Published: Thursday, 10th April, 2008 12:00
LIE NOCK CUP KINGS ASIDE
Print Article
Arthurlie 2 Cumnock 0
As a traditionalist it’s always a great feeling for me to see Arthurlie start a game at 3pm on a Saturday afternoon.
Last Saturday however wasn’t so good as the game actually began at 2pm.
A 2-0 victory for Arthurlie against Scottish Cup semi-finalists Cumnock is always a great result, but it doesn’t really reflect the game itself.
Cumnock started off on fire, pace, movement, hunger, they had it all.
Straight from kick off Andy McClay tried his luck from long range but it didn’t trouble James Evans in the home goal.
After three minutes the Ayrshire side almost went ahead, a cross from David McNally was directed just wide by Ritchie Barr.
John Johnston had Arthurlie’s first effort on goal on 25 minutes but his shot was high and wide.
A poor attempted pass by Alan McFadden on 28 minutes was intercepted by George Campbell and he ran straight at the heart of the ‘Lie defence before shooting from inside the 18 yard box only for Evans to take with ease.
Just on half time McFadden could have scored what would have been a scarcely deserved opener for Arthurlie but his right foot effort was well off target.
Whatever Mark Cameron said or put in the players half time cuppa certainly had the desired effect as the players who appeared for the second half, including John Bradford for Eddie Annand, put on a totally different performance.
Johnston tried his luck again on 15 minutes but again couldn’t find the target.
On 20 minutes that man Johnston tired his luck again from the edge of the box.
His scuffed shot found its way to the ever alert Craig Malcolm who fired it home to give the Barrhead side the lead.
On 23 minutes Cumnock really should have levelled the game but first Campbell, then Steve Murray and finally Barr all swung and missed as the ball bounced around the home penalty area.
Just a minute later Barr sent Steve Farrell racing through the middle but his blistering effort was matched only by Evan’s fantastic save.
Gary McPhee replaced Sean Winter as Arthurlie looked to freshen up the midfield.
But it was Nock who tried their luck next with Evans pulling off another great save from Barr.
Frank McKeown had the ball in the net on 34 minutes but was correctly ruled offside.
Cameron introduced Paddy Flannery for Craig Malcolm as the home side looked to close out the game.
With 90 minutes having come and gone Evans again saved this time from Robbie Weir and it looked like the game would end 1-0.
However as the referee added injury time which bemused most people Cumnock forced a corner.
Nock keeper Graham Potter raced up the field in an attempt to grab the leveller but the corner was easily taken by Evans who kicked long.
Flannery who was lurking at the halfway line latched on to the ball and raced into the Cumnock half as two defenders sped after home.
Although the front man’s celebrations seemed premature as he punched the air he showed great composure to send the ball into the centre of the net and secure all three points for Arthurlie.
Mark Cameron and his backroom staff must take huge credit for the work they have done in turning round the fortunes of the Barrhead club.
In nine games since taking over Branco and co have only tasted defeat on one occasion and have turned a team short on confidence and even shorted on points into one that’s once again fighting for each other and proving very hard to beat.
MOM Frank McKeown
Arthurlie: James Evans, Stephen Gallacher, Lee Sharp, Frank McKeown, Brian Wardle, Sean Winter, John Johnston, Steve Aitken, Eddie Annand, Craig Malcolm, Alan McFadden. Subs:- Ross Ballantyne, Alan Shields, Gary McPhee, John Bradford, Paddy Flannery.
Due to the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup over the next two weekends plus an international tournament Arthurlie have no fixtures arranged at the moment but we will let you know when the next game is as soon as we can.
Del.icio.us
Digg
Facebook
Reddit
Stumbleupon
Further Details
Lynch angry as ban on Ross is lifted