Tommy Sloan didn’t get any arguments when he described Auchinleck Talbot’s 4-1 defeat of Pollok on Saturday as “massive “for the Super Premier Division leaders .

And little wonder following a hard-fought tussle against the ETHXenergy Scottish Junior Cup favourites who paid the price for a second-half red card dished out to goalkeeper Jordan Longmuir.

And that was the trigger for the Southsiders shedding three goals during a pulsating final 20 minutes at Beechwood Park - and ensuring Talbot stay on course for an unparalleled fourth successive Super Premier Division title.

Impressive striker Keir Milliken rifling away a low shot with just ten minutes on the clock had earned Talbot a 1-0 lead.

That was then cancelled out before half-time by a David Winters’ miskick after a quite horrendous defensive gaffe on the home team’s part.

However, of greater concern to Sloan heading inside at the interval was the fact his side had been outplayed for long stages .

He admitted: "Pollok had looked a lot fresher and a yard faster than us in the first half so I was actually pleased to be going in at 1-1 as I felt we couldn’t be any worse in the second period.

“ The guys responded by squeezing the game much further up the park to put Pollok under pressure and force mistakes that resulted in a scoreline that I never seen coming at the halfway stage.

“Milly and Graham Wilson caused their defence problems all day, but the additions of Mark Shankland and Robert Love injected even more energy and drive which their ten men could not handle.”

Powerful stopper Chris Walker blotting his copybook with a short pass back that was pounced upon by the razor-sharp Shankland.

But his dash forward was ended by the advancing Longmuir bringing him down to earn the Lok No.1 his marching orders and Talbot a penalty kick award that Wilson gleefully buried beyond replacement keeper Tam Hanlon.

Auchinleck piled on the pressure and Hyslop guided home a wonderful header from a Shankland cross for 3-1 before the goal-maker turned goal-taker when stooping low to glance a Bryan Young clipped cross past the helpless Hanlon to seal a 4-1 triumph.

Lok boss Tony McInally said: “It was never a 4-1 result but all credit to Auchinleck for turning the screw when we went down to ten men.

“I’m not going to berate my players too much because the red card decision that cost us the game was harsh in my opinion given the boy Shankland was going away from goal.

“No doubts whatsoever it was a penalty kick, but it's highly debatable whether it was a clear goalscoring opportunity.”

There was better luck for another pair of Glasgow clubs after word came through of Maryhill sealing promotion from the Central First Division thanks to Justin Begg netting the only goal of the game away to Johnstone Burgh while a more emphatic scoreline was racked up by Benburb clinching runners-up position in the Second Division stakes with a 4-1 victory at home to Newmains United.

And congratulations are also in order for Cambuslang Rangers, also stepping up , after finishing third top of the Second Division pile with a late Jamie McLeod counter sealing a nervy 1-0 success against Lanark United.

Meanwhile, Auchinleck’s quest for a four-in-row continues tonight when they lock horns with the other ETHXenergy finalist Beith, through at Bellsdale Park.

Mighty boss Johnny Millar may opt to rest a number of his star turns on the back of his side finally securing their safety from relegation at the weekend when goals from Nikky Docherty and Paul Frize clinched a 2-1 comeback victory over Rob Roy that confirms Shettleston will take part in the Play-off double-header.

Also in action are Hurlford United, the one remaining viable challenger to Talbot’s title dreams,after Ryan Borris, Ross Roberston and Ryan Nisbet(pen) scores chalked up a 3-1 defeat of Arthurlie on Saturday which leaves the Ford poised to move into second top spot in the table if they can overcome Glenafton at Blair Park.

Elsewhere, Super First Division frontrunners Largs Thistle will look to boost their championship claims when hosting their final home league match of the season against relegation battling Ardrossan Winton Rovers while fourth top Cumnock will be intent on closing the gap on the leading teams when taking on Greenock.

Other meaningful contests include Lesmahagow awaiting the visit of Central First Division basement side Vale of Clyde who need two points to avoid the drop while Girvan, boasting the only unbeaten league record in Junior football , can clinch the Ayrshire District League crown by coming out on top away to Kello Rovers.

WEEKEND RESULTS: McBookie.com Super Premier Division.

Rob Roy 1 Beith 2, Auchinleck Talbot 4 Pollok 1, Hurlford Utd 3 Arthurlie 1.

McBookie.com Super First Division.

Ardrossan Winton Rovers 0 Blantyre Vics 2, Kilwinning Rangers 1 Clydebank 1, Bellshill Athletic 0 Cumnock 2, Largs Thistle 2 Greenock 0, Maybole 0 Shotts Bon Accord 3.

McBookie.com Central First Division Johnstone Burgh 0 Maryhill 1, Lesmahagow 3 Neilston 0, Carluke Rovers 1 Vale of Clyde 4, Rossvale 5 St Anthony's 1, Larkhall Thistle 1 Thorniewood Utd 0.

McBookie.com Central Second Division.

Benburb 4 Newmains Utd 1, Lanark Utd 0 Cambuslang Rangers 1, Royal Albert 0 Vale of Leven 2, East Kilbride Thistle 1 Gartcairn 3. McBookie.com Ayrshire District League.

Muirkirk 2 Girvan 3, Craigmark 4 Irvine Vics 1, Dalry Thistle 4 Saltcoats Vics 2, Whitletts Vics 1 Darvel 2.

PLAYING TONIGHT: (Kick-offs 7.15pm):

McBookie.com Super Premier Division.

Beith v Auchinleck Talbot , Hurlford Utd v Glenafton.

McBookie.com Super First Division. Cumnock v Greenock, Largs Thistle v Ardrossan Winton Rovers, Cumbernauld Utd v Kilsyth Rangers, Yoker Athletic v Bellshill Athletic.

McBookie.com Central First Division

Lesmahagow v Vale of Clyde, Thorniewood Utd v Wishaw.McBookie.com Central Second Division. Gartcairn v Port Glasgow.

McBookie.com Ayrshire District League.

Kello Rovers v Girvan.