Arthurlie gaffer Billy Ogilvie insists his players have no time to feel sorry for themselves as they attempt to salvage their season.

The Barrhead men suffered a 3-0 defeat against Glasgow Perthshire in the Central League Cup on Saturday as they continue to struggle.

Ogilvie has noticed a worrying trend, with the Dunterlie troops repeatedly wilting when they lose the opening goal in games.

He said: “It was a good cup tie and really competitive but it was one of those games where the first goal was going to win the match.

“I thought we were by far the better team in the second half as we hit the post and had a couple of glorious opportunities to score but didn’t take them.

“If we had got the first goal I feel we would have won the game but we have been so dejected recently in the way things have being going. We have been feeling sorry for ourselves and like we haven’t had the rub of the green and making poor excuses.

“Once we lose the first goal the heads go down and we capitulate. The team are trying ever so hard but, when we lose that first goal, we seem to take self-pity and we have to be stronger than that.”

Saturday’s second round loss to Glasgow Perthshire at least gives the Arthurlie squad more time to focus on their league form.

And Ogilvie has stressed that, with limited numbers to choose from, the players he has at his disposal must stand up and be counted.

He said: “We are down to 16 players to see the end of the season out and we are taking it week by week, with the boys training ever so hard.

“We have a tight squad now, so it is important that they go into Saturdays and give 100 per

cent.

“There is a good togetherness in the team.”