Keir Milliken was in no doubt about the crucial ingredient that has put Auchinleck Talbot’s season back on track.

“It’s the solidity of our defensive unit” he said without the slightest hesitation.

"I would love to say it’s our forward line that has taken up the baton but the facts staring us in the face show the guys at the back have the capability to close games out whenever we get our noses in front and that is making all the difference.”

Statistics bear out Milky’s point of view because the Ayrshiremen made a pretty dismal start to 2017 - they crashed 2 -0 to Pollok in their inaugural January fixture.

But they have since impressively strung together eight victories on the spin, conceding a paltry two goals and scoring 14 in the process.

Questions that hung over Tommy Sloan’s men earlier in the season appear to have been answered with Talbot through to the Scottish Junior Cup semi-finals and still retaining an interest in the New Coin Holdings West of Scotland Cup as well as sitting third top of the Super Premier pile, a point adrift of leaders Glenafton.

And ahead of his side’s derby clash against arch rivals Cumnock tomorrow, seasoned ace Milky wonders why there were people doubting that he and his team-mates could come good at the business end of the season.

The Largs-based ace said: "This is my sixth season at Talbot and we have always come into this last three months stage with a bit of momentum knowing we have the big silverware prizes to play for.

“We take a bit of beating when we play well and right now the signs are good because having one of the lowest scoring rates in the Super Premier - only Kilwinning Rangers have chalked up fewer goals - is so unlike us and I cannot help but think that our strikers will hit a purple patch sooner rather than later.

“In recent weeks Graham Wilson has just about shouldered the burden on his own with four goals in as many games which has proved crucial in tandem with our defence shutting up shop however both myself ,and Mark Shankland would love nothing better than to weigh in with a few goals of our own.

“That said, it’s a team game here at Talbot and as long as Tucker is happy with the contribution I’m making in terms of running the channels and pressing defenders then who am I to want different.”

One-time Ardrossan Winton Rovers full-back Milliken is looking forward to a third joust of the season with Cumnock.

He said: "The atmosphere around the games is always terrific as you might expect given the bragging rights mean so much to both sets of supporters.

“Thankfully, I’ve enjoyed a lot more good times than bad down the years particularly in Super Premier Division matches where I haven’t ever finished on the losing side and hopefully that record can continue tomorrow.

“It’s shaping up as a tough 90 minutes as Cumnock are a vastly improved side this season under John McKeown and our two previous games against them this season were very tight contests even though we won 3-0 to take the points at Beechwood.

“You also have to take into account tomorrow’s game being the first time we’ve played Cumnock on their new Astro-grass pitch and their familiarity with the surface certainly affords them a bit of an advantage.

“No doubt their players will want to spike our title hopes but we won’t lack for motivation because taking all three points in this game could be highly significant.”

Talbot boss Sloan has an enforced change to his winning team with Dwayne Hyslop serving a two match ban for his red carding in last weekend’s 1-0 defeat of Rob Roy and his absence could mean a recall for Craig McCracken or even Shankland if a more attack minded line-up is the preferred option.

Tucker said: "Cumnock are a force to be reckoned with going by their results and I’d have been happier if Hyslop’s strength and aerial ability were available to us.

League leaders Glenafton are on the road to meet relegation threatened Largs Thistle in what is a “must-win” game for the 'Theesel' according to Glens gaffer Craig McEwan.

He said: "Largs are in the situation where they probably need to win their remaining three league games to avoid the drop and that makes them very dangerous opponents.

“All our focus this week has been on Largs (other than a few minutes discussing the Scottish Junior Cup draw) and my players have been well warned to expect a sleeves-rolled up challenge from first whistle to last.

“Mick McCann has a slight muscle strain injury, however I’ll be surprised if he doesn’t declare himself fit because everyone is keen as mustard to play and stake a claim for the semi-final against Bonnyrigg Rose.

“I’ve reminded them of the fact we’ve done nothing so far other than to put ourselves into a good place but now comes the hard job of taking the next few steps and turning progress into prizes.”

TODAY'S FIXTURES

(Kick-offs 2pm)

McBookie.com Super Premier Division: Cumnock v Auchinleck Talbot, Largs Thistle v Glenafton, Pollok v Kilwinning Rangers, Kilbirnie Ladeside v Beith.

McBookie.com Super First Division: Girvan v Kilsyth Rangers, Irvine Meadow v Shettleston, Rutherglen Glencairn v Irvine Vics, Shotts Bon Accord v Cumbernauld Utd, Yoker Athletic v Renfrew.

McBookie.com Central First Division: Johnstone Burgh v Thorniewood Utd, Forth Wanderers v Bellshill Athletic, Benburb v Neilston.

McBookie.com Central Second Division: Ashfield v Carluke Rovers, Port Glasgow v Dunipace.

McBookie.com Ayrshire District League: Ardrossan Winton Rovers v Maybole, Darvel v Lugar Boswell, Kello Rovers v Whitletts Vics, Muirkirk v Saltcoats Vics.

Central League Cup second round: Gartcairn v Vale of Leven, Greenock v Lanark Utd, Rob Roy v St Roch's, Larkhall Thistle v Arthurlie, Maryhill v East Kilbride Thistle, Newmains Utd v Lesmahagow, Petershill v Clydebank, St Anthony's v Blantyre Vics, Wishaw v Cambuslang Rangers. First round: Royal Albert v Vale of Clyde.

Ayrshire Cup second round: Dalry Thistle v Annbank Utd. First round: Troon v Ardeer Thistle.