Tommy Sloan admits Auchinleck will be shooting in the dark when they bid to take another step on the road to Hampden, writes Mike Wilson.
Talbot head to Ochilview tonight to play East of Scotland side Syngenta for the first time ever in the first round of the Scottish Cup.
And they will do so without defenders Craig McCracken and Chris Stafford who are both injured.
Stuttering Talbot have won only two of their four league games and boss Sloan admits: “We have not been firing and need to sort out our own side. It’s not ideal that I haven’t had the chance to see Syngenta who are doing well in their league and have had some good results so we will be wary.
“The Scottish Cup is a big competition which we want to be in and has given us some great ties over the years.
“Missing two of our back four means we are not without problems. We are still tinkering to find the right balance.”
Talbot are hoping to add to a proud cup history which has seen them claim the scalps of Ayr United, Hamilton Accies, Cove Rangers and Kelty Hearts in addition to twice taking on Hearts at Tynecastle and forcing Arbroath to a replay.
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