AMBITIOUS Auchinleck Talbot boss Tommy Sloan has been given inside information by a rival manager as his team target another extended run in Scotland's showpiece competition.

Talbot, who defeated Ayr United in last season's competition, face Fifers Dundonald Bluebell away in the first preliminary round of the William Hill Scottish Cup on Saturday.

And boss Tommy Sloan has been bending rival manager Craig McEwan's ear ahead of the clash after his team faced them in a pre-season friendly.

Talbot defeated derby foes Glenafton Athletic 4-1 in the league opener at Beechwood Park on Saturday, just three days after reaching the last 16 of the West Region Sectional League Cup with a 1-0 win against Darvel.

Sloan said: "I had a good chat with Craig on Saturday about Dundonald and they seem a decent side with a good striker we will have to watch out for.

"The Scottish Cup is important to us, we did well last year and it would be good if we could have another run."

Of the weekend match Sloan said: "We played some good football although they came back into the match at one point.

"It was a good result but I would stress it's only a start, there are so many games to go.

"We still have some players out - Craig McCracken and Bryan Boylan will be missing for a wee while yet but they are recovering well from injuries.

"It will be good to get them back."

But before the national competition, Talbot face a stiff test as they head north to Kilwinning Sports Club for a clash with his former club Kilwinning Rangers tonight (Wednesday).

Sloan said: "Kilwinning started really well with a victory away to Clydebank, who are a good side and they have freshened up their squad with a few new signings.

"We must look to go there and win the game, we really want to continue our really good run."

Next Monday, August 12 sees holders Talbot host Kello Rovers in the last 16 of the Sectional Cup.

'Bot will be strong favourites to progress but will hope to emerge from the trips to Kilwinning and Fife unscathed.