ARTHURLIE edged out local rivals Neilston to lift the Scottish Amateur Football League Centenary Cup on Sunday.

The Barrhead team came from behind to secure a 3-1 victory at the Brig O’Lea in front of a healthy crowd.

Premier League outfit Neilston started brightly and got their reward when Derek Kennedy latched onto a long throw and turned before slotting the ball past the visiting goalkeeper at the front post.

Arthurlie began to take control of possession but couldn’t find their way through a well-organised Neilston defence, although they would get the perfect chance to equalise before the half-time break when Sean Ross was fouled in the penalty area and the referee pointed to the spot.

There was relief for the home team as Munchie Connelly’s effort from 12 yards was saved, with The Farmer’s Boys heading into the interval with a 1-0 lead.

In the second period, Arthurlie were able to carve out a number of chances, one of which fell to Ryan McNeill, whose header struck the crossbar.

And they got some reward for their pressure soon afterwards when Kyle Elrick held off two Neilston defenders and nudged home the equaliser.

Arthurlie soon found themselves in front when McNeill got on the end of Josh Healy’s cross to fire home.

And the Cowan Park team saved the best for last as McNeill was sent through on goal and lobbed the ball into the net.

It is Arthurlie’s second trophy this season, as they also lifted the Jimmy Marshall Summer Cup in July.

Stephen Connelly, who coaches Arthurlie alongside Sean MacNeil, said: “Commiserations to Neilston, it was a hard-fought final.

“We were disappointed with our first half performance and it took a big response to wear Neilston down and turn it around.”

Neilston return to action this weekend when they welcome Easthall Star to Kingston Playing Fields in the SAFL Premier Division.

Arthurlie sit second in Division One, despite having only played nine games.

They are only three points behind Baljaffray but have four games in hand and could have even more catching up to do after this weekend, as they are out of action, while the league leaders travel to sixth-placed Claremont.