ARTHURLIE assistant boss Craig Palmer hailed his players’ fighting spirit as they produced a comeback win at Whitletts to take a giant step towards the title.

The Barrhead team’s 2-1 victory, coupled with a defeat for nearest rivals Shotts Bon Accord at Johnstone Burgh, means they could clinch the Conference A crown when Maybole visit Dunterlie Park on Wednesday, April 20.

The visitors fell behind on Saturday when Scott Dempster opened the scoring for Whitletts midway through the first half but Arthurlie turned things around through goals by Jordan Leyden and Gary Carroll.

Palmer told Barrhead Sport: “We started a bit slow and Whitletts came out fast, which you would expect, but in the second half we were very good.

“We probably should have scored a few more. Whitletts threw a lot of long balls into the box but I felt we dealt with them really well.

“They’re a big, physical side, so I was really pleased with that aspect.

“If we can wrap it up against Maybole next Wednesday, we’ve then got four games to go undefeated, which would be a massive achievement.

“With the way the league structure is going to change, you’ll probably find it won’t be done again.”

Arthurlie were also in action last midweek as they advanced to the third round of the West of Scotland Cup with a dominant win at Rutherglen Glencairn.

Michael MacNeil scored twice and further strikes from Callum Nolan, Aaron Healy and Nad Zeb set up a clash with Rossvale this Saturday.

Palmer added: “If the boys turn up on the day, they can give anybody a game.”

Kick-off at Dunterlie Park on Saturday is at 2pm.