Celtic visit ‘like when The Who played Auchinleck’

Competing against Celtic this Sunday will be the most significant event for the residents of Auchinleck since The Who.

The English Mod icons performed at Auchinleck Community Centre in 1969 as a prelude to their legendary performance at Woodstock.

It’s astonishing to consider that all 3,000 residents could fit into a single section of one of the stands at Celtic Park.

Even if every individual, regardless of age, purchased a ticket for what is officially the home section for the Scottish Cup fourth-round match on Sunday, they would still be outnumbered by the visiting fans at Rugby Park.

The term ‘home’ is relevant because the match has been relocated 15 miles away to Kilmarnock’s ground after the «surrounding infrastructure» of the 4,000-capacity Beechwood Park was deemed inappropriate for such a significant event.

This is yet another «what if» in the storied legacy of sixth-tier Auchinleck Talbot.

But how is the Ayrshire village, along with its squad of tradespeople, preparing for this ultimate David vs Goliath encounter?

Former Talbot left-back Gordon Pope has precious but ultimately heart-wrenching memories of their last confrontation with top-tier opponents 14 years ago.

An admirable effort kept Hearts from scoring until goalkeeper Andy Leishman, who had previously saved a penalty, mishandled a ball during a clash with teammate Bryan Slaven, allowing Gordon Smith to score the decisive goal with six minutes remaining.

Taking a risk, Talbot earned a free-kick, and Pope found himself breaking through the Hearts defense, only for the assistant referee to call him offside just as he thought he had netted an equalizer in stoppage time.

«It leaves a ‘what if’,» Pope expresses to BBC Scotland while revisiting the moment. «It’s a close call and one of those instances in the club’s background.

«We had never reached that level [fourth round] before, so returning to Rugby Park for a playoff would have been monumental for the club.»

James Latta, who took on the role of captain for the first time that day, remembers: «Most of our team had previous experience at senior level, and we realized that if we maintained our structure, we’d have a chance depending on Hearts’ performance.»

However, the former defender admits that they are facing an even tougher challenge against the Scottish champions, who have found new vigor after club icon Martin O’Neill returned as interim manager following Wilfried Nancy’s dismissal.

«If you had asked me last week, it would have been an optimal time to face them,» Latta states. «It would have been challenging before – now it’s going to be considerably more difficult.»

According to Talbot programme author Jim McAuley: «It will be the most remarkable day in the club’s journey to face a globally recognized team like Celtic. It will rank alongside The Who’s performance here in Auchinleck Community Centre. David vs Goliath.»

McAuley is well-versed in this history, having documented over 100 trophies since the club’s formation in 1909.

These include 14 Scottish Junior Cups, eight of which were won this century, for a team currently ranked second in the West of Scotland League Premier Division, two points behind Troon but with two games in hand after integrating into the senior pyramid.

«I would claim we are the most significant small club in Scotland,» he asserts, expressing his «absolute devastation» regarding the match’s relocation.

«Here, I believe we would have held that small opportunity, but at Rugby Park, they’ll be too formidable for us. Following this game, Celtic heads to Bologna, while we face Pollok in western Glasgow.»

Nonetheless, McAuley acknowledges that «stranger things have occurred» in the realm of football, reminiscing about Talbot’s 3-2 triumph over Celtic in their only prior encounter – a testimonial in 1992, although the visitors sent a youth side.

There would have been greater headlines had striker Argyll McCoist been eligible to play.

The 27-year-old son of former Rangers forward Ally – known for netting many against Celtic – is on loan from Drumchapel United but cannot participate in the cup.

He mentions that his father has been calling daily to see if any rule changes might allow him to play.

Captain Neil McPherson remarked that Talbot’s prospects have been adversely affected by the fact that their last competitive match was on December 19, and they have not even held a friendly due to frozen grounds.

He notes that a dressing room split evenly between Celtic and Rangers supporters has taken Monday off from their full-time jobs in anticipation of having to recover from dedicating themselves to «a once-in-a-lifetime» chance.

Forklift operator Tommy Sloan is Auchinleck’s manager and never imagined he would one day be in the opposing dugout opposite O’Neill.

«They’ve undoubtedly recruited someone capable of delivering results,» he recalls. «He brings significant experience, and it’s fantastic to be competing against him in the other dugout.»

Sloan will draw inspiration from the day «we defeated» Ayr United in 2019 and the close call they faced against Hearts in 2012.

«I can still picture the linesman’s expression with that flag raised,» he remembers. «The evening Sportscene confirmed that it was actually onside.

«It is going to be a substantial challenge. If we can score first and apply pressure for a brief period, I’d be thrilled with that.

«We are definitely going to give it our all, regardless.»