TALBOT and Cumnock served up a Christmas cracker as the home side twice came from two goals down to win 4-3.

In summary, ex-Talbot striker Kyle Faulds and Robert Patterson capitalised on defensive errors to give Cumnock a 2-0 lead. Graham Wilson turned home Craig McCracken’s header before Stephen Wilson had a penalty saved by Ally Semple who was booked for raking his studs across the spot.

Patterson made it 3-1 from the spot early in the second half before Sean McIlroy got Talbot back in it. McCracken scored a volley from a corner to make it 3-3 and ex-Cumnock striker Graham Wilson bagged the winner with an acrobatic finish after 87 minutes.

After digging his brother out of a hole, a delighted Graham revealed what it’s like to play in a derby classic.

He said: “Cumnock Talbot is the best match to play in especially when you get a match like that and you win it at home in front of the fans.There’s no better feeling really.

“We made hard work of it. We were terrible today with defensive errors and we just couldn’t seem to get a grip of the game. To win it like that, you can’t ask for any more.

“When they went up 3-1, I thought, ‘here we go’. Once we got to 3-3, I saw the fourth goal coming.”

Of the match winner, Graham added: “It was just instinct, you just go for it. With your back to goal, two minutes to go you’ve got to have a shot at goal. I’m just glad it went in.”

Boss Tommy Sloan was full of praise for the match winner. He said: “Graham has not had one of his best games but he’s scored two great goals. The finish is magnificent. I saw it coming, he swivelled round and it was a real striker’s goal.

“We didn’t look particularly comfortable at the back during the game.

“Their boys caused us problems. There was obviously a few mistakes and we went behind and I had no complaints at that stage

“Missing the penalty just before half time was a wee bit of a downer but once we got back into it if anyone was going to win it, it was us.

“The reaction was great, so I’m delighted. There’s been some great goals. The finishes were excellent.

“We’ve got three points and many folk were maybe not expecting a tight game, but I stressed before the match that it would be.

“We gave them a bit at half time, we don’t shout and bawl but we told a few home truths.

“It’s a derby match. It’s always great when you win them, but not so good when you don’t.”

Cumnock boss Paul Burns felt they deserved something from the match.

He said: “It’s disappointing to come away with nothing from the game. If not three, we deserved at least a point out the game.

“We’ve lost the game because we’ve been getting caught out at set pieces which we shouldn’t be.

“But there are plenty of positives to take out of it. I think people thought we were coming here and it would be a cricket score.

“I’m gutted for the boys.”