Scottish Cup, Third Round, The Rock, 29/11/25.

Is this definitively the worst result in our history?

I know Talbot are only two divisions below us and Bonnyrigg were (nominally) four when they beat us in the same round nine years ago.

I said at the time that was the worst result we’ve ever had. But that was only 1-0.

This, by contrast, is an utter humiliation.

Surely manage Stevie Farrell has to go? (In his post-match interview he said he doesn’t run away from problems. However, if he had any care for the club’s future welfare he would resign. Now.)

If he stays we’ll certainly be renewing acquaintance with Talbot again next season as we’ll both be in the Lowland League West. (They are a stick on for that, being licensed, plus unbeaten in the West of Scotland League Premier from which ten clubs are likely to be promoted to the LLW in the reconstruction of Tier 5, while we’ll finish last in Tier 4 and lose the Pyramid Play-off.)

The fans have had more than enough of him but unfortunately I don’t have confidence that the powers that be at the club have the will to sack him.

Well, with one potential banana skin negotiated, we have ended up with an even bigger one, Auchinleck Talbot at home.

Talbot are second top of the West of Scotland League’s top division (two levels below us) but have won every game so far. Moreover, they have  beaten SPFL teams in the Cup before. (In January 2019 they beat Ayr United at home in Round 4, later that year they beat newly promoted Cove Rangers in Round 2 in the next season’s tournament and in 2021 they beat Hamilton Accies in Round 3.)

The game is due on the weekend of 29^th and 30^th November.