Graham Wilson and Willie Lyle are also in their tenth year at the club and it’s a great place to be.
“Things are going well so far but we know Cumnock will be tough. It’s a game you always look forward to.”
Fans’ favourite Hyslop has enjoyed a trophy laden career and hopes there is more to follow.
He famously won the William Hill Scottish Cup goal of the third round award when he scored a cracker in a 1-1 draw against Arbroath in season 2019-20.
He was it again on Saturday, netting twice in a 3-0 win over Cumbernauld with his secondhalf double sandwiched by an Aiden Wilson rocket.
That keeps Talbot one point clear of Clydebank with a game less played while their lead over third placed Kilwinning stretched to four points with a game in hand.
Buffs clung on for a goalless draw against Largs despite having Carlo Monti and Ross Smith sent off.
CUMNOCK go into Saturday’s derby a distant 14 points behind their arch rivals although they do have a game in hand.
Tony McInally’s men were left idle when their game away to Benburb was postponed because of problems with the clubhouse at New Tinto Park.
GLENAFTON, who entertain basement team Bonnyton, are looking to build on a fighting 1-1 draw away to Blantyre.
Glens hit the upright with a curling free-kick before falling behind to a Grant Brennan goal just before the interval.
The hosts had Sam McKenzie sent off for dissent after a disallowed goal before Leon Murphy rescued a point with a super strike six minutes from time.
TROON travel to face Rossvale but were frustrated in a goalless draw at home to Beith. Alan Frizzell has joined David Gormley’s Lowland League side Broomhill with former St Mirren youth midfielder Dominic Lavelle moving in the opposite direction.
DARVEL entertain HURLFORD in a Friday night derby but Michael Kennedy’s title hopefuls fell further adrift when they lost 1-0 at Pollok.
MAYBOLE, who have former Girvan defender Michael Mossie up for sale, made it five games unbeaten with a 2-1 win at CRAIGMARK in Conference ‘A’.
Jack Smith followed up for the opener after a Jordan Banks shot was parried. Rab Patterson then set up Paul Cameron to double the lead.
Player-boss Ryan Caddis pulled one back for ‘Mark who are now away to Glasgow Uni. Maybole entertain Muirkirk.
WHITLETTS can close the gap on leaders Shotts to one point with a win at Hannah Park on Saturday.
George Grierson’s third placed side came from behind to beat Glasgow Uni 4-1 after Lewis Dibble beat debut keeper Alan McKelvie early on.
Vics roared back through two OGs, a Kieran McLaughlin penalty – his ninth goal in six games – and a 90th minute Isaac Kerr volley after Uni had Adam Duffy red carded.
GIRVAN entertain Bellshill and are looking to bounce back from a 4-2 Scottish Cup defeat away to Tynecastle.
Stevie McLelland gave Girvan a flying start but the hosts rattled in four before Alan Orr hit a late free-kick consolation.
LUGAR’S woes continued with a 5-0 defeat at home to Shotts. The Rosebank men now head to Forth.
KELLO are looking for a new boss after Scott Clelland resigned following the 7-1 defeat at home to St Cadoc’s.