Astonishingly the victory was Downs’ first in charge of Arthurlie. Two draws and a defeat in the cup haven’t exactly set the heather alight down Dunterlie Road and Downs admitted it was crucial to get that first win.
He said: “We made that point to the players on Saturday, it is just the way it has worked out but you don’t want to get into the habit of not winning games.
“It was good to get the win, especially when we had to battle so hard to get it. If I was the Cumnock manager I wouldn’t say Arthurlie deserved to win.” Saturday’s tie also marked Craig Palmer’s debut for the club since signing under the former regime in January.
Having been cup tied the full back has had to watch on in recent weeks, but with the cup now out of the way Downs insisted he is ready to utilise Palmer.
He added: “Craig brings that experience to the side that they are sometimes needing.
“He is raring to go and was probably one of the better players at the weekend.”
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