Tommy Sloan admits he’s going into the Scottish Junior Cup final in the dark – after not seeing his opponents in action.
The Auchinleck boss had hoped to run the rule over Yoker in a friendly against Pollok but was refused permission to watch it.
Perfectionist Sloan always tries to watch his big game opposition – but he won’t allow his failed spying mission to hamper the chase for a 14th cup triumph.
Looking ahead to today's Rugby Park final, Sloan admitted: “We will be expected to win because Yoker play in a league below so the pressure is all on us.
“We will give them the proper respect as we always do and make sure we go into the game in the right frame of mind as Yoker are there on merit.
“It’s unusual in that I don’t know anything about the opposition this time as I’ve had not had the chance to see them.
“They had a closed doors game against Pollok at Hamilton which I enquired about going to see but I wasn’t allowed in.
“However, I’ll be doing my homework and speaking to as many people as possible.”
Gareth Armstrong is Talbot’s only doubt for the final which kicks off at 4.10pm and is screened live on BBC
Alba.
He picked up a medial ligament strain at training which caused him to miss the 3-1 Challenge Cup final win over SPFL new boys Bonnyrigg at Falkirk.
Sloan will give him every chance but admits “it doesn’t look too good”.
Talbot are bidding to emulate their 1985-1988 hat-trick by winning the cup for the third time in a row.
The last two years were scrubbed by Covid so they are attempting to follow their wins over Hurlford and Largs.
Seven of Talbot’s 13 Scottish Cup triumphs have come at their happy hunting ground of Rugby Park and they are hot favourites to add to that tally.
Surprise packets Yoker, who finished eighth in Conference ‘C’, are bidding to win the cup for only the second time in their history.
They drew 0-0 with Tranent in the 1932-33 final at Tynecastle before beating them 4-2 in the final at Hampden.
Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter here
