WoSFL Premier Division Wullie McDonald 4 August 2025 0 Comments

Auchinleck Talbot and Troon set the pace at the top of the Premier Division

Auchinleck Talbot continued their strong start to the season with a commanding 4-2 win away at Arthurlie in the West of Scotland Football League Premier Division.

It was the hosts who struck first after 14 minutes, but Talbot responded through a Ross Clark header on the half-hour mark to make it 1-1 at the break.

The second half belonged to the visitors. Kyle McAvoy put Talbot ahead in the 52nd minute after a smart move down the left, before Connor Boyd capitalised on a defensive mistake just six minutes later to extend the lead.

Arthurlie gave themselves hope with a scrappy goal from a corner in the 71st minute, but that was short-lived. Ewan Thomson restored Talbot’s two-goal cushion with a stunning solo effort in the 77th minute, and the visitors saw out the final stages with composed possession.

Ricky Kelly from Scoreboard Spotlight said: “Auchinleck Talbot showed their championship intent with a powerful second-half display. Goals from McAvoy, Boyd, and Thomson ensured the comeback after going behind early.

Ross Clark’s first-half equaliser set the tone, but it was the attacking trio that dominated the second 45 minutes. Manager Tommy Sloan will be pleased with the squad depth as multiple subs came on to see out the win.”

Late penalty denies Renfrew in Cumnock draw

Cumnock Juniors and Renfrew shared the points in a 2-2 draw, but the visitors will feel hard done by after a last-minute penalty denied them an opening-day win.

Renfrew fought back well after falling behind, drawing level early in the second half. But just as they looked to have secured a point, Cumnock converted from the spot in the dying minutes.

David Welsh from Scoreboard Spotlight said: “Renfrew showed plenty of spirit and quality and will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing start to the campaign.”

Monti strike gives Drumchapel edge over Johnstone Burgh

Drumchapel United edged out Johnstone Burgh 1-0 thanks to a first-half strike from Carlo Monti. The forward coolly slotted past Burgh keeper Luke Scullion in the 21st minute to open his league account.

Burgh pushed for an equaliser after the break and Scullion made two excellent saves to keep them in the game, but Drumchapel’s defence held firm to secure the win.

Other Premier Division results: Hurlford United 2–0 Rutherglen Glencairn, Pollok 1–2 Glenafton Athletic, Shotts Bon Accord 0–2 Largs Thistle, St Cadoc’s 1–0 Beith Juniors and Troon 6–1 Kilwinning Rangers.

FULL RESULTS: Saturday 2nd August

Arthurlie 2–4 Auchinleck Talbot
- 14′ Sean Slaven (Arthurlie)
- 30′ Ross Clark (Talbot)
- 40′, 44′ Connor Boyd (Talbot)
- 42′ Michael McMullin (Arthurlie)
- 87′ Austin Sime (Talbot)
Cumnock Juniors 2–2 Renfrew
- 18′ Keiran Healy (Renfrew)
- 59′ Jamie Conn (Cumnock)
- 66′ Jon Craig (Cumnock)
- 82′ Cammie Kerr (Renfrew) – penalty
Drumchapel United 1–0 Johnstone Burgh
- 21′ Carlo Monti (Drumchapel)
Hurlford United 2–0 Rutherglen Glencairn
- 20′ Kris Kerr (Hurlford)
- 43′ Jack Whittaker (Hurlford)
- Bookings: 59′ Ross Love 🟨, 76′ Calum Watt 🟨
Pollok 1–2 Glenafton Athletic
- 26′ Shuggy Kerr (Glenafton)
- 41′ Trialist #27 (Pollok)
- 42′ Michael Mullen (Glenafton)
- Bookings: 8′ Trialist #27 🟨, 41′ Ryan McCreath 🟨
Shotts Bon Accord 0–2 Largs Thistle
- 79′ Creag Little (Largs)
- 81′ Jamie Martin (Largs)
- Booking: 52′ Marc McKenzie 🟨
St Cadoc’s 1–0 Beith Juniors
- 86′ Calvin McGrory (St Cadoc’s)
Troon 6–1 Kilwinning Rangers
- 21′, 32′ Dario Viviani (Troon)
- 43′, 55′ Leyton Dunlop (Troon)
- 88′ Stephen Docherty (Troon)
- 60′ Bryan Boylan (Kilwinning)