Tommy Sloan side-stepped title talk after Auchinleck Talbot edged out Irvine Meadow to move within a point of WoSFL Premier leaders Pollok.
First half goals from Bryan Boylan and Graham Wilson were enough for Talbot to secure all three points at Beechwood Park despite a stunning Mick Wardrope strike reducing their advantage after the break.
It was a hard-fought victory and one that may yet prove significant in this season's title race on an afternoon rivals Pollok suffered a last-gasp defeat by the same scoreline at Darvel.
