Arthurlie were defeated by the odd goal for the ninth time this season as they lost 3-2 against league leaders Clydebank on Saturday.

Alan Kelly capped off a flowing team move to fire the Bankies ahead just after the half-hour mark at Holm Park.

However, the visitors responded quickly as Dylan Fletcher tapped the ball into an empty net to restore parity.

Arthurlie were only level for a few minutes though as Lee Gallacher scored a solo effort to ensure Clydebank would have the lead at the interval.

After the break, Lee Roulston came closest to bringing Colin Reilly’s team back on level terms for a second time when he hit the post after Kieran Hughes had pushed away a shot from Dylan Dykes.

And it looked to be an uphill battle for the Barrhead troops after 72 minutes when the Bankies notched their third goal of the afternoon, courtesy of Ciaran Mulcahy.

Arthurlie refused to throw in the towel and Jordan Leyden made it 3-2 in added time but, ultimately, his effort proved to be no more than a consolation.

The result left Arthurlie three points from safety in the West of Scotland Football League Premier Division.

It came after the Dunterlie team had battled to a 2-2 draw away to Darvel last Wednesday night.

Tam McGaughey had given the visitors a first-half lead at Recreation Park and Dykes doubled their advantage before the break.

However, Darvel netted twice after the interval to secure a point.

Arthurlie were scheduled to face fellow relegation candidates Glenafton at Loch Park last night, after the Barrhead News went to press.

Next up for Reilly’s team is a trip to New Tinto Park on Saturday to face Benburb, with kick-off at 2pm.

Elsewhere, Arthurlie's opponents in their forthcoming Scottish Junior Cup semi-final are in turmoil after sacking their manager at the weekend.

Jamie McKim was dismissed as Johnstone Burgh boss following a 3-2 defeat at home to Kilwinning Rangers.

It was Burgh's fourth defeat in their last five matches.