“I’d have liked to have seen us be a bit more adventurous,” Auchinleck Talbot boss | OneFootball

Tommy Sloan praised the effort and character shown by his Auchinleck Talbot players despite their Scottish Cup journey coming to an end with a 2–0 loss against Celtic on Sunday night…

Auchinleck Talbot fans during the Scottish Cup Fourth Round match between Auchinleck Talbot and Celtic at Rugby Park on January 18, 2026 in Kilmarnock. (Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images)

The West of Scotland Premier Division outfit delivered a disciplined and spirited display, forcing the Hoops to battle hard before securing progression to the last 16 of the competition.

Reflecting on the contest at Rugby Park, Sloan said via Sky Sports: “Our goalkeeper didn’t have too many saves; he certainly had a few, but not many. If I’m honest, I’d have liked to have seen us be a bit more adventurous”.

Sloan highlighted the achievement of his squad in producing such a competitive performance despite having limited match sharpness, with just one bounce game since December 19 ahead of the tie.

Luke Main of Auckinleck Talbot has a shot at goal during the Scottish Cup Fourth Round match between Auchinleck Talbot and Celtic at Rugby Park on January 18, 2026. (Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images)

“The effort was fantastic,” he said. “We’ve not played a game in four weeks or something, and in fact we played a bounce game during the week and got a bit of a sore one. It was a great response from them today, and I’m delighted.”

Backed by a large and vocal turnout in Kilmarnock, Sloan expressed his appreciation for the backing shown by the local community and believes the occasion could encourage more supporters to attend matches at Beechwood Park in the weeks ahead.

Auchinleck Talbot fans ahead of kick off during the Scottish Cup Fourth Round match between Auchinleck Talbot and Celtic at Rugby Park on January 18, 2026 in Kilmarnock. (Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images)

“They supported us in their numbers as they always do,” he said. “They showed themselves in a good light, and a lot of folk will take note of that, I’d imagine.”

“There was a lot of negativity about the game being played here, but it turned out to be a lot of nonsense really. There are a few wounds in there, and that’s due to the surface; there are always wee niggles and injuries after the match”.

“Winning the next game is what I’m worried about, don’t talk about leagues until you’re in the race”.

Auchinleck Talbot badge at Rugby Park during the Scottish Cup Fourth Round match between Auchinleck Talbot and Celtic at Rugby Park on January 18, 2026. (Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images)

Talbot now turn their attention back to domestic cup action, with Thorniewood United scheduled to visit Beechwood for a second-round clash in the West of Scotland League Cup.

Whereas Celtic travel to Italy to face Bologna in the Europa League on Thursday evening.

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