Arthurlie assistant boss Craig Palmer was delighted to see his side return to winning ways on Saturday as they took another step towards the Conference A title.

The Dunterlie Park outfit lost their first two games of the season over the last couple of the weeks as they were put out of cup competitions by Bonnyrigg Rose and Kirkintilloch Rob Roy.

On their return to league duty on Saturday, however, they put four past Girvan without reply to move four points clear at the top with two games in hand after second placed Shotts Bon Accord lost to Forth Wanderers.

Gary Smith netted a hat-trick and Gary Carroll got one as Andy McFadyen’s side maintained their unbeaten run in the league.

Palmer was full of praise for his strikers as they continued their devastating form in front of goal and he isn’t surprised to see them on the scoresheet so often.

Speaking to Barrhead Sport, he said: “After the two defeats over the last couple of weeks which were hard to take, we asked them just to go and win the game - and they did it quite convincingly.

“Girvan came and sat in and made it hard which is always difficult to play against.

“We weren’t great last week so it’s good to get back to winning ways and a decent performance.

“I knew when we brought the Garys in how good they were. They are always there when you need them. They’re doing that what I expect of them.

“We’ve had a lot of goals spread about over the team with the Garys, Dale Simeon, Tam McGauchey and Lee Roulston has chipped in.

“To see your strikers scoring is what you want, if they are doing that then you’re not going to be far away from winning games.”

Arthurlie are on the road this weekend as they take on Johnstone Burgh at Keanie Park with the hosts on a great run of form themselves having not lost in 10 games, winning eight of those, and Palmer is expecting a tough contest.

He added: “We got a convincing win over them at the start of the season but they are a good side. We’re expecting a really hard game and the boys will need to be up for it.

“We’re getting to the stage where the wins are very important for us because it takes us closer to our main aim which is the league title.”

Kick-off on Saturday is at 2pm.