They call the Scottish Junior Cup their own with a record 14 triumphs and counting.
But holders Auchinleck will have to turn the tables on one of their biggest rivals if they are to book a last 16 place tomorrow.
Darvel, who stunned them 3-0 in the league at Beechwood Park in August, are back chasing a second win on Talbot turf.
Relieved boss Tommy Sloan is delighted to go into the tie on a winning note after beating Bo’ness United on penalties to reach the third round of the senior Scottish Cup, where they will travel to Raith.
He said: “It will be a cracking tie and one we are looking forward to. It’s good to be going in with a victory but we know we’ll have to be good to go through.
“We had a man sent off at 0-0 when we lost to Darvel at the start of the season so that definitely had an effect on the outcome.”
Talbot had keeper Andy Leishman to thank as they squeezed past Bo’ness 5-3 on penalties after 1-1 draw. Trailing at half-time, they hit back through Ally Park and then kept their cool from the spot with Bryan Boylan, Graham Wilson, Gareth Armstrong, Ross Taylor and Michael Wardrope all scoring.
But the victory was tinged when Neil McPherson was sent off after the final whistle.
Sloan said: “Penalties are always a lottery but Andy made a great save when he tipped one on to the post. It’s great to be through and we deserved it in the end.”
Jamie Ballantyne returns from suspension to face Darvel who crushed Dalbeattie Star 7-1 in the senior Scottish with Allan Mackenzie helping himself to a hat-trick.
Elsewhere in the Junior Cup, TROON head to Blantyre after beating Fraserburgh 4-0 with goals from Ben Black, Kyle Gilroy (2) and Josh Black. The Seasiders, who have defender Tommy Maitland available for transfer, have begun groundworks for floodlights at Portland Park.
CUMNOCK, after their senior cup exit to Dumbarton, entertain Thorniewood while CRAIGMARK will welcome Kilbirnie to Dalmellington in a tasty tie.
‘Mark were 5-2 winners away to Royal Albert thanks to goals from Steven Hill, Fraser Smith, Liam Caddis, Jordan Banks and Ryan Connelly.
GLENAFTON entertain Stoneyburn but need to bounce back from a 2-0 defeat by Irvine Meadow who struck through Connor Boyd and Neil Slooves.
Glens have applied for SFA membership to allow them to play in the senior Scottish Cup and progress through the pyramid system.
MAYBOLE, whose West Cup tie against Beith was washed out, will look to progress at home to Third Division promotion chasers Larkhall.
WHITLETTS, who have signed 19-year-old midfielder David Blyth on loan from Glenafton, are chasing a semi-final place in the Strathclyde Demolition Cup when they entertain the strong going Drumchapel United.
Goals from Jordan Boyd and Jamie Henderson earned them a 2-1 win away to Vale of Leven but there was a nervy ending when Lee McGeachy scored with 12 minutes to go.
MUIRKIRK head to Kilsyth Rangers in the Second Division after beating Yoker 3-1 with goals from Nathan Gordon, Ruairidh Clarke and Jamie Gray.
GIRVAN host Dalry in the Third Division off the back of a 4-2 home defeat by Newmains with Scott Dempster and Kieran Balfour counting for the hosts.
