Duncan Sinclair admits he couldn’t have asked for a better return to competitive action after Arthurlie brushed Johnstone Burgh aside in their Sectional League Cup opener on Saturday before grabbing a last minute winner against local rivals Neilston at Brig O’ Lea on Monday night.
Lie kicked-off their season in style with a comprehensive 8-1 win over Burgh at Dunterlie at the weekend, taking the lead inside the opening minute thanks to Dan McKay and not looking back after that.
Lee Roulston made it two moments later before Burgh clawed one back.
There was no comeback on the cards, however, with Josh Payne restoring the two-goal lead as Lie began to run away with it.
READ MORE: Lie boss not getting carried away despite pre-season form
David Reid added a fourth before the break with Kieran McDade getting number five shortly after the restart.
A quickfire double from Payne saw him secure his hat-trick while making it seven before McKay grabbed his second to end the rout.
On to Monday evening and hat-trick hero Payne netted his fourth of the weekend to open the scoring with a well taken header.
Neilston responded before the break through new arrival Mark Archdeacon who saw his header crash back off the bar before responding first to tap it home.
It was a fairly even second period as it looked to be heading to penalties, but with the Farmer’s Boys beginning to tire, Lie pounced with Payne laying it off for Scott Nicol who bundled it over the line to secure a fine East Renfrewshire derby win.
Lie boss Sinclair said: “We’re delighted with how we’ve started. We couldn’t ask for much more.
“We moved the ball at a high tempo on Saturday, created a lot of chances and could have scored more. Burgh did do well in the first-half but we absolutely blew them away in the second and ran over the top of them.
“We maybe looked a bit nervy against Neilston on Monday and didn’t play at the pace or the tempo we know we can, but that’s down to Neilston who came out and had a real good go at us. It was a more workman like performance on Monday where we grinded it out as they had their chances before we got the winner.
“The main thing is that we’re playing well and scoring a lot of goals which is exactly what you want to see.
“We’re really pleased with the form and performances we’re producing at the minute. The boys have all worked their socks off throughout the pre-season and they’re reaping the rewards from that now.”
Lie round off their league cup campaign against Benburb at New Tinto Park tonight with Sinclair hoping to build on the recent form ahead of their first league match this Saturday.
READ MORE: Arthurlie forced to settle for Pollok draw
He added: “We’ve started as we mean to go on and hopefully we can continue that tonight against the Bens and take that form into Saturday against Kilsyth Rangers.
“We’re at Dunterlie so you want to get the win at home and set ourselves up for the next couple of league matches.
“It’s one game a time, though, that’s how we need to look at it.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article