SATURDAY saw Arthurlie surrender their unbeaten start to the league as they went down 2-0 to Hurlford United at Dunterlie Park.

The first 45 minutes saw the Barrhead side produce their worst first-half performance since the league began while, by all accounts, Hurlford produced their best. Given that, there was only going to be one outcome and although Arthurlie dominated possession in the second period the damage had already been done.

Ryan McGregor, who had started his 100th game for Arthurlie the previous week, had the game’s first chance but his left foot shot after four minutes was taken well by Ally Brown in the visitors’ goal.

Ryan Borris forced Zander Cowie into a great save soon after as he got his head to a Hurlford corner as the visitors started to impose themselves and on 17 minutes they took a deserved lead.

A ball through from McKenzie was left by Robertson and Borris raced through to slot home the opener.

Gary Carroll had to go off after an ankle knock and was replaced by Gary Smith but Arthurlie couldn’t find a way into the game and as the first half drew to a close Hurlford doubled their lead when Robertson headed home a McKenzie corner in added time.

Half-time: Arthurlie 0-2 Hurlford Into the second half and Robertson went close after 12 minute when he tried an audacious lob from distance that had Cowie struggling. Mark Blakey was introduced for Stuart MacDonald as Arthurlie looked to freshen things up then soon after Danny Burns came on for David MacKay but although the home side now had most of the possession they just couldn’t find a cutting edge to get at their opponents.

Smith had a great effort just before the half hour but it went straight at Brown who took it easily then minutes later on the half hour Cowie was caught with a stray elbow and required lengthy treatment before being able to continue.

The remainder of the game was played out without either keeper being tested and the win for Hurlford saw them join Arthurlie at the top of the table after four games.

Barrhead News MOM: Rhys Devlin Arthurlie: Cowie, Devlin, McGlinchey, Rushford, Tart, MacDonald, McTernan, McGregor, Dallas, Carroll, MacKay.

Subs: Smith, Blakey, Maxwell, Gair, Burns.