Saturday’s 2-2 stalemate between Auchinleck Talbot and Beith in the only Super Premier Division fixture to take place did not do either side many favours but Bot gaffer Tommy Sloan was happy enough with a share of the spoils.

And why shouldn’t he feel satisfied after his side produced the comeback of the season so far at Beechwood Park to score two late in the day goals just when the table-topping visitors appeared to be cruising to a 2-0 victory.

The drawn tightened things up atop the West Region’s  top league standings and seasoned campaigner Sloan is convinced as many as six clubs could be serious title contenders heading into the New Year .

Tucker admitted ,” I have to be delighted to finish up with a point considering we were losing 2-0 with just under five minutes to go . 

“The spirit shown by the players was terrific however there’s no denying our opportunity to get back into the game was given a significant boost by Beith’s midfielder Paul Frize getting his marching orders for two yellow cards.

“That said we certainly made the most of our man advantage and it was pleasing to see Kyle Faulds grabbing our equaliser as he has been out of the picture for a long time.”

His frustrations over  the “comic cuts” defending that led to both Beith’s scores came to the surface as the Talbot boss  said ,” Individual errors cost us and I find it disappointing that Beith didn’t have to work particularly  hard for their goals.

“We have always prided ourselves in being able to close the back door so admitting  the guys are playing decent football doesn’t hide the fact there is room for improvement.”

The most successful Junior manager in the game was surprised to hear work commitments could lead to his former defensive stalwart, Martin McGoldrick, signed by Pollok in the summer,walking away from football.

Tucker said: “Martin ‘s work resulted in him flying out to  Dubai on a number of occasions last season and it was an ongoing problem that suited neither him or myself .

“The thought of him moving abroad permanently comes as a real surprise  because I know he has strong family ties here. If the decision has been made then he’ll be a big loss to Pollok and to Junior football .”

More definite transfer news has ambitious Super First Division outfit Cambuslang Rangers swooping to sign former midfielder David Green following his release from Queens Park whom he joined  during the close season.

The 28-year-old whose previous Junior clubs include Kilbirnie Ladeside, Blantyre Vics and  Clydebank is poised to make his debut when the Lang host the visit of Muirkirk in a  New Coin Automatics Cup first-round tie on Saturday.

Meanwhile on the transfer list at Darvel is striker Greg Vernon whose two goals in last weekend’s 3-3 draw with Largs Thistle will have attracted a few potential suitors.

SATURDAY’S FIXTURES (2pm)

Scottish Junior Cup 2nd Round.

Forth Wanderers  v Irvine Vics, Annbank Utd v Colony Park, Replays Penicuik Athletic v  Kilbirnie Ladeside, Arthurlie v Lesmahagow.McBookie.com Super Premier Division. Hurlford Utd v Rob Roy. McBookie.com Central Second  Division. Johnstone Burgh v St Anthonys. New Coin Holdings

West of Scotland Cup 1st Round Draw:

Petershill v Whitletts Vics, Blantyre Vics v Beith, Shettleston v Rossvale, Cambuslang Rangers v Muirkirk, Largs Thistle v Bellshill Athletic, Lugar Boswell  v Clydebank,  Neilston v Port Glasgow, Renfrew v Larkhall Thistle, Dalry Thistle v Darvel, Glenafton v Girvan, Benburb v Lanark Utd, Maryhill v Ardrossan Winton Rovers, Shotts Bon Accord v East Kilbride Thistle, Kello Rovers v Troon, Auchinleck Talbot v Carluke Rovers, Cumnock v Glasgow Perthshire, Vale of Clyde v Wishaw, Kilwinning Rangers v Irvine Meadow, Yoker Athletic v Maybole, Craigmark v Cumbernauld Utd, Royal Albert v Pollok, Ashfield v Rutherglen Glencairn, Dunipace v Gartcairn, St Rochs v Newmains Utd,  Kilsyth Rangers v Vale of Leven, Ardeer Thistle v Greenock