ARTHURLIE manager Andy McFadyen believes Saturday’s thumping of Benburb shows his team has what it takes to compete in the Premier Division.

The Dunterlie Park outfit were 5-1 winners against their top tier opponents in the second round of the South Challenge Cup.

An early double from Gary Carroll had Arthurlie well on their way in the opening 10 minutes as he headed home Darren Ramsay’s corner-kick before scoring from the penalty spot after Dale Simeon had been brought down.

Further chances fell to Ramsay and Gary Smith but they couldn’t make it three, with goalkeeper James Scott called into action at the other end on more than one occasion.

The visitors would eventually find the third goal of the afternoon but it was at the wrong end, as Ryan Docherty turned Tam McGauchey’s cross into his own net.

In the second half, Ryan Livingston’s strike gave Benburb a lifeline.

However, Arthurlie made the game safe when Simeon unselfishly played in Smith for the fourth, with the former getting his own personal reward a short time later as he netted the final goal of the afternoon.

McFadyen’s team remain unbeaten this season – and he believes Saturday’s performance was one of their best yet.

He told Barrhead Sport: “We’re absolutely delighted. Saturday was a real test for us, going up against a Premier Division team, but we came through it with flying colours.

“I thought it was one of our best games of the season. The boys’ attitude was spot on. They had to prove to themselves as well as other people that they can play at that level.

“That’s the sort of level we need to aspire to and where we want to get back to.”

McFadyen also praised two of the club’s development squad players who have been rewarded with new contracts.

Kris Amponsah and Kyle McLachlan have recently made the step up to senior football, with the former getting 50 minutes of action on Saturday.
McFadyen is excited by the young talent he has at his disposal and is looking forward to seeing how they progress.

“We don’t just sign players for the sake of signing them,” he said.

“These boys have got great prospects and we think we can work with them and make them better players.”