by Robert Burns ARTHURLIE’S hopes of silverware continue following a second round demolition of Vale of Leven in the West of Scotland Cup on Saturday.

‘Lie made the trip to Millburn Park hoping to rout their opponents, but following a poor first half they will just be happy to be in the pot for the next round.

Truth be told the first half was one to forget as neither team could get going.

Vale’s Stephen Griffen went closest with a looping header which caught out Michael White only to find the crossbar in the opening exchanges.

Arthurlie’s first attempt came on the quarter hour mark when Danny Burns went on a good run down the right wing before playing a one-two with Eddie McTernan. The winger’s cross found Ryan McGregor at the far post but the midfielder could only fire wide.

Seven minutes later and the home side almost took a shock lead. A long ball from defence was met by Jamie Lyden but his header to White was short and Craig Cavana looked favourite to nip in and score only for the keeper to smother at the second attempt.

Chances came and went for McTernan and Burns but Vale keeper Charlie Smith was more than capable of ridding the danger.

Half-time: Vale of Leven 0-0 Arthurlie.

However, the second half lit up the dull Alexandria weather, with the visitors showcasing their supposed Super League talent.

Robert Downs’ side looked like they had been given the proverbial boot up the backside and quickly took the lead in 50 minutes.

Rhys Devlin’s inswinging corner was met by McGREGOR who rose highest to head past the helpless Smith to open the scoring.

Paul STEWART doubled the advantage five minutes later when a cross from Burns fell between Cavana and Smith, allowing Stewart to nip in and hit home.

Gavin Rushford and Kyle Rafferty were soon introduced for McGregor and Kevin Green, with Ryan McArdle following soon afterwards as he replaced Stewart.

Tackles were flying in with Hugh Hamill’s side obviously frustrated to find themselves down. Former Vale man Allan MacPherson was on the receiving end of a couple of hard tackles from the home side, but that only served to spur him on as the hosts would find out in the closing stages.

Craig Cavana found himself in the book for a shocking challenge on MacPherson before Danny BURNS made it 3-0 with a fine curling effort to send the boisterous ‘Lie fans, drum in tow, into high spirits in the rickety enclosure.

Connor Hyslop’s well taken effort gave Vale boss Hugh Hamill some hope in 77 minutes but in truth they never looked capable of a comeback.

And MacPHERSON only served to wind up the home side even more when he stabbed home the final goal in 83 minutes to seal Vale’s fate with his first goal for the club.

Arthurlie: White, McGlinchey, Blakey, Devlin, Green (Rushford), Lyden, MacPherson, McGregor (Rafferty), Stewart (McArdle), Burns, McTernan.

Subs: Smith and Mailey.