Mark Shankland reckons Auchinleck’s first league defeat in a year is the PERFECT prep for their Scottish Cup crunch.
Talbot bid to extend their knockout heroics at Beechwood when Championship side Arbroath visit on Saturday.
But they’ll do so on the back of their first West Premiership defeat in more than 12 months.
Shankland and co went down to a shock 3-0 defeat at Glenafton at the weekend.
And the striker, who’s hit 17 goals this season, told the Ayrshire Post: “If it gives us that wee kick up the backside, then so be it.
“Nobody is unbeatable and that’s what we talked about after the game.
“We’ve had a great run and we take every game seriously, but the better team deserved to win on the day.
“Now we need to use it and bounce back in the right way.”
Talbot hit the headlines when sending Ayr crashing out of the senior Scottish Cup at Beechwood last season.
And they’ve already dumped big spending Kelty and Cove this term.
Shankland admitted: “The danger is people expecting us to produce these results all the time.
“But we’re under no illusions about how difficult this Saturday is going to be.
“Arbroath are a right good side and are playing at a very good level.
“If we’re going to win, every player will need to be at their best.”
Talbot, though, are sure to carry plenty of cash at the bookmakers and have already seen shrewd early money.
One firm’s generous looking 14/1 was quickly snapped up early in the week – but Talbot know they face a unique test in the Red Lichties.
Shankland, 24, said: “Dick Campbell is one of those old school managers and he will have them very well drilled physically.
“He’s been around for years and isn’t likely to get caught out or surprised by anything he sees.
“We just have to stick to our own game and see where it takes us.
“We’ve had plenty of success during my five years here with lots of trophies but the good thing is we’re always hungry for more.
“You look around our side and think there could be lots more to come.”
