Arthurlie boss Andy McFadyen praised the “professional” attitude of his players after they thumped Whitehills 13-0 in the Scottish Junior Cup.

The impressive Barrhead team hit double figures for the second time this season as they cruised past their Aberdeen-based opponents at School Park on Saturday.

Gary Smith bagged six goals, while Dale Simeon netted a double and Michael MacNeil, Gary Carroll, Kevin MacFarlane, Tam McGauchey and Nad Zeb were also on the scoresheet as ‘Lie set up a second round tie with Kilsyth Rangers next month.

McFadyen was delighted with the way his team played as they faced a Whitehills outfit who were something of an unknown quantity.

“We did not know what to expect but the boys played exceptionally well and took their chances,” he said.

“From the keeper, although he only had one save to make, through to the forwards, everything just seemed to come together.

“No disrespect to the team we were playing against but I think we were that bit sharper and the goals we scored just proves that.

“Our main objective was to get to the next round, regardless of the result, and it was job done in that respect.

“From start to finish we were professional, coming here to uncharted territory, and we got our just rewards at the end of it.”

McFadyen also revealed he is looking forward to having more time to work with his players, having emerged undefeated from a gruelling fixture schedule.

Arthurlie’s 6-1 victory at Maryhill last Wednesday night was the final midweek match for the foreseeable future.

“Looking ahead, it will be good to have the players in for two nights training every week, as well as being able to give players a rest if they have had niggling injuries,” said McFadyen.

“Don’t get me wrong, they have done really well in the midweek matches and we’ve managed to accumulate points to go top of the league.

“I’m not expecting things to get easier but we will be without the added difficulty of guys not being able to get away from work or aggravating injuries.”

Arthurlie will be back in league action on Saturday, when they travel to Rockburn Park to take on Bellshill Athletic, with kick-off at 2pm.