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Celtic visit is biggest event for Auchinleck Talbot since The Who
Summary
The sixth-tier Auchinleck Talbot will play Celtic in a Scottish Cup fourth-round tie on Sunday that was moved to Kilmarnock's Rugby Park after Beechwood Park and its surrounding infrastructure were judged unsuitable.
Content
Auchinleck Talbot, a sixth-tier club from a village of about 3,000 people, will face Celtic in the Scottish Cup fourth round on Sunday. The fixture has been moved from the club's usual ground, Beechwood Park, to Kilmarnock's Rugby Park because the surrounding infrastructure around the 4,000-capacity Beechwood was judged unsuitable for a match of this size. The occasion has been compared to past notable events in the village, including a 1969 appearance by The Who at the community centre. Many of the club's players work in local trades such as plumbing, joinery and engineering, and the tie is being framed as a major local event.
Known details:
- Match: Scottish Cup fourth-round tie between Auchinleck Talbot and Celtic, scheduled for Sunday.
- Venue moved to Rugby Park in Kilmarnock, about 15 miles from Beechwood Park.
- Beechwood Park has a 4,000 capacity and its surrounding infrastructure was judged unsuitable for the occasion.
- Auchinleck has around 3,000 residents, which is noted as a small community compared with typical support at larger grounds.
- Auchinleck Talbot plays in the sixth tier and many squad members work in local trades such as plumbers, joiners and engineers.
- Reports say that even if all village residents attended, Celtic's away support at Rugby Park would still outnumber them.
Summary:
The tie is one of the biggest occasions in Auchinleck Talbot's recent history and will be played at Kilmarnock's Rugby Park on Sunday. The venue change and anticipated attendance patterns are the most prominent practical details surrounding the fixture.
