by Robert Burns Arthurlie and Beith played out a goalless draw on Saturday in a game that had stalemate written all over it.

If truth be told neither side will be unhappy with a point given their current league positions.

Arthurlie were first to threaten when a long kick from Michael White was controlled by Paul Stewart on the right. His cross was met by the head of Gary Smith but the effort didn’t trouble Strain in the Beith goal.

Both defences and midfields were on top which was rather surprising given the forwards on show.

As well as Smith and Stewart, Beith also had a formidable front line that included Andy Reid, Joe Bradley, Darren Christie and Kenny Mclean.

Just after the half hour Christie’s great run was halted by a hefty challenge from Craig Palmer who can maybe count himself fortunate to escape with a yellow card for his efforts.

With five first half minutes remaining Rhys Devlin found space before delivering a great cross that looked destined for Stewart but Mark McShane got there first and headed clear.

Half-time: Arthurlie 0-0 Beith.

Into the second half and Zander Ryan found space on the right but Christie couldn’t find the target with his header.

On the hour mark a mix up in the Arthurlie midfield allowed Christie to break clear but his effort was blocked. White gathered and fed Ryan McGregor on the right who whipped in a cross that Stewart almost managed to get to.

A minute later it was McGregor who managed to get on the end of a great cross from Palmer but Strain denied the ‘Lie midfielder.

Docherty made headway down the left shortly after before hitting a dangerous ball across the home area that Mark Blakey did well to clear.

Palmer had an effort blocked just after 70 minutes and Alan MacPherson’s effort from the rebound was also blocked before the ball was at the other end of the park where Mclean shot wide.

Ryan McArdle and Danny Burns were introduced for Smith and MacPherson as manager Robert Downs looked to freshen things up.

Just before 75 minutes Arthurlie were given a boost when Reid was shown his second yellow card and ordered from the pitch.

Kyle Rafferty was introduced with 10 minutes remaining, Eddie McTernan making way.

With four minutes remaining on the clock, an Arthurlie corner ended up at Burns who had two efforts blocked before the ball was played back into the area, Stewart and McShane both went for it with McShane taking the worst as Stewart accidently caught him with his boot as the Beith captain tried to head clear.

After treatment McShane seemed fine to continue but went down again on the game restarting and had to be replaced by Sheridan.

In added time Palmer and Burns combined to set up Rafferty but his effort was wide and the game ended up goalless with a draw being a fair result for both sides.

Arthurlie: White, McGlinchey, Palmer, Devlin, Green, Blakey, McTernan, McGregor, Smith, Stewart, MacPherson.

Subs: Burns, Rafferty, Lyden, McArdle and Mailey.