ARTHURLIE manager Gavin Duncan is delighted with the determination shown by his players which has earned the side six points in their last two league matches.

A comprehensive 3-0 victory away to Cumnock handed Lie their first back-to-back league wins of the season, following on from their 4-1 defeat of Kirkintilloch Rob Roy, propelling the Dunterlie Park side above Pollok and into 10th.

And, speaking after the most recent victory, Duncan praised his side following their recent upturn in fortunes, including Saturday’s surprise win over Cumnock.

Duncan said: “A lot of people didn’t expect us to get a result in my opinion but everything just went for us.

“Cumnock got a man sent off, our former player John Bradford, and from there we dominated the match and it was great to see Gary Smith grab a couple of goals.

“These last five or six games are make or break for us but if we apply ourselves then I see no reason that we can’t go on and guarantee our safety.

“This group has become a different animal and we have the bit between our teeth and look determined in the dressing room, on the pitch and on the training park.

“I’m proud of the way we have played recently but there is still a long way to go, but with the animal we have in the dressing room we are only breeding confidence with our performances.” Duncan has endured a tough start to his managerial career after he took the reins from former boss Mark Cameron last summer.

Despite struggling throughout the season Duncan insists he loves being in charge of his former side.

He said: “This year has been a bit of a baptism of fire so to speak.

“I can’t say it is what I expected but I won’t make any excuses for the way the season has turned out.

“But, I think if everybody looks at the season we have had with injuries and suspensions then it would be hard to find another manager in the league who has had the same issues.

“That said, if I didn’t enjoy the job, I wouldn’t be here. It’s a real honour to manage the club I once played for.”