ARTHURLIE manager Andy McFadyen hailed the Dunterlie Park crowd as they watched their side cut the gap on league leaders Shotts Bon Accord to just two points with a 2-1 win on Saturday.
The ‘Lie are in the driving seat for promotion as they have three games in hand over the Ayrshire side with the weekend’s victory maintaining their unbeaten start to the season.
A healthy gate of nearly 600 watched on as Gary Carroll got the hosts off to a flier after just nine minutes when he got the final touch to a flowing team move.
Lee Roulston then came close with two long range strikes with Tam McGaughey also hitting the crossbar and there were warning signs from the visitors with Scott Faulds shooting off target before he found the equaliser just a couple of minutes before the break.
The ‘Lie were in control of the second period but Carroll and Michael MacNeil failed to test the goalkeeper before McGaughey was brought down in the box with Carroll slotting home the resulting penalty.
McFadyen’s side could have made the closing stages slightly more comfortable but Nad Zeb, Gary Smith and Dale Simeon passed up opportunities.
The Arthurlie boss knew his side would be in for a difficult contest and was thrilled to see them come out on top.
Speaking exclusively to Barrhead Sport, he said: “I was delighted with the performance and the attitude of the players. We knew we were going to be in for a game. Shotts aren’t sitting at the top of the league for no reason so we knew we would have to dig in.
“We got off to a flying start and hit the bar not long after which could have made it a wee bit easier for us.
“It’s a massive result for us because Shotts are right up there.
“The crowd were brilliant and they’re starting to come back along. When we first took the job, the committee wanted the attendances up and the results are proving that. They’re enjoying what they are seeing.”
Arthurlie travel to Bellshill Athletic this weekend and McFadyen has urged his troops not to take their feet off the gas after Saturday’s result.
He explained: “We’ll continue to take it one game at a time. Whether we’re playing someone at the top, middle or bottom we’ll just go out and do what we’ve got to do.
“Football is a funny old game. You’ve got to go out and earn the right to win. We don’t get over confident about anything.”
Kick-off at Rockburn Park on Saturday is at 1.30pm.
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