LIE EDGE OUT ROB ROY IN THRILLER

Published 26 Aug 2009 14:04 0 Comments

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Arthurlie 4 Kirkintilloch Rob Roy 3

ARTHURLIE booked their place in the semi-final of the Sectional League Cup after a seven-goal thriller against Krikintilloch Rob Roy at Dunterlie Park.

The home side were all over Rob Roy in the opening stages and Callan Adam fired them ahead in the ninth minute.

But Rob Roy punished the Lie for their slack defending and raced into a 3-1 lead.

Kevin Murray fired home a five-minute double to turn the game on its head. Then David Gray produced a moment of magic when he unleashed a 20-yard strike into the top corner on 35 minutes.

But Arthurlie fought back and a minute before the break John Bradford headed past Bell at the near post before the striker netted his second from the penalty spot on 63 minutes.

John McLay's low drive from the edge of the box put Mark Cameron's men 4-3 up and they were able to hang on to progress to the next round.

Arthurlie coach Sammy Johnston reckons the Lie are now favourites to retain the competition but he insisted they players are not under pressure.

He said: "We flew out the traps and could have been 3-0 up in the opening stages.

"We took the lead and looked dangerous but we were punished for our sloppy defending.

"However, all credit should go to our players as we came back really well in the second half. It was a bit nervy towards the end of the match.

"The last 10 minutes were a bit nerve-wracking even though we looked like we were in control of the game.

"The players don't feel under any pressure. We probably are favourites for the competition but the main priority for the players, fans and everyone connected with Arthurlie is that we do well in the league.

"It is great to have good cup runs but the most important thing for us is pushing for the league."

Arthurlie: Parry, Lundie, Gallacher, Duncan, Higgins, Sharp, Adam, McLay, Bradford, Anderson, Malcolm. Subs: Murdoch, Winter, McKeown, Andrew, Cannon, Dale, Johnston.

It's back to league business on Saturday as Arthurlie travel to meet Vale of Clyde.

Kick off is at 2pm and Arthurlie supporters will be hoping for revenge after last season's 4-2 defeat at the hands of the Glasgow side.

The semi-final of the Sectional League Cup took place last night after we went to print, so we will bring you a full report in next week's edition.

This article appeared in Barrhead News 26 Aug 09

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