REARGUARD KET TO WINNING CUP

Published 16 Sep 2009 15:17

ARTHURLIE assistant boss Sammy Johnston reckons the Dunterlie Park defence will be a key factor in this week's Sectional League Cup final against rivals Shotts Bon Accord at Lochburn Park.

The Lie have managed to lose only six goals in their League Cup campaign so far and their rearguard deserved the plaudits for a heroic display against Ashfield in the semi-final last month.

The back four of Stephen Gallacher, Graham Dale, Craig Higgins and Frank McKeown steered Arthurlie towards the final.

And Johnston believes the backline will have to be at their best once again to secure their second League Cup triumph in a row against Lanarkshire outfit Shotts at Maryhill's ground in six days time.

He said: "Tony McInally has taken over at Shotts and he has done a good job with them. He knows good players and we are certain it will be a tough game.

"Our defence will be pivotal in the match. The defence is definitely improving in the league and we have done well through the game run.

"Our problem last year was leaking goals but the players have certainly improved in that department. We don't feel we are fully there yet but the defence have performed well in the league.

"It is vital we don't lose anything at the back against Shotts but we are confident going into the game.

"We had to come through a difficult section with Pollok so it was certainly good to win the section early in the season.

"It gave us a boost at the start of the season and the cup run has helped us in the league."

The Sectional League Cup Final at Lochburn Park, Maryhill, is on Tuesday September 22 (Kick off 7.45pm).

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This article appeared in Barrhead News 16 Sep 09

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