Auchinleck Talbot manager Tommy Sloan applauded his side’s second half rally as they beat Irvine Meadow 3-1 in the First Round of the Scottish Cup.

The hosts took the lead in the first half at Meadow Park via a penalty, when Aiden Wilson’s challenge on Medda’s Kyle Faulds on the edge of the box saw the referee point to the spot.

Up stepped Mark McLennan and his powerful strike put Medda ahead at the break.

Bot began their comeback early on in the second half, midfielder Gareth Armstrong drilling a low shot through a packed Medda box and into the far corner of the net. The Bot then went 2-1 up via substitute Mark Shankland, his looping half volley from the edge of the box finding it’s way into the top corner.

Keir Samson then completed the scoring, chesting and volleying in a failed Medda clearance to send Talbot into the Second Round.

Speaking to the Chronicle, Sloan said: “When the penalty went against us I didn’t think we reacted very well. We lost our shape and were taking the safe option all the time.

“We got the players in at half time and there was a few words about that.

“We got the right reaction and from the start of the second half it was much better.

“The team performance in the second half was far stronger, everybody upped their game, it had a much better effect for us and enabled us to create chances.”

In the Second Round of the Scottish Cup, Talbot have been drawn away to East of Scotland League First Division Conference B side Preston Athletic.

Sloan says he is already doing his research on the Panners ahead of their tie at Pennypit Park next month.

He revealed: “I have already done a bit of homework on them and they are doing really well in their league.

“They have not been losing a lot of goals lately and winning games regularly.

“It is going to be a tough away tie but one we are capable of winning, I do not have any doubt of that if we apply ourselves in the right manner, which I am sure we will.”