ARTHURLIE boss Andy McFadyen refused to be too critical of his side despite crashing out of the Scottish Junior Cup at the quarter-final stage on Saturday.

The Dunterlie Park outfit lost out 4-1 to Premier Division side Kirkintilloch Rob Roy at Duncansfield Park.

After a slow start from the ‘Lie, the home side went ahead but Gary Carroll equalised on the half-hour.

Two goals in 15 minutes after the break then had Kirky cruising and with Darren Ramsay dismissed for Arthurlie in the aftermath of the third goal, the visitors had it all to do.

Rob Roy added a fourth in the closing stages and McFadyen accepted his troops had a rare off day.

Speaking to Barrhead Sport, he said: “I don’t think we showed up. 

“It took us about 25 minutes to get started in the game and we were 1-0 down by then.

“We started to control the match in the last 20 minutes of the first-half but in the second-half the boys never did what we asked them to do. 

“I didn’t want half-time to come because we were on top and got our goal and were looking for another.

“Ten minutes into the second-half we were 3-1 down and a man down so from then it was backs against the wall trying to defend and go forward when we could. The game passed us by.

“It was one of those days where things didn’t go our way and the boys let themselves down a wee bit because we know we can play better. 

“They were very disappointed in the dressing room but I’ve said to them to forget about that game and it’s all about what they do in the next game.

“I wouldn’t swap any of the lads; Saturday just didn’t go our way.

“It shows us what the quality is like in the Premier Division. 

“It’s going to be a big step-up if we manage to get there but the job is still to be done.”

Arthurlie were due to be in cup action again this evening against Premier Division opposition in the shape of Rutherglen Glencairn at the Hamish B. Allan Stadium in the West of Scotland Cup but announced on social media earlier that the game is off.

The side return to league action on Saturday when Girvan visit Dunterlie and the Arthurlie boss is looking forward to hopefully taking another step towards the title.

McFadyen added: “It’s great getting cup runs but the league is our bread and butter. It will be good to get back to that on Saturday.”