Duncan Sinclair blamed Saturday’s 3-1 loss against Blantyre Victoria on sloppy individual errors after watching his Arthurlie team slump to their third straight defeat.

Lie struggled for form over the festive period, with defeats away to Whitletts Victoria and at home to St Roch’s.

And their patchy form continued into the new year as Blantyre made the most of lacklustre defending.

Sinclair’s side got off to a nightmare start, falling behind with just three minutes on the clock and never fully recovered, as Blantyre went on to double their advantage 30 minutes in.

Lie did have the ball in the net after an hour but it was flagged offside. Minutes later, they were reduced to 10 men.

The visitors added a third late on to secure the win, with Arthurlie grabbing a late consolation in the final minute.

“Our defence was indefensible at times on Saturday”, Sinclair said. “We were just not strong enough in the tackle throughout and a couple of really silly individual errors cost us.

“Two of the goals were just baffling.”

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Sinclair continued: “We actually looked good going forward and did everything apart from finish the chances we created. We’re struggling to score at one end and struggling to defend at the other right now, which isn’t the combination you want to see.

“It’s bitterly disappointing, as I actually thought we played some really good football over the piece. Blantyre played well too, so it was a good game to watch, but it’s just a shame it ended in disappointment for us.

“That’s three on the bounce for us, which is disappointing considering we’ve been training and playing well. You can’t account for individual mistakes in matches, so we just need to hope these things even themselves out.”

Looking to bring their recent losing run to a halt this weekend, Lie turn their attention to an Ardagh Group West of Scotland Cup second round clash against Irvine Meadow.

Sinclair added: “The games come thick and fast in Junior football and we’ve now got Irvine Meadow this weekend.

“I’m not looking forward to the cup too much, though, as we just don’t have a full squad to choose from. Injuries and suspensions are going to leave us a bit short but we’ll make do and still give it a go.”

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