Arthurlie manager Craig Palmer believes it is only a matter of time until his players find their shooting boots again.

The Barrhead team drew a blank in front of goal for the fourth league game in a row during Saturday’s 0-0 draw away at Troon.

The last time Arthurlie were on the scoresheet was back in November and they missed a number of chances in the closing stages of the match in Ayrshire.

However, it was a better showing defensively as, after shipping four goals at Clydebank last Wednesday, they kept their second clean sheet in three games.

Palmer said he is happy to see his team creating so many chances but also admits that counts for nothing if these aren’t converted into goals.

He told Barrhead Sport: “I felt Troon were in control for most of the first half without really looking like scoring.

“They had two good chances in the second half but, apart from that, I felt we dominated the rest of it and probably should have won it.

“Dale Simeon had a couple of chances but it just wasn’t his day and wasn’t falling for him. We’re creating chances but just not scoring them.

“I do think there’s goals in the team. Maybe another week on the training park with the new shape and we’ll get some more players into advanced areas and we’ll see what happens.

“Against Clydebank, we missed two penalties and a couple of open goals, so the chances are there but we’re maybe lacking a wee bit of composure in the final third.

“I don’t know if it’s because we were off for a month and a bit but we need to sort it quickly because we have a massive February.”

Arthurlie welcome Darvel to Dunterlie Park this Saturday, just days after the Ayrshire side knocked Aberdeen out of the Scottish Cup.

Palmer knows his troops will be up against it as they face last season’s champions but is hoping that clash with the Dons on Monday night will have sapped some of their opponents’ energy.

He said: “With the squad they’ve got, they’ll still come with a strong side on Saturday but it would be nice if they were a wee bit tired.

“Any advantage you can get, you’ve got to make the most of.”

Kick-off on Saturday is at 1.30pm.